travels to the West by Abdu'l-Baha
Editorial introduction
He wrote one letter while walking in a New York park because there was no other free moment, and another on a steamship whose rolling made the pen unsteady. After forty years of confinement, ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, elderly and unwell, crossed seas and continents to speak of peace and the oneness of humanity in churches, synagogues and public halls, and to meet people he had long loved by correspondence. He told the friends in California that no one in history had travelled so far simply to see his friends, and that the distance had seemed carpeted with silk. The journeys are full of ordinary things: electric signs on Broadway, a lakeside hotel, schedules changed, illness, sleepless nights, money refused, the homesick ache for the East. Beneath them runs a single intention, to show by action what teaching means, and a trust that seeds sown in haste would grow after he had gone. Luke’s account of messengers sent out to carry peace into the homes that receive them offers a way to think about travel as service. From here the road continues into ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá’s own account of his life, the stories told of him, and the growth of the Cause that followed.
Now I am walking on the avenue in New York's park and writing this letter, as I have absolutely no free time. Night and day 'Abdu'l-Baha's voice is raised in public meetings and gatherings, and due to the multitude of people's visits I cannot draw a peaceful breath.
Now that I am on the Greatest Ocean, traveling and moving on a steamship amidst the waves, I have thought of you and am writing this letter, though writing is difficult due to the motion of the ship.
I was tired when I boarded the steamer, but when I reached London and beheld the faces of the believers, my fatigue left me. Your great love refreshes me.
There is nothing as extraordinary or supernatural as my coming here to see you. A person in prison for life -- forty years -- to come to San Francisco and meet the friends.
I desired to become a sturdy and strong and fruitful tree in the Garden of the Blessed Perfection. In this manner I wished to gain growth and development, produce fruits for the healing of nations, deliver the Word of God and unfurl the banner of Reality. Day and night I worked, taught and rested not. In various tongues and under different expressions and sundry terminologies I presented to the world the same eternal message and voiced forth the same truth.
O herald of the Covenant! It is dawn and I am walking in New York's Garden Avenue.
When the ship was abreast the Statue of Liberty, standing erect and facing it, Abdul-Baha held his arms wide apart in salutation, and said:
"There is the new world's symbol of liberty and freedom.
… The ship now pointed its nose up the North River, and, gazing in a look of bewildered amazement at the rugged sky line of the lower city formed by the downtown skyscrapers, the "Wise Man out of the East," remarked, pointing at the towering buildings:
"These are the minarets of the Western World commerce and industry, and seem to stretch these things heavenward in an endeavor to bring about this Universal Peace for which we are all working, for the good of the nations and mankind in general.
As we drove up Broadway, glittering with its electric signs, He spoke of them smiling, apparently much amused.
Where is Acca -- where is Los Angeles? These regions are far away, what vast distances between them and you, distance indeed; but consider how I longed to see you wherefore, I traverse such distances across country and ocean; otherwise this great distance between Los Angeles and the far East was impossible for me, but because of excessive longing, I came.
I have crossed 12 or 13,000 miles to come here and see you. The distance is very great. This will show you how much I longed to meet you, and all this distance the roads were as though carpeted with silk. While the sea was rolling and surging it was as though it were smooth and calm. The great Atlantic to my sight was like unto a lake, and from New York to San Francisco it was like unto a mile.
Consider what love Baha'u'llah has created in the hearts, when from the other side of the world - from Syria - I have hastened to the uttermost part of the earth to meet you, and have traveled half of the sphere, of the globe. Considered from a geographical standpoint, there is no further point than San Francisco. You see, this is just the opposite point of Syria. Half an arc has been covered. How great was my longing! This is the love that Baha'u'llah has made possible.
He said: "I have journeyed by sea and land for the pleasure of seeing you all. I needed a change but my desire was to know you all.
You and all the handmaidens of the Merciful and the loved ones of God should feel the utmost happiness about this journey, for after forty-two years of confinement in a mighty and formidable prison, 'Abdu'l-Baha journeyed to this great land with the utmost dignity and authority.
This prisoner of forty years, following his freedom, traveled for three years--from 1910 to the end of 1913--throughout Europe and the vast continent of America. Despite extreme weakness and fatigue, he delivered extensive addresses in all cities, in great gatherings and major churches, proclaiming aloud whatsoever was contained in the Tablets and teachings of Baha'u'llah concerning war and peace.
Leaving the prison of 'Akka, I traveled to countries in Africa, Europe and America, called people to these blessed teachings and invited nations and religions to the oneness of the foundation of all religions and the abandonment of prejudices, wars, dogmatic imitations and superstitions.
Consider how 'Abdu'l-Baha forgot all thoughts and mentions and turned his face towards the countries and empires, cities and villages, mountains and deserts of the West. Day and night he was engaged in teaching the Cause and conveying the Message.
The principle upon which his trip throughout Europe and America was directed was this verse: "O God! Make all my ideals and thoughts One Ideal and One Thought, and suffer me to attain to an eternal, unchangeable condition in Thy Service!"
My primal object of this long trip was to show, by deed, to the friends of God, that this is the season of teaching the Cause. Although Acca and Haifa [Syria] are the headquarters of the Cause, and I should stay there and from those Centers administer the affairs of the Cause, yet I left everything and traveled throughout the earth to herald the coming of the Kingdom of ABHA.
My intention was that since freedom of thought is scarce in Iran and Iran is sick and those in authority are averse to the physician, therefore there is no choice but to journey to the West.
The intention was that despite utmost weakness, a mighty call might be raised, hoping for the aid and favor of the Blessed Beauty - otherwise what power has this feeble gnat, what strength and might has this atom of poverty and evanescence?
… Day and night were spent in questions and answers, and some souls were stirred by the breeze from the Abha Paradise. Gatherings were formed and meetings arranged, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, through the aid and favor of Baha, uttered a few words according to his weakness. But as the promised confirmation was evident, it influenced spirits and hearts like the melody of the lute and harp.
O members of the Spiritual Assembly and faithful friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! With utmost eagerness and attraction, through the aid and grace of the Incomparable Beauty (may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of His threshold), a journey was made to Europe.
In truth, it had been my intention to travel from Port Said to Marseilles in order to see your luminous faces and spend some days with the friends in that land and region. However, as soon as I boarded the vessel my condition changed such that I had to disembark in Alexandria.
Since I plan to stay in Europe for two months, I long to meet with you. Come for a few days to Alexandria so that we may meet.
O My beloved sister! Through the bounties of the Blessed Beauty, may My spirit be sacrificed for His Blessed Dust, we have traversed the expanse of deep seas, and have, under the loving protection of the Most Great Name, passed through ports and gulf straits. We are now staying at Grant Hotel in Thonen on the shore of Lake Swiss, thinking of thee and remembering thee.
It is truly a delightful place. The mildness of the weather, the freshness of the grass and fields, the lushness and pleasantness of the hills, as well as the beauty of the scenery are most perfect. From the day I left Iran until now I had not seen such a place. … Day and night we are thinking of how we can render, through the aid and favour of the Blessed Beauty, may My spirit be a sacrifice for the Threshold of His Dust, some small service.
A journey was made to the Western realm, some time was spent, a great stirring arose, grand gatherings were formed, numerous talks were given that had a remarkable impact. Even in churches - that is, the priests themselves extended invitations.
… Due to the spread of news about Europe in America and the resonant articles in newspapers, invitations have come from all the great gatherings in America, urgently inviting me. I have become compelled to go.
Next year 'Abdu'l-Baha will travel to America, as parties and groups working on matters of universal justice and reform of economic conditions have invited him to deliver talks and speeches to them.
Praise be to God, the lights of the Morn of Oneness are spreading throughout all regions with utmost diffusion, and detailed letters, some adorned with a thousand names, arrive from America, and special correspondence comes from both friend and stranger, and communications arrive continually from the great assemblies of America, all requesting 'Abdu'l-Baha's journey to those regions and showing the utmost eagerness and desire. Therefore am I compelled to undertake this journey. Yet my heart is in the East, for it is the Dawning-Point of the Sun of Truth, and my soul and conscience are gladdened and rejoiced in remembrance of the divine friends in Iran.
From the Universal Peace Conference of America, from the Race Unity Conference, from the Governor of Boston, America, from the great and eminent ones of that land, from its notable figures, and from the friends, letters of invitation are arriving continuously. Therefore I am compelled to journey to America despite great physical weakness and exhaustion from the abundance of work and writing and staying awake at night.
O Afnans of the Blessed Tree! 'Abdu'l-Baha will be departing for distant lands in these two days.
… The people of America, both friends and strangers, are all pleading with utmost insistence for 'Abdu'l-Baha's presence. Perhaps more than a thousand letters have arrived from the friends and various assemblies of America, even from some church ministers. Therefore I am compelled to make this journey.
Thou hast written that the friends of Boston and Malden are extremely happy about my eventual coming to America, and that this news has become the means of spreading the proclamation of the Kingdom in those regions. Abdu'l-Baha has the utmost desire of meeting the friends of God and of conversing with the maid-servants of the Merciful.
To the divine friends in America - Mr. Roy Wilhelm, Mr. and Mrs. McNutt, Mr. and Mrs. Kinney, Mr. Mountford Mills, Mrs. May Maxwell, Mrs. Elizabeth Nurse, Mrs. Ellen Goodall, Mrs. Agnes Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. Hoar, Mrs. Ellen Revonda, Mrs. Krug, Mrs. Ella Cooper, Mrs. Count, Mrs. Charlotte Bingham:
O my kind friends and dear daughters! Despite physical weakness and inability to endure travel, out of utmost longing to see the faces of the friends, 'Abdu'l-Baha is setting out on a journey to that distant country which is like another world, to cross the great ocean and illuminate his eyes with the sight of the friends' faces.
In these days I am determined to journey to America, as invitations are arriving continuously from gatherings of friends and strangers alike, and from scientific, political and general assemblies in America. Although this weak body has absolutely no strength to endure sea travel and there is danger of peril, especially in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, yet hope lies in the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty, that He may make a feeble gnat into a soaring eagle, and a weak ant into a manifest serpent.
This was the purpose of the European journey, and now, despite weakness, I have determined to undertake the difficult journey to America, so that perhaps, God willing, a sacrificial movement may occur there.
Therefore, God has arranged circumstances such that 'Abdu'l-Baha travels to the land of the foreigners and hastens to America in the spring, that perhaps he may draw a breath in service to the Sacred Threshold.
This servant is departing for America so that in those regions the cry of Ya Baha'ul-Abha and Ya Ali'ul-A'la may be raised high and the banner of the oneness of humankind may wave over those lands.
In these days Abdul-Baha is preparing for departure to the Western lands, that perhaps he may render a sacrificial service at the Sacred Threshold of the Blessed Beauty, and perhaps he may succeed in offering a drop from the ocean of servitude.
I am bound for those western horizons that I may perhaps make a feeble movement in servitude at the Sacred Threshold of the Abha Beauty.
God willing, I shall make a journey to America.
I am now about to journey to America.
In brief: God willing, I will set out for America next spring, and perfect and true joy will be attained.
With utmost longing you had requested 'Abdu'l-Baha's presence in America. I too am in utmost longing to hasten to the friends and behold the appealing faces of the loved ones, but I have no opportunity for this journey now. I must return to the East - wisdom requires this. Therefore, with ultimate regret and sorrow at separation, I am compelled to return. God willing, next year I will set out for the West to see the faces of the friends, meet the loved ones, exalt the Word of God, spread the divine fragrances, and raise the call of the Kingdom of God in great gatherings and mighty assemblies.
Therefore, I must return to Egypt, and I hope that in the spring no obstacles will arise so that with the utmost joy and fragrance I may hasten to America solely to meet the friends, that the means of happiness may be provided and the glad-tidings of the Abha Kingdom may encompass all.
. . . Thy letter hath arrived. Praised be God, under the sheltering protection of the Blessed Beauty, I have safely returned from the West but will again proceed to America in the near future. After I return, the means may be in place for thee to attain thy highest desire and with Zíbandih Khanum visit the Holy Threshold....
As for what you wrote about my journey to America - if you knew how responsibilities are surging like ocean waves, you would realize that not only is there no opportunity for travel, but even a little rest at home is impossible.
My presence there in winter time is somewhat difficult.
Regarding the presence of the honored handmaiden Diya'u'l-Hajiyyih with the respected young ladies - first, this is conditional upon arrangements being made for them to make this journey in utmost comfort; second, this spring the place where 'Abdu'l-Baha will settle is unknown - I may be in these regions or in other regions; third, two of them are busy studying teaching and learning English, and now their studies would be interrupted, and God willing after completion of their studies and preparation, the journey to America will be made possible.
As for permission for Haji Mahmud to attain the presence, this is difficult, for I shall shortly travel to the regions of America. God willing, after my return, permission to come into the presence will be granted.
It would be better if His honor Aqa Mirza 'Abdu'l-Husayn were to journey to India for the promotion of your trade. But if that is not possible, he has permission to visit the Holy Shrine in America, that he may bow his head at that Threshold on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha and seek forgiveness of sins for him at that Sacred Court, and beseech assistance and protection, for 'Abdu'l-Baha is bound for America.
O steadfast and firm one! It is several days since I arrived in the land of the Moon of Canaan, and I am preparing for the journey to America, as invitations keep arriving continuously from leaders, prominent figures and associations there with utmost insistence and persistence. Therefore, I must inevitably undertake the journey at the beginning of Naw-Ruz.
O ye who are firm in the Covenant! Jinab-i-Munadi-i-Haqq Mirza Munir has opened his tongue in praise and adorned his letter stating that these nine partners have exerted their utmost effort and prepared the means for travel so that I may hasten to the divine regions and raise the call of the Kingdom.
In accordance with your request, God willing, efforts will be made to depart for America in March, and at the time of departure a telegram will be sent to you either from Alexandria or Naples.
… I will depart directly from Alexandria to America and will not go to Europe.
As promised, God willing, I shall embark upon the steamer on March 25th and arrive in Naples at the end of March. We shall stay in Naples for several days and from there shall set out for New York.
Now a ship has been found to travel directly from Alexandria to Naples and from Naples