spiritual communication; connections of the heart
Editorial introduction
On an exhausting journey, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá found that the mere thought of absent friends carried him home and turned weariness into rest. That small experience holds a large claim: the attachment of the heart binds more strongly than a chain of steel, and people scattered across continents can sit in one assembly, turned toward one Beloved. The claim is never allowed to float free of the ordinary. Letters are called divine messengers, correspondence counts as half a meeting, and the eye and ear keep their right to news; a friend cut off for four years is told that the inner messenger never stopped, and his longing for word is honoured. Mirrors turned toward each other, the scent of a rose, the silence of lovers who need no words: such images say what the pen cannot, while the reply about table-rapping warns against taking them literally. From here the path leads to the spiritual emotions such bonds awaken, to the devotional gatherings and feasts where absent friends are remembered by name, and to the question of how the spiritual and material worlds touch at all.
In this interminable journey, whenever the thought of the friends passed through my mind, I found myself transported from my travels to the familiar environment of home; an extraordinary feeling of happiness overcame me; and my pain and weariness were converted into ease and rest.
Now is the time for you to say what is in your heart, for until now there has not been an opportunity for me to meet with you and address the pains in your heart. Now say whatever your troubled heart desires. It is obvious what state came over you with all those favors and kindnesses. What a precious time and opportunity it was. I was dazed and bewildered.
Although in body we are far from one another, yet--praise be to God!--with life and heart we are present in one assembly; we enjoy the spiritual meeting, abide under the shadow of one Blessed Tree, are attracted to the beauty of one Beloved and gaze in the direction of one Object.
The beloved of God must, like the roses of the rose-garden, send fragrant messages from one to another, receive strength from one another, and co-operate together, by the strength of the Kingdom. There is no greater means than communion and communication.
That which is in the heart can be neither translated into words nor written on paper and that which can be moulded into phrases cannot express the susceptibilities of heart and conscience; therefore I address you, O ye real friends! Turn the mirrors of your hearts toward Mine. Unquestionably the mysteries of this Heart shall become reflected upon those hearts and the emotions of this longing One will become evident and manifest in all the regions.
Abdul-Baha then said: "When lovers meet it may be that they cannot exchange a single word, yet with their hearts they speak to one another. Thus do the clouds speak to the earth and the rain comes down; the breeze whispers to the trees; the sun speaks to the eyes of men. Although this is not actual speech yet this is the way in which the hearts of the friends talk together.
Although spiritual messages and divine greetings arrive continuously without interruption or disconnection, since the very act of remembering and thinking is itself a letter, message, greeting and salutation, nevertheless the outward eye and ear also have an endless right and share.
O ye friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Though some time has passed since I wrote you letters with pen and ink, yet in the world of spirit and in my heart I am, at all times, in communion with the friends of the Abha Beauty. I have not forgotten them for a moment; I have not ceased from corresponding with them for the duration of a single breath but have prayed with all my heart for the protection of those friends of the Most Merciful from every ailment of body and soul, have implored that they may be confirmed under all conditions and in every circumstance.
The spiritual communication was continuous, uninterrupted. This is a matter of faith, not based on historical records. This is a matter of conscience, a matter of belief.
O my true friends! Correspondence is of two kinds, one type is through letters, the other is the communion from heart to eager heart. That correspondence which is conducted through letters is shared by all but the one which is the result of spiritual affinity, belongs exclusively to those eager hearts of the people of light.
Happy art thou for having given the heart to drink from the cup of thy remembrance and bestowed upon it the bounty of thy connection, for correspondence, in the estimation of them that have recognized the truth, is the perfection of communion.
God, exalted be His glory, hath made the pen a translator in such wise that it may express and convey the love that dwelleth in the hearts and souls of the friends. In truth it is a great sign, if properly considered. The connection of the world dependeth upon it. It is the harbinger, the herald, the interpreter, and the one who maketh known.
Praise be to the Goal of the world Who, through the breathings of correspondence, adorns hearts with a new ornament and souls with a wondrous beauty. In truth, letters are divine messengers that arrive from the cities and regions of love, affection, fellowship and unity.
And then, O beloved of my heart, thy noble letters arrived like a true friend. In truth, the letters of the friends are friendship itself, which no worldly events can alter, and they are likewise mirrors reflecting love and affection in such wise that neither the veils of the prejudiced nor the clouds of the misguided can obscure or prevent them.
In truth, letters have been and are half of meeting and encounter. In any case, they are the cause of gladness and the source of joy.
Although the physical distance is very close, yet in the realm of love and friendship this small distance seems very far, such that upon receipt of your letter, in truth the joy of meeting and reunion was experienced.
Correspondence and communication are the two greatest means for solidarity. It is said that Correspondence is equal to half-meeting.
O Salman! It is the end of night and the beginning of dawn's break that this servant has taken up the pen so that a drop from the oceans of love surging in the heart might flow through the channel of the pen, with the aid of ink, upon the tablet of righteousness.
Although outwardly pen and paper and leaf are the means of connection and expression of love and aspiration, yet in the eyes of those endowed with insight, this is that universal connection which has moved and continues to move the world.
The musk-laden fragrances of meaning and utterance are diffused in every moment and instant, and the correspondence and letters of the friends of God, like caravans from Yemen bearing divine knowledge, are ever arriving.
The servant who was present hath brought thy letter and read it before the Wronged One. We perceived from it the fragrance of thy remembrance and praise, and thy steadfastness in this Cause whereby the mountains have been crushed.
The purpose is that your books of acceptance, sincerity, orientation, mention, praise, love and faithfulness are present before His face, and have attained both His sight and His hearing.
By My life! We have found the fragrance of My love in every word of thy letter, and We beseech Him, exalted be He, to assist thee and confirm thee, and ordain for thee the good of this world and of the next.
It is as though the breathings of the Holy Spirit appear from the effect of your pen and the effulgences of the light of fellowship shine forth from its letters.
The traces of the Pen of love and purity have bestowed purity upon the world and removed the dust of events from hearts and souls.
Though outwardly this letter is but traces upon paper, in reality it is the breathings of the spirit and the cause of victory. It imparts the intoxication of the heavenly wine and wafts the fragrance from the gardens of the Abha Kingdom.
O herald of the Covenant! A letter arrived from Furugh and when opened it had a radiance and light. The words were like glass and the meanings like a lamp.
O Sirdar Umbrassingh Shergil, spiritual army commander! The letter you wrote to Jinab-i-Mirza Ahmad arrived. Do not call it a letter - it was a musk-scented fragrance, for the sweet aroma of the love of God was inhaled from its contents.
Thy letter contained most cheering good news and indicated the oneness of spiritual state that exists amongst the believers.
The contents of thy last letter were extremely rejoicing, for they were a glorious evidence of the glowing of the fire of the love of God, of attainment to the gift of God and of the spiritual connection of the spirits.
O spiritual friend, the contents of your esteemed letter were filled with truths and meanings. Praise be to God that the bonds of love and heart connection remain firmly linked like a chain.
O thou who art advancing toward God!
Truly I have read thy eloquent letter and my heart was uplifted by its contents, for know truly, 'Abdu'l-Baha has spiritual discourses, heavenly conversation and revelation of the heart.
Glory be to God! What a bounty has been bestowed upon the human world that a mere trace has the effect of the morning breeze and news becomes the illumination of heart and sight.
Although in separation and deprivation, letters and writings are better companions, yet the fragrances from the gardens of hearts are the greatest means for consoling souls through the glorious bounties of the Mighty Lord.
Perhaps through the harmony of heart and spirit and pen and letter, the sweet fragrances of ancient companionship may reach the hearts and souls of the friends in the gathering of the Gracious Lord.
Since it has been some time that we have not revealed the secrets of hearts through written traces, and have not spread the musk-fragrance of spiritual love through pages and tablets, therefore in this hour when the jewels of generosity are in joy and delight from the breezes of remembrance of that beloved one, a brief note is being written.
O thou who gazest upon the Abha Kingdom! Thus far numerous letters have been sent, and drops from the surging oceans of love that wave in the essence of the heart have been expressed. And now again we have thought of thee and set about penning this letter.
O noble friend of Abraham! A few days ago I wrote a letter and, like one absent yet present, conversed with you and made mention of some spiritual matters.
O servant of the Desired One! Your letter was received and, despite lack of time, due to the intensity of love an immediate reply is being written, so that you may praise the favors of the Blessed Beauty Who has made 'Abdu'l-Baha so enamored with you that upon receiving your letter He proceeded at once to write a reply.
Despite having absolutely no free time, I nonetheless turned my thoughts to you and engaged in writing this letter, so that you might know how precious the loved ones of the Ancient Beauty are in this court.
O fruit of the Tree of Mercy! A letter was sent several days ago, and now too this letter is being written through His Holiness the Martyr, son of the Martyr, so that you may know that you are always mentioned in this presence and are witnessed and renowned in this gathering.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy mention was made in the gathering of the divine friends and was recorded in the writings of the servants of the All-Merciful. I was pleased to remember thee and to make mention of thee with the pen.
The electric current arrived bearing news of thy arrival. This news was a clear glad-tiding and a trustworthy herald. After being informed, we proceeded to the Holy Court where it was presented before the countenance of the Lord and was blessed to attain His hearing.
...the message from the friends in the West to the loved ones in the East was perused. Its contents were replete with diverse meanings and indicated the utmost love, steadfastness and constancy. Assuredly, amidst this most great tempest that hath encompassed the East, this letter will be the cause of joy and gladness to the friends....
The friends in all parts are expecting the news from the Holy land, especially the Eastern friends. On his return he may stop in all the cities through which he is going to pass and write to other centres which are not on his way ...
For some time no news has been received from the Afnan, upon him be the peace of God and His mercy and His grace. You should certainly inquire in each instance about his circumstances. Although through divine bounty and infinite mercy he is safe and protected, yet to inquire and seek information is beloved.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! For some time no glad tidings, like the breeze from the rose-garden of love, have arrived from thee, and the nostrils of the longing ones have not been perfumed by the fragrance from the soul-garden of the friends.
O longtime friend! For some time now you have forgotten your friend and remained silent in remembering him - no greetings, no message, no messenger, and no word - even though you know that you are always in my thoughts and are the companion in the gathering of my heart.
O servant of the Most Glorious Beauty! For some time no message or word has been received from you. I know you will say that no reply has come. You are right, and as the well-known saying goes, "You win whether it comes up even or odd."
O spiritual friend! You do not know that letters surge like waves from all horizons of the world. Multiple individuals are needed just to read them, let alone write replies. Moreover, there are questions about various matters, and beyond that, difficulties and occupations. Therefore, this very letter itself is a reply - there is no other choice.
Furthermore, if during this time a reply to a letter arrives, this should be counted among extraordinary occurrences, not considered among ordinary matters.
O friends of God! Though 'Abdu'l-Baha's ultimate desire is to gladden the hearts of the friends and bring joy to the souls of the loved ones, and it is certain that the more correspondence there is, the more the doors of joy are opened, yet due to the multitude of occupations and troubles, the onslaught of important matters, the abundance of corruption and sedition from people of vain desires, and the emergence of endless difficulties, there is absolutely no opportunity to write letters.
Despite this, correspondence with East and West continues constantly, but it is not possible to maintain continuous correspondence with each of the friends in every location.
During this period, although I was in the West, my face was always turned towards the friends in the East, and I would beseech confirmation for them from the Abha Kingdom. However, due to the onslaught of thoughts and the multitude of occupations and work, there was no opportunity for correspondence and communication with them.
I take up my pen to write so you may know that I am not free from remembering the friends for a moment. If there is any slackness in writing letters, it is due to the multitude of affairs, but in my heart I spend day and night in remembrance and mention of the divine loved ones.
The great amount of work and the diversity of occupations prevented me from meeting you as often as my heart desired but spiritual association does not depend upon physical contact.
If I cannot see each one of you individually every day that should not undermine our real love. See how much work I have to do! It is more than a week since I received this letter from my sister, the Greatest Holy Leaf [Bahiyyih Khnum], and other members of the household, but I have not had the opportunity to open it yet.
You had cried out and lamented about being without news. You are right, but since that true friend is situated in a corner and coming and going from those parts is entirely cut off, therefore it has happened that no news reaches that honored one, and this has become a cause of sorrow. This servant is occupied and familiar with remembering you at all times, and I beseech from the unbounded grace that the fragrances of the love of God may ever waft over the illumined heart of that true friend and become the cause of spiritual joy and gladness.
O cherished maidservant of God! Indeed it is as you had written - the connection and relationship between the sons and daughters of the Kingdom is not dependent on physical means. The spiritual means are constant and continuous, such that in these years of upheaval when roads are cut off and channels of communication blocked, despite this the hearts are attracted and gladdened by spiritual fragrances, for the ultimate connection and relationship exists.
For four years communication between us was cut off, but with heart and soul the spiritual messenger was continuous. I constantly supplicated to the divine Kingdom and sought heavenly assistance and confirmation for the handmaidens of God and the spiritual friends.
Although material communication is cut off and no proper and sufficient correspondence can be maintained, you are nevertheless in my heart.
Although no trace of the pen was manifested - and this was due to the multitude of occupations and the onset of concerns and important matters which surge and swell like a boundless ocean - yet if thou wouldst look with true insight and gaze with vision, thou wouldst see that through Our own spiritual messenger, a hundred replies were sent for every letter. For though no written page was dispatched, praise be to God, the preserved tablet of hearts exists and is evident, inscribed with the most wondrous calligraphy, words, meanings and mysteries. If this connection did not exist, whence would come this ardor, this rapture and this attraction?
If there is outward delay in sending letters, there is no harm, for praise be to God, the inner doors are open and spiritual missives are in circulation.
O thou whose face is illumined with the Light of the Love of God! The answer already hath been delayed, but there is no harm in that. For, verily, my heart is gazing unto thee, my love is constant and permanent for thee and the fragrances of holiness are wafting (over thee) and my spirit is pouring upon thee, and the spiritual communication is extended between us.
Although correspondence is cut off, hearts are connected and spirits are gathered together. This separation and remoteness exists in the earthly world, not in the pure soul and spirit.
O thou who art turned unto God! Although correspondence was cut off for some time, yet the connection remains firm, for the unifying Word has linked hearts in such a way that absence is the same as presence, and lack of news causes intensity of connection.
The interruption of news was truly a cause of sorrow, but there was a clear messenger and faithful courier between us, and that reciprocal feeling of heart and conscience. Praise be to God that for this reason the spiritual connections are continuous and the conscientious feelings are sustained.
O thou who art attracted to the Beauty of ABHA!
For a period of time no news hath been outwardly received from thee, but spiritual communications are continual (between us). Thou hast always been remembered and been present here.
Although up to this time I have not written thee yet spiritual communication united the hearts and ideal correspondence was uninterrupted.
Outwardly there has been no news and no message, no letter and no greeting; but the ideal relations have been strong and unshakable. From the rose-garden of the hearts of the friends we smelt sweet and perfuming fragrances. This was indeed conducive to the consolation of the souls.
Through divine bounties, without need for paper and pen, our spiritual communion will be everlasting."
I hope from His boundless grace that He will make the spiritual bonds so firm and strong that there will be no need for pen and paper. The purpose is to be ever a companion and intimate friend, and always an associate and close companion.
But I hope that the friends of God will not need outward correspondence, but rather will inhale spiritual breezes from the direction of grace and acquire and receive unlimited bounties from the invisible Kingdom. May the messenger of grace arrive repeatedly from the hidden world and spiritual letters come successively from the Supreme Concourse.
The essence of everything is the remembrance of heart and soul, not the effect of pen and fingers. His Holiness the Pride of Messengers, the Mystery of Existence, outwardly neither wrote a letter to Uways-i-Qarani in Yemen nor met with him, yet despite this he said "I sense the fragrance of the Merciful from the direction of Yemen," for that Yemen was the dwelling place and homeland of His Holiness Uways-i-Qarani. Thus it became clear that spiritual communications are greater, better and sweeter.
My letter continuously arrives and reaches that kind friend. In times of leisure, when oriented toward the Holy Shrine, observe carefully how spiritual letters and the clear Book arrive through the trusted messenger.
Though it was brief, the communication between hearts is detailed. The spiritual messenger and the conscientious courier are constantly coming and going.
Although the physical tongue and earthly pen and ink may grow weary, yet the spiritual tongue and the conscious pen are ever engaged in speech and writing.
Separation is a burning fire; if it leads to reunion it becomes a fire heralding light, just as the Tree of Sinai first appeared in the form of fire and later manifested with a light above all lights.
The nearness and remoteness of the physical world has no importance, for true affection and connection is of the heart and soul.
It is as if I talk with thee and meet thee; for distance hath no place in the realm of love and affection and the spiritual world dependeth not on physical nearness and remoteness. It is utmost union and fellowship.
Because the communications of the heart are not limited by place or time. The things which are subject to place and time will end; that which is free from place and time is eternal and established.
O my dear friend! Verily, my heart is united with thee even though my body is in a distant land, for verily neither long distance nor immense remoteness can prevent the union between hearts, because the clear hearts are in reality assembled in union in the Kingdom of God, while bodies are dispersed in the east and west of the earth. This dispersion cannot stop the affinity and cannot veil the eye of soul from seeing in all directions.
O ye loving friends and maidservants of God!
Ye are in those distant isles, remote and far from us while we in the Holy Land, are in the utmost enkindlement and yearning. The distance separating us is tremendous but notwithstanding this, in view of ideal nearness, heats are in a state of ecstasy. This is because the Word of God has so linked the hearts that distance, no matter how great it may be, is utterly annihilated.
Observe how the bounties of Baha'u'llah have connected hearts such that while you are in that most distant region and 'Abdu'l-Baha is in this blessed spot, He is stirred in remembrance of you and is your intimate companion in heart and soul - we are in one gathering and one dwelling.
For some time now, the fragrance of fidelity has not wafted from this bird of unfaithfulness to that land and realm, and no message of love has reached those mines of affection.
… It is as if this distance of a hundred thousand leagues has taken on the ruling of a single step, and these countless waypoints have become as a mere span, for this vast distance can in no way prevent or block - and this is a truth in which there is no doubt, were people moving in the atmosphere of the spirit.
O beloved servants of the merciful Lord! Although outwardly we are in this region and you are in India, yet praise be to God, our hearts in the station of revelation and vision are companions of each other, and at every moment we are in the gathering of fellowship. The heart travels east and west in an instant, and the soul hastens to all corners of the world in a single breath, beholding friends and conversing with loved ones.
Consider how you are in Germany and I am in the Holy Land - a thousand leagues apart - yet due to the intensity of love we were present and embodied before each other, and without voice or tongue we conversed with one another.
My spirit communicates with you. It annihilates space and time. There are some believers in Persia with whom my spirit always speaks but I have never seen them.
But I am not saying farewell to you. For there is perfect unity between the hearts and complete agreement and affinity between the spirits. We are united together throughout eternity and separation is inconceivable. The nearness and remoteness belong to the world of bodies, but in the world of spirit, in the world of heart and consciousness, there is an unbroken union, an interminable union.
This much sufficeth: that from the depths of my heart I love you. This love between me and you is eternal. Time and place shall not hinder it. Though I be in the East, my spirit and my heart are with you. I perceive the feelings of your conscience. Whenever tidings of you reach me, I am exceedingly rejoiced.
Our hearts are always together and the Bounty of the Kingdome of Abha binds our spirits in one. For have we not one aim, one desire and one prayer? Therefore we are always together.
When this connection exists, bodily separation is not important; this condition is beyond the world of words and above all description.
There is a spiritual understanding or communication. You are always associating or affiliating with Me. Although outwardly far away physically, but in spirit you are near.
I am always with you and although I am far from you in body, yet in spirit I am ever near and present amidst you all. At heart I am attached to you and the connective waves of my sensations are never interrupted.
Though we cannot see each other physically at this time, thank God the Spiritual Breath is a messenger between us, which is the means of assuring the heart and rejoicing the spirit.
Though we may be hidden from outward sight, in the world of heart and soul we are visible and manifest. Though the body may be far removed, the spirit is ever intimate with the grace of meeting and presence, and hearts are close and connected to each other.
Physical distance has no effect - the far is near and the absent is present, for spiritual affinity exists between us and divine connection is established.
O thou servant of the Divine Threshold!
Though there may be a hundred thousand leagues of distance, and mountains and plains may intervene and prevent physical sight, yet the heart is near and the soul is intimate and companionable both in the bright day and the dark night.
Although outwardly the distances between places and stations may be a hundred stages, nay thousands of leagues and parasangs, and many plains, deserts, wastelands, wilderness, mountains and valleys may stand as barriers and obstacles between us, yet I swear by the Beauty of the Desired One and His Holiness the Worshipped One (may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones) that not a moment passes except that spirit and soul are stirred and moved by the fragrances of the mention of the loved ones of the All-Merciful, and heart and mind are in ultimate flight through the power of longing for the friends.
O friends of this yearning one! Though the distance is great and the boundless ocean lies between us, you are companions and confidants, friends and intimates.
O thou beloved of my heart! Though a thousand leagues of mountain, plain and desert separate us, yet the fragrance of love perfumes our nostrils and fills our souls with its sweet scent.
My dearly loved friends! Behold the bounty and grace of the All-Glorious Lord, and observe His loving-kindness and bestowal: the friends are in the realm of Adhirbayjan, while this servant of Baha is in the clime of Canaan. The distance between is many thousand leagues. Nevertheless, the spiritual bonds are firm and the light of divine oneness guides the way.
Though we are in the Holy Land and you are in the continent of America, yet the heart connections are firm and strong, for divine oneness has connected us, and in this physical world we are linked with one another, and God willing in the divine world, the realm of the Kingdom, we shall become intimate companions and confidants.
O ye friends and maidservants of God! Though ye are in that region and we in this, yet we are neighbors and companions, intimates and dwellers in the same place, for we abide beneath the shade of the same Tree of Hope and dwell in the same Paradise of Delight. We are in one gathering and one home.
Though you are in that land and we are in this realm, and the distance between us is without bound or limit, yet in spirit we are in one gathering, and in heart we are in one assembly and dwelling place - for we are all lovers of the face of the Beloved and enchanted by those musk-diffusing tresses.
In any case, though outwardly we are distant and separated, and in burning anguish from the fire of separation, yet as we are intoxicated from the same wine and delighted and joyous from the favors of the Forgiving Lord, we are immersed in one sea and wandering in one desert, birds of one rose garden and fish of one ocean. Therefore we are intimate companions and confidants, of one breath and one voice.
O spiritual friends! Although outwardly we are far and separated from each other, in reality we are gathered and familiar in the assembly of joy and gladness under the shadow of the providence of the Forgiving Lord, and we are intoxicated with the cup whose mixture is of camphor.
I do greet thee from this Exalted Place, while thou art in that far distant country, and present to thee salutations and praise, and I see thee with the eye of the heart as though thou were present here and I speak to thee by the tongue of the Spirit, saying: "Blessed thou art with every blessing!
For the servants of the threshold of the Most Glorious Beauty have spiritual connections and established spiritual attachments. Even if outwardly they do not write or speak, inwardly they are captivated by love for one another and are companions and associates of each other.
O ye friends of God! Though to outward seeming ye are far from here but in reality ye are present before me. In truth ye are my companions and my confidants because the power of the word of God hath so united these scattered souls and hath so linked their hearts together that they have become but one spirit, one soul one body.
Its Bestowals have established communication between the spirits. Its principles have ushered in a new era of spiritual brotherhood! Ere long ye shall observe that the splendours of the Kingdom of Abha have illumined the East and the West!
Yet the love of God with which we have been blessed cannot be indicated by the signs of the world. It speaks of true spiritual oneness - whoso attains unto this has attained unto the mysteries of the Books and the signs of the Scriptures. Blessed is the seeker who has found his Goal, and the searcher who has been honored with the presence of his Beloved.
O supported Qiblih and glorified Dayspring - may God perpetuate your grace!
Although I have not attained the honor of your presence physically, yet by virtue of "souls are like recruited troops" I have found the cord of love connected.
Therefore, those who circle the Kaaba of mystic knowledge and the lovers of the Beauty of the All-Merciful have a spiritual connection and a true and essential unity which results from the original unity and the realization of spiritual affection.
For this love emanates from connection with the love of the Ancient Beauty and is in truth a wave from the waves of the Most Great Sea in this greatest gathering.
This connection and attachment is from the outpourings of the Sovereign of existence and the King of the seen and unseen, Who in this Most Great Cycle has connected the pure realities to the appointed Center in such wise that the conscious emanations of those essences of unity flow from the periphery toward the center, and spiritual breezes from the center toward the periphery, successive, continuous and uninterrupted.
The secret whispers and melodies of heart and soul are attraction to and love of the Beloved, and the protected symbol and concealed mystery is the knowledge of the All-Merciful Lord. This is the firm and strong connection between us.
Given this connection, there is no disconnection that would necessitate expression through speech. Souls and hearts are in conversation with each other, and all are enamored of that Beloved Heart's Desire, enchanted by His countenance, and devoted to His path.
However, the connection of heart and soul remains like a firm foundation and solid basis, constant and established. There is absolutely no cooling in the heart's attachment. Rather, night and day I turn to the highest horizon and beseech utmost joy for the spiritual friends.
You who are wandering in the desert of the love of God must keep that heart connection in view, for it is the continuous medium and perpetual communication.
Although bodily thou wert exceedingly remote, yet in spirit thou wert extremely near and the heart was associating and affiliating with thee. This is because spiritual bonds in the Kingdom of God eternally remain firm and strong.
O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of God! Though the distance between us is far, yet the connections of our hearts are strong. I swear by the Essence of Being and the Sovereign of the unseen and the seen that this heart is in the utmost eagerness to meet thine and this soul is in the greatest state of attraction to thy soul.
Physical separation in this world hath no significance, and praise be to God, spiritual nearness in the world of the spirit is real and evident. Therefore, think not that thou art distant and estranged. Rather, thou art present in this gathering and before His court.
Although you are far and remote in that land, yet you are present and renowned at the Sacred Threshold. Nearness is through heart and soul, not through the weak body.
Although thou art absent and out of sight yet in reality thou art here with us. Materially thou art far but spiritually thou art very close. Thou art deprived of the physical presence of this company but in reality thou art a confidant of the well-guarded mystery of the spirit.
If you are attracted by spiritual fragrances, I will always be with you. That companionship is good - it is a companionship that has no separation.
This is spiritual relationship.
Often two brothers, reared in the same family, are antagonistic toward each other, but you two are remote from each other, are in reality as brother and sister.
Whereas thou canst see that when an Easterner meets a Westerner this immediately resulteth in fellowship, two intimate brothers from the same parents avoid and detest each other. What does this indicate to? Is it not a proof for the unity of souls and spiritual fellowship?
Just as there are political relations between Germany and Austria, spiritual relations should also be established, for the foundation of these relations is spiritual, since political relations can be disrupted in a single day, but divine relations and spiritual love and fellowship are eternal.
Then Miss Fraser and Miss Hodgson with bouquets of flowers entered the room. He was writing a holy Tablet for America with his own hand and as he raised his noble head and saw them coming in with smiles on their faces he exclaimed happily:-
"You are two good sisters. Baha'i sisterhood is very precious. It is not like material sisterhood.
The essential meeting is that spiritual attachment( or union) and heartfelt feelings; when this gift becometh manifest, heavenly bounties will be attained and hopes shall be fulfilled.
Though the mirror and the lights have no physical connection, yet the relationship of rays and reflected effulgences is firm and continuous.
Even if the sun is very distant from the earth, yet by its rays it is connected with the earth.
Christ spoke: "The sons of the realms of God will go out but others from far away will enter the Kingdom!"
O thou my dear heavenly friend and old associate!
Although communication and correspondence has not been continuous, yet be assured that I have not, for a moment, forgotten thee. Thou art always in my memory, because the bonds of the Kingdom of Sanctity are between (us). This bond is like unto two mirrors which are facing each other. It is not possible that a picture be reflected in this one mirror unless it appears in the other (mirror).
This is like two mirrors opposite each other; and from the other, back to the first; for it is the one sun which shines in them both.
You had written that although physical correspondence was cut off, nevertheless spiritual connections and communications continued uninterrupted. This is certain, there is no doubt in it, for praise be to God there is complete connection between hearts and perfect attraction - every heart is a mirror of hearts.
O thou at whose mention I am rejoiced! By God, the True One, verily pure hearts are as clear and brilliant mirrors which imprint the one on the other, and hearts discover the secrets of hearts. Therefore, they chant the verses of longing and recite the odes of glorification and praise. Consequently, the recourse is to pages of hearts, not pages filled with written lines.
O thou daughter of the Kingdom! The moment thou presented thyself in this prison, at the time of meeting, I realized that thou wouldst become attracted and attain to spiritual communication, such communication that as soon as the mirror of the heart is cleansed from the rust of worldly thoughts, immediately thou shalt find me reflected therein, and all the mountains, seas and deserts annihilated.
Our hearts like unto pure mirrors receive the impressions and these spiritual images are reflected from one mirror upon another without the medium of language. As spiritual susceptibilities have encircled us tonight and as the mirrors of the hearts are pure, therefore we can understand each other.
What could be better than that pure heart having and continuing to have the utmost contentment with you, for the hearts of the friends of Baha are mirrors reflecting the Abha Kingdom.
Whatever the pen may write and the tongue may utter is but a drop from the surging ocean that exists within the reality of the soul and consciousness. It cannot be fully explained. But when hearts face each other and thought and contemplation take hold, connection and unity and harmony become realized.
Always one end of the wire is fixed in the hearts of the East and the other end fixed in the hearts of the West. Therefore East and West are intimate confidants, singing the same melody in harmony. This electric wire represents the bonds between hearts, and this communication represents the feelings of souls.
Hearts are like centers of telegraph and telephone, and spiritual connections are like extended wires whose ends are fixed at the source, and in truth they communicate with all hearts. These are connections established through the power of the Most Great Name, and this is an intimacy achieved through the penetrating influence of the Word of God. Therefore, the heart of Abdu'l-Baha is connected to all hearts, and spiritual communication is constant and continuous. If hearts become unburdened, they will surely sense this communication.
Therefore, O Chief, install one end of the wire in the center of the heart and extend and connect the other end to the highest realm, so that the current of inspiration may continuously express the wisdom of the All-Merciful.
Due to the intensity of the connection between hearts, forms have taken on the properties of essences, metaphor has found the effect of reality, words have acquired the power of meanings, and expressions have become the truth of allusions and glad tidings of abstract meanings.
And that light was one, for it told of the Sun of Unity and indicated the Orb of Detachment, and in its station it was and ever will be one. Yet from its orientation to each direction, a name becomes manifest, a word becomes evident, and a cloud becomes visible. For example, through its orientation to the means of sight, vision becomes manifest, and through the means of hearing, the power of listening becomes evident, and likewise with each member of the body and each part of the parts.
O two free servants of God!
Whatever I write, the protected secret of the heart is not revealed and the truth of the meanings does not become known, for both pen and ink are strangers. How can I reveal the intimate mystery and express the words of the righteous except by making an allusion from the world of love and offering a metaphor about the connections between hearts?
We are all beneath one tent and praise be to God, in the Most Glorious Paradise with the utmost joy and delight, all are intimate companions. Despite this, how can pen and paper become privy to secrets? What you write cannot be expressed. The point is that spiritual bonds are so strong that being free from love of the friends for even a moment is impossible and unattainable.
Though I say that letters, pens and inkwells may reveal mysteries, yet the hearts of the friends are the true interpreters, and the feelings of the soul are sufficient and complete.
The answer is what is written on the tablet of your heart. That which is written upon paper is subject to corruption and various accidents, such as consumption by fire and moth, but that which is inscribed on the tablet of the heart is imperishable and everlasting.
The essence of correspondence is this: to be imprinted upon the Tablet of the heart. This (correspondence) is sent to thee without intermission by the Faithful Messenger of Spirit.
I send thee the answer spiritually so that the signs of the address may become manifest in thy heart. Verily thou art with me in spirit at all times.
Yet among the friends there is speech and utterance without lips or tongue, and without pen, ink and paper there is correspondence in the realm of heart and spirit.
Although I cannot converse with you in detail, my heart and spirit converse with you and share secrets without the tongue of utterance.
Though I do not converse with you through the tongue, I commune with you through heart and soul and life...
But know thou assuredly that I associate with heart and consciousness with firm friends and speak with them without lip or tongue and discuss with them the divine mysteries which are abiding in heart and soul.
O maid-servant of God! The Spirit knoweth the spirit, the Spirit addresseth the spirit and the Spirit associateth with the spirit.
Abdul Baha: The tongue of the soul is the tongue-less tongue. The spirit speaks in every language, in no particular tongue. When hearts are connected the spirit speaks eloquently provided the hearts are related together.
There is a spiritual language and that is one language. It is a language by which the hearts speak to one another. It is not the language of utterance, but the language of the heart.
O thou apple of Mine eye! Come thou forth that I may hear thy melodies and thou mayest hear Mine, and that thou mayest delight in the Hijazi melodies from this Iraqi youth.
Abdul-Baha asked Mr. Remey if he remembered the few Persian words he had learned, and then he said: "The beloved of God are endowed with a particular language through which they express their feelings and converse with one another. The sun speaks to the existing beings, the cloud communicates with the earth and the gentle breeze whispers to the trees."
But praise be to God, that despite the fact that Baha'is do not know one another's language, they understand with their hearts and become infinitely happy.
I am greatly moved because I saw the love of Baha'u'llah in you, I witnessed the light of Baha'u'llah in your beings. I am so moved that I cannot speak. I leave it to your hearts to feel what I feel.
The face speaks with face, the eyes with eyes, the hearts with hearts, and the spirits with spirits.
O thou who art attracted by the Speech of Abdul-Baha!
Verily I speak unto thee through the tongue of my spirit, from the spiritual direction, and explain for thee the mysteries of the kingdom and the meanings of the sacred, heavenly books.
The portals of the Kingdom are wide open and the inner ears are continually attuned to the Voice of the Lord of Hosts.
Seek spiritual perception that thou mayest discover the divine fragrance. Open thy inner vision that thou mayest behold the Beauty of God from the horizon of the most glorious Kingdom. Unclose thy spiritual ear that thou mayest become intimate with the call of the celestial Herald.
Therefore, strive thou as much as thou canst to attain unto everlasting life, and don the robe of existence in the divine Kingdom, and become intimate with the denizens of the Supreme Concourse, that thou mayest receive fresh inspiration in every moment.
You will establish a connection between the divine realm and the material world, and become an intermediary between the realm of place and placelessness.
Without a messenger they send letters, and with the heart they share secrets. Without a pen they write, and without meeting they seek reunion, and in the very midst of separation they attain to nearness.
When a person in a bazaar reaches the attar, he inhales fragrant scents. Similarly, there are people who are the essence of spirit and cause the enlightenment of the heart, manifesting most excellent heavenly tidings. That is why it is revealed, "Their visage radiates the resplendence of paradise, their countenance manifests signs of prostration and their gaze is fixed upon their all-seeing God."
And with pure hearts, 'Abdu'l-Baha has complete and sufficient communion with the friends from heart and soul at every moment.
O beloved friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Although the distance is great, occupations and engagements many, and trials severe, despite all this I have at this moment turned to remember those precious friends and found solace in their remembrance.
O dear friend and kind companion! Although I have been deprived and separated from seeing the faces of friends with my eyes, praise be to God I am a companion and confidant in heart and soul, and not a moment passes that you do not come to mind, not a breath goes by except that you cross my thoughts.
O thou whom I never forget! How can oblivion find way here? To cease to think of thee is impossible - at every moment I behold thee and call thee to mind. How then can I forget thee? So enthralled and enlivened is that loving friend with the remembrance of the All-Merciful that he can never fade from memory.
I swear by the Ancient Beauty that at all times we are gladdened by your mention and occupied with your remembrance. Forgetfulness finds no path to the heart and consciousness of those who long for you, and weakness and lassitude cannot enter.
But I swear by the Most Great Name that in the world of spirit and heart I am and have always been engaged in remembering you.
Not a moment passes but that you come to mind, and not a breath is drawn but that your mention becomes our companion.
Rest assured that I do not rest for a moment without remembering the friends, and my tongue adorns itself with nothing but praise of the servants of the Threshold.
I shall never forget thee. I remember thee always and desire for thee heavenly illumination and Baha'i spirituality.
O thou who art trusting in God!
Thy letter was received. It was a proof to thy faith and assurance. The heart and the spirit of Abdul Baha is extremely tender. Therefore, continually he begs from the Kingdom of Abha inexhaustible favors for the friends of God and the maidservants of the Merciful.
O spiritual beloved! Night and day I remember thee and have not a moment's rest, but due to the multitude of occupations I must content myself with communing with thee in spirit. Thou art ever before me and in my heart - we are companions and intimates, and share together in servitude at the Threshold of Baha.
O servants of Truth! This weak servant, through the power of the Spirit of confirmation, is occupied day and night with writing and expressing, and is intimately associated with thoughts of the friends. The longing for the face and presence of the friends and sensing their loving nature has so moved this displaced one that he has become harmonious and in tune with the birds of the meadow.
Night and day we are not free from mentioning those spiritual beloved ones and divine friends, and we beseech confirmation and success.
O two servants close to the Divine Threshold! For some time I have not corresponded with you, nor shared inner secrets, nor expressed heartfelt sentiments. Yet I was always mindful of you and would beseech the Court of Divine Unity for confirmation and success, that in every instance the gaze of favor would encompass you.
This heart is so enkindled with love for the friends that it cannot be described. Like a fresh sapling it is stirred by the breeze of remembrance of the friends, and is intimate and harmonious with the mention of the loved ones.
O thou who art near to the Divine Threshold! Again I have taken up writing this letter and have remembered that steadfast friend. The cause was Mr. Za'ir Aqa Ghulam-Husayn - outwardly it was Aqa Ghulam-Husayn but in reality it was the stirrings of conscience, for the conscience is occupied with the friends and familiar with their mention. When the friends are remembered, the heart and soul become adorned with the flowers and fragrances of hoped-for bounties.
O thou my dear friend!
I am now viewing the flowers in the little garden and remembering thy rose-like face.
Convey the greetings of this yearning one to the beloved friends in Khuy - upon them be the Glory of God - to Abdullah Khan and all the other beloved friends, for when 'Abdu'l-Baha remembers the faces and city of those dear ones, his surroundings become like the land of Khutan and his gathering becomes fragrant with musk.
I swear by the Ancient Beauty, the sweetness of the company of true friends, like honey, makes the palate of heart and soul sugary and sweet.
Consider how sweet is the honey of love in the taste of the reality of servitude. When one perceives the fragrance of love from another, ultimate joy and delight is attained.
O my spiritual beloved!
The days of association and intimacy are not forgotten and the sweetness of that love and meeting is still tasted in my heart.
Praise be to God! Its signs are apparent and its results manifest.
O thou who art intoxicated with the divine wine and aflame with the fire of God's love! Not a moment passes by day or night but that thou comest to mind of the yearning ones and art remembered by the friends.
These spiritual bonds are God's mighty cord which can suffer no weakness, lassitude, slackness or deficiency.
A hundred thanks that the firm handle of heartfelt affection is strong, and the eye of the spirit gazes and is turned day and night. The mention of those true friends is the candle of the gathering of friends. Not a moment passes but you are remembered in heart and soul, and not an instant goes by but you are renowned in the court of the Beloved.
Know this much that in this divine gathering your remembrance is like a bright candle and mention of you in hearts is like a rose garden and flower bed. Although you may have forgotten us, we will never forget at any time, and we beseech God that you may be the manifestation of divine assistance and the dawning-place of infinite grace in all affairs.
They were most pleased and happy with thee. In such a gathering they engaged in thy remembrance and became intimate with thy memory.
O Amata'l-Baha! Think not that because thou art away from the Blessed Shrine, thou art distant and in a forlorn state. Thou art present and visible. The Blessed Leaves, particularly Her Highness, the Greatest Holy Leaf, constantly make mention of thee and remember thee fondly.
O protector of the divine flock! Your services, labors and hardships are mentioned and known in this gathering, especially since at the Divine Threshold you have a special representative like Ghulamrida Khan, who constantly has your mention on his tongue - indeed it forms the very words of his prayers. He remembers you often verbally and always continuously in his heart.
In this luminous spot he mentioned you and requested that this letter be written.
You must be completely satisfied with him, for in such a holy place and sacred moment he remembered and mentioned you, and in the blessed sanctuary he beseeched favors from Him Who is wondrous in attributes. In the world of existence no love and consideration can be greater than this.
O handmaiden of God! Although thou wert not present in body at this Threshold, yet in spirit thou art, God willing, present at all times. They made mention of thee at this Court, engaged in remembrance of thee, and requested that mention be made on thy behalf.
O blessed leaf! Although you are far from this threshold and wandering in the land of India, afflicted with deprivation and separation, yet in truth you have attained the honor of presence and audience at this Threshold, the circumambulation point of the Supreme Concourse and Most Exalted Station, for the blessed sacred leaf, your mother, constantly remembers you, has not a moment's rest, turns to the two blessed Holy Persons, seeks nearness to the Court, desires protection from the arrows of trials, and makes pilgrimage on your behalf.
O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the love of God! For some time now thy brother, Mr. Mirza Mahmud, hath been present in the Holy Land, remembering thee and visiting the Sacred Shrines on thy behalf. He hath fulfilled the requirements of love, brotherhood and rights, and carried out all that faithfulness demands.
During these days when they were the companion of these servants, during the time of visiting the circumambulation point of the Supreme Concourse, they would visit on behalf of you and all relations, and likewise would feast by proxy in the name of those leaves, and all was accepted.
I swear by the Life of the Beloved that when I circumambulate around the point of attraction of the hearts of the denizens of the Kingdom, I immediately call thee to mind, and while watering the garden at the center of infinite circles, I carry a pitcher on my shoulder and give water on thy behalf.
He remembered the friends and thought of you, requesting that this letter be written. The remembrance of friends is auspicious to the Friend, especially as this Layli belongs to that Majnun.
Give my most eager greetings to Jenab-i-Ghaffar and tell him: Though absent you are present, though hidden you are manifest - that is, you are beloved of the hearts of friends and mentioned in the gathering of companions. We are occupied with your remembrance at the Sacred Threshold and intimate with your memory in the sanctified meetings.
Consider thou how the power of the Word of God has united the East and the West and bestowed spiritual communication, that a blessed soul from the inhabitants of America, while in the Holy Land, mentioned to Abdul-Baha the name of a man living in Asia, and with the utmost devotion requests the writing of a Tablet.
Praise be to God! What a communication!
O maid-servant of God!
I am in the blessed place of the Holy Land and thou art in foreign parts and I do not see thee with my material eyes, but I see thee with the eyes of my heart and I remember thee in recalling to thee that which the Christ promised to the believers, the great blessing and favor, the light of which illuminates those present and those absent.
O thou whom I mention with my heart and tongue! Though I do not see thee with mine eyes, I do see thee with my heart, and mention thee with the fullness of love, clemency, yearning and attraction, supplicating my Lord that we may meet together at the meetings of His Kingdom and the pavilions of His might, where we shall chant the verses of thanks for His bounty, generosity and gifts, the lights of which have shone upon all horizons and their effulgences have become intense upon the hearts of the people of harmony.
O servant of God! Be thou happy, for hearts are gladdened by thy remembrance and souls are delighted by the mention of thee. This connection is heavenly and this love is a divine bounty. Otherwise, what relation could there be between the prisoner of the prison of 'Akka and the free one in the mansion of Tehran?
O Khudabakhsh! Observe the bounty of God, that 'Abdu'l-Baha, in the Most Great Prison, facing the temple of the people of Christ, is occupied with thy remembrance.
… But I, O Khudabakhsh, speak with heart and soul, and by God I have love for thee and am occupied with thy remembrance. This is what produces an effect.
Rather, the divine friends are ever embracing one another, fully conscious and attentive. Though outwardly they may be in distant lands, in reality they are close companions. At every moment I remember thee, seek thy happiness, implore confirmations for thee, and pray for thy success.
Though this wanderer in the wilderness of God's love has fallen behind a hundred thousand mountains, plains and deserts, nevertheless at this moment he has become, in the utmost joy and fragrance, the companion of your remembrance and has undertaken to write this letter.
Glory be to God! What mystery is this, and what yearning is this, that despite the lack of outward nearness, there exists the utmost fellowship and love of heart and soul!
O Bahram who art joyful! Thou art in India and we are in Syria, and though hundreds, nay thousands, of leagues separate us, yet thou art present in our gathering, thou art a bird of this meadow, a nightingale of this rose garden. We are gladdened by thy remembrance and freed from sorrow by thy mention.
You are ever my companion and confidant; despite the distance from Shiraz, you are before me and in my thoughts, though outwardly you are in Khata and Khutan.
O my spiritual friend! You went to Haifa while you were present in the illumined heart and visible to the inner sight. It is as though you were not absent - rather, your absence is presence and your passage through the heart is joy.
Know that you are present now in spirit, a confidant and intimate companion. I hope through God's bounty that wherever you are, whatever you do, whatever you think, whatever occupation you pursue, you will be here in spirit and conscience, and from the garden of your heart and soul a sweet fragrance will reach the nostrils of those who long for you.
However, I wished to also express my longing to meet with you, though I left this to the heart's attractions.
If you knew how precious your thoughts are in this court, you would surely spread the wings of joy and fly from this realm of a thousand doors to the nest of the most luminous Kingdom.
Despite this, through the bounty of the manifest light, such a connection, harmony and union has been achieved that on such a night, I am intimately engaged in remembrance of that kind friend.
O Khusraw of good nature! From the day of our separation, feelings of love have been continuous. I have always remembered you and sought assistance and bounty for you.
In Paris, the loved ones of God were very eager to see you and mentioned you.
Consider what a bounty the Lord of creation hath bestowed, that hearts have become thus connected to one another.
Due to the intense connection that exists between hearts, we are day and night eagerly awaiting news and hoping to receive word. We beseech God to grant such confirmations that from this affection of hearts and love of souls, effects may appear in existence whose luminosity will be manifest and evident from the dawning-place of creation as long as the contingent world endures.
Again I write and am gladdened and pleased to remember you. I grow neither weary nor tired, for the glad tidings of the Abha Kingdom give such strength that at every moment new life is gained and one becomes alive through remembrance and mention of the friends.
This is a remembrance from Us to him who hath believed in the One, the All-Knowing, he whose name was presented before the Wronged One in this exalted station.
By My life! The Most Exalted Pen hath been moved to make mention of thee in My mighty and impregnable Tablet, and through it tongues shall be opened in thy remembrance.
Convey My greetings unto My loved ones, that the fragrance of thy Lord's glorification may be wafted abroad and may draw unto it their hearts and the hearts of all who turn unto Him.
Consider the by-gone times. There occurred a meeting like this one--that is to say, that meeting emanated from the attractions of the conscience. It was due to the spiritual bond. It was due to the fraternity of heaven.
This is the encounter of illumined hearts. This meeting is solely through divine power and heavenly glad-tidings. This is a meeting of the people of the Kingdom. This meeting is like the meeting of magnet and iron, like the spring rain and pure, pristine soil, like the meeting of light and mirror, like the meeting of the breeze and trees. Therefore it has mighty results.
Meetings are various in kind. One meeting is like the meeting of people, an ordinary meeting, which is so easily forgotten. Howsoever kind they may be to each other they will forget it. For example, a brother meeting another brother, the father meeting his son, sisters meeting, the mother meeting a daughter, or the daugh- ter the mother, when separation takes place in the course of time gradually that relation will be forgotten. Such a meeting is without result; eventually it sinks into forgetfulness.
The other kind of farewell has no forgetfulness - this is the condition of the believers of Baha'u'llah, who grow closer in heart the further they become physically separated, and have a connection that knows no severance.
After these meetings there is no separation, there is a union that knows no dispersion. The president of that gathering is His Holiness Baha'u'llah.
The beloved of God although they are far away in body, in reality, in spirit, they are present. They exist here, though they are not present. If spiritual meeting were not possible I would go to meet all the believers in America, because I am anxious to meet them, but the people would say he has fled away from the prison, but if he goes and comes back again he would say I have been over and met the believers and I have come back again.
Physical meeting has no importance. The meeting is spiritual. Therefore, they should not be unhappy. They should be rejoiced
For the Seattle Assembly: I ask special blessings, and I bring a greeting from Abha.
In every gathering that is adorned with the mention of God and where the friends associate with utmost love, surely the heart and soul of 'Abdu'l-Baha is present and shares in that ecstasy and joy, both absent and present.
O maid-servant of God! Know, verily, I was with you in spirit during your assemblage in the meeting of the commemoration of God, the House of Agreement, under the Standard of Peace, and I perceived ye with my spirit on the Mount of Salvation and shared with ye in celebrating the praise of my Lord, and I smiled with all cheerfulness, joy and gladness when I found that ye were beseeching God and supplicating before the Kingdom of God.
The friends of New York and the handmaidens of the Merciful having rented a house in my name where they gather - though I am physically absent, in truth I am present among them in spirit and heart.
O ye maid-servants of His Majesty, the Lord—daughters and sons of the Kingdom!
The meeting of the Lord's Supper, which you held in the home of Mr. and Mrs...(was blessed) with the lights of the Beauty of the Merciful, which shone from the Kingdom of ABHA, and Abdul-Baha was present in spirit and heart although absent in body. That meeting was exceedingly bright, and as the rose-garden, emitted a pleasant fragrance.
When this servant imagines that gathering, I find a new spirit and obtain great joy, and from afar I say: O gathering of friends! When you engage in remembrance of the All-Merciful in holy gatherings and intimate assemblies, remember this yearning one, and when you stroll in the meadow and garden of God's remembrance, mention this wingless bird and pray: "O God! Invite this prisoner in the chains of longing to the pavilion of the Abha Kingdom, and grant this broken-winged bird flight to the gardens of the highest horizon.
O friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Though I am in the clime of Joseph of Canaan, yet in spirit and heart I am the intimate companion and confidant of the spiritual friends, and I know with absolute certainty that that gathering is illumined by the lights of the Abha Kingdom and draws bounty from the infinite outpourings of the Most Great Name.
O gentle branch of the Divine Lote-Tree! Though outwardly thou art far from sight and view and removed from this gathering, yet I swear by the light shining from the Supreme Horizon that in truth all the branches of the Blessed Tree are at all times present in this gathering of the All-Merciful and are manifest and visible in this spiritual assembly.
O ancient and intimate friends! Although intimacy requires gathering in one region and clime, or rather depends on presence in one wondrous assembly, yet those divine friends, though physically distant, are spiritually near; though far to outward sight, are close in inner vision.
Behold what bounty this is, what favor, what grace and gift, that while we are physically scattered and dispersed throughout the world as a fragmented group, spiritually we are gathered in the assembly of fellowship, immersed in conscious feelings, made manifest to the splendor of truth, and enabled to achieve spiritual intimacy and heartfelt association.
Thou art present in spirit in a meeting (in Acca) in which the gifts of God are radiating, even though thou art remote in regard to body in the far away land.
Though they are physically far, they are spiritually present in the gathering, and though they are outwardly separated, in heart they are in the inhabited House.
Although the physical eye is deprived, praise be to God that spiritual insight is privy to the mysteries of the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting. You are present in the divine court and exist and are witnessed in the heavenly gathering.
In truth, that gathering was like a divine rose garden whose fragrances spread to all regions and districts, perfuming the spiritual nostrils with musk. And it is fitting that the righteous and noble ones engage in remembering choice souls so that lifeless souls may be quickened and awakened by the fragrances of the rose garden of the love of God. Although this servant was not physically present in that gathering, in spirit I was intimate and present.
Likewise, though I was remote in so far as the body is concerned, I was near to the friends in heart and spirit and close to the believers in that assembly.
Though we are distant in the world of dust, yet by virtue of the pure realm we are near, gathered in a single assembly.
In truth, thou art present in this gathering, and night and day we are intimate companions.
Indeed, in the private chamber of the heart of the friends we are confidants of one another, and in the secret sanctuary of the soul we are intimate companions day and night.
Respected sir: Although outwardly we are separated, in reality we are always intimately connected in heart and spirit and ever present and watchful.
O longtime friend! Praise be to God that our companionship, love and fellowship remain firm, for our intimacy is at the Sacred Threshold of the All-Glorious Lord.
His remembrance is spiritual nearness and His mention is spiritual reunion. When thou art thus engaged, thou art in His presence and His intimate companion, though thou be in Yemen.
Q. Are we not able, through love and faith, to make those on the other side hear of the Cause who had not heard of it while here?
A. Yes, surely sincere prayer always has its effect, and it has a great influence in the other word. We are never cut off from those who are there.
Asked if disembodied souls could communicate with embodied ones, He replied:
"Yes, but they do not do it through medums nor in material ways, but in spiritual ways."
The Master said these rappings, etc., were all material things, and of the body. What is needed is to rise above the material to the realms of the purely Spiritual. Table-turning and such like were material, a natural result, and not spiritual.
But it was possible to communicate with the dead through the condition of the character and the heart.
"In prayer there is a mingling of station, a mingling of condition. Pray for them as they pray for you! When you do not know it, and are in a receptive attitude, they are able to make suggestions to you, if you are in difficulty. This sometimes happens in sleep. But there is no phenomenal intercourse!
This spiritual communication and mutual exchange of thoughts is conditioned upon certain facts that prepare the person in this world to communicate with the spirit of his departed ones.
To this he replied: "They see all as it affects the spirit. A great joy, a great sorrow, a sin, or a good deed: as these things darken or cloud the soul, or cause it to rise into greater light, so they see every earth event that touches you for good or ill, reflected in your soul.
But the good souls are given eternal life, and sometimes God permits their thoughts to reach the earth to help people."
And say: O loved ones of God and His chosen ones! By God the True One, your Beloved is the Sun of Glory and though He be veiled in the garments of the unseen, yet His ancient outpourings continue upon you, His lights shine upon you, the fragrances of His holiness waft over you, and the breezes from the gardens of His Kingdom blow upon you.
And if my Lord ordains for me this supreme gift, I will address you from that most exalted realm and send you spiritual letters which express the holy fragrances that perfume the horizons.
Through God's grace, it is my hope that we may be companions in all worlds and intimate associates in the Kingdom, ever confident and joyous through the abundant grace of the Sovereign of Revelation.
Question: Is this meeting and union lasting or is it just for the moment of realization and then these two souls are separated?
Answer: This is a spiritual union which is eternal. They cannot be separated, for it is of the spirit and realities of the spirit are eternal. This union is the strength of two united into one - one person cannot do the work of two.
I trust that the ideal bonds of spiritual communication may ever become stronger and firmer between us. These celestial ties of communion are eternal.
At that time we will draw unto each other in spirit, a nearness which will be eternal, everlasting and endless.
The real meeting consists in the communication of heart. I hope that this communication will become strong, for the hearts which are spiritually related to each other, their meetings are eternal, both in this world and in the Universe of God.
That spirit can communicate with spirit is proven by the known fact of teaching. … So soul can communicate with soul and in the realms of existence such intercommunication is possible.
Abdul-Baha said these words in English; then taking His seat, He motioned for me to sit beside Him and throwing His arm about me He said: "There are two ways of taking pictures. These things about here that you have pictured will all pass away, but the true picture is the one you take on the mirror of the heart. Such pictures bring about great and eternal results. Be sure that you print such pictures on the heart and take them back to the loved ones in America. They will never fade away."
He talks with me in midnights. He wakes me in the morning.
Throughout the cities and over the seas, in the mountains and valleys he has been my companion and intimate.
When two hearts are united together astonishing results will be seen. But a perfect union is necessary.
It is Love that establishes communication between the hearts of men. It is Love that confers eternal life. It is Love that bestows unfailing joy. If real Love appears in the heart of man, he will attract all the virtues. Love is the divine power which causes the ascension of man to all the heavenly stations.
With unsurpassed humility and fervour, and in a spirit of perfect reverence and devotion, ye have hastened unto the Habitation of Holiness, and in those sacred precincts embosoming the inestimable Gift - the Centre around which circle in adoration the Concourse on high; the Luminous Sepulchre; the Hallowed Spot - ye have with your own hands planted fragrant blossoms.
As ye laboured, 'Abdu'l-Baha too was with you in spirit, heart and soul.
During the days I was in London, you were my neighbor, therefore you are counted as kith and kin. In gratitude for this bounty, you must arise to serve and prove and establish your neighborliness before all, for being a neighbor of 'Abdu'l-Baha cannot be compared to other neighborliness.
In any case, thou and thy kind brother must both arise to serve in such a way that the holy spirits of those two pure souls may become joyous and glad in the luminous world.
O remnants of that favored servant of the divine threshold! That bird of the meadow of guidance hath hastened to the rose-garden of reality, and he hath left these companions as his heritage that after his return to the divine homeland, ye might irrigate the field he hath sown, arrange the flowers of true understanding in the boulevard of his hopes and aspirations, supplicate to the Kingdom of glory, and implore forgiveness on his behalf.
In the Kingdom of holiness they chant the verses of the supreme gift and encourage you to follow their example, saying: "O you who were nurtured in the ark by two loving fathers, water ye the foundation they laid; adorn with mirrors and decorative arts the structure they established; complete the design they conceived; tend the saplings they planted, that this garden may become an eternal rose-garden and this meadow a true paradise."
Since you bear the name of that full moon, you must at every moment convey a message from the most exalted realm to the lower world, and that message is the attributes and character of the All-Merciful, which is a heavenly message.
Watchfulness, association, gentleness and love are essential.
You should speak about spiritual and godly things, in order that your souls may be revived and your minds be made pure.
In the meeting the words of the Believers must be about God and the Wisdom of God, or to illustrate the proofs and signs of God. What we mean by this is that the words must be words for the enlightenment and enkindlement of others, just as we speak with love and kindness to the people of the world.
Ye are the chanting birds, the mellifluous nightingales, and the divine parrots of Ind so sing ye all, without restrain and raise aloft your melodies. Perchance the ears of men may hearken thereunto and the hearts unravel the mysteries of your songs.
In any case, whether it be difficult or easy, you are ever before my eyes and are not forgotten. I am always thinking of those loving friends and my hope from the bounties of the Lord is that you may be assisted and confirmed in all matters and that in the divine garden you may act as gardeners, offering up your lives, so that the trees may become fresh and graceful.
O you who have purified your face for God, and have awakened and awakened every sleeper, and have become aware and made every heedless one aware, and have heard and made every possessor of ears hear and understand, and have seen and removed the veil from every possessor of lofty vision.
I beseech God that thou mayest make Kurdistan a rose-garden and illuminate that land with the light of the love of God.
Many were the nights and days we conversed with perfect joy and spirit, spoke of God's eternal bounty, and gave glad tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom.
For day and night my call is "Ya Baha El Abha" and summoning the people to the Kingdom of Abha. The Knowing hearts comprehend these significances. The souls who turn their faces toward God will behold the lights of the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah.
Those who understand can converse with me thus for night and day I cry, "Ya Baha El-Abha," and I proclaim the kingdom of Baha'u'llah so that intelligent hearts can understand the significance.
The divine friends here must always supplicate and become detached, seeking confirmation and success for the friends in all regions. They must assist the friends in all regions through divine fragrances. For assistance is of two kinds: one through outward means, such as sending letters and offering encouragement and exhortation; the other kind is through divine fragrances. The friends here must assist through divine fragrances.
Praise be to God! that, on account of firmness and steadfastness in the Cause of God and service to the Word of God, spiritual letters are continually and uninterruptedly descending from the Supreme Concourse and the Kingdom of ABHA. That holy Messenger is eternal and perennial and His messages come to the heart successively and the verses of oneness are read therein.
O Lord! Assist him to diffuse the divine fragrances, and enable him to promote the Words, to gladden hearts with joyful tidings and to remove sorrows through good news.
Treat him with Your great mercy, distinguish him with Your mighty gift, choose him for Your Most Glorious Kingdom, assist him with Your hosts from the Supreme Concourse, expand his breast through the exaltation of Your Word, strengthen his loins through the manifestation of Your signs, and illumine his eye through the spread of Your fragrances - so that he may reach the heights of hopes and enjoy happiness and delight in the beginning and the end, and commune with You in the depths of dawn in gratitude for Your abundant blessings, Your preceding mercy, Your conclusive proof, Your bounties descending from heaven, and Your table spread from Your Most Glorious Kingdom.
Well have they said: The state of those who are attracted and sincere is transmitted from heart to heart. The tongue hath no access there and the pen is truly a stranger, while the inner tongue speaketh secretly these words:
My God, my God! Ordain for us that which will draw us nigh unto Thee, then grant us sustenance from the table of Thy heaven and illumine us with the light of Thy knowledge.
O thou who gazest upon the face that is turned toward the Kingdom of Abha and the hidden and invisible Dominion! Commune in prayer and say:
O Kind Lord! O Pure God!
Be confident, and in the spiritual world I shall seek heavenly outpourings for you at every moment. At dawn, turn to the Abha Kingdom and you will find 'Abdu'l-Baha as your companion.
For thought and discussion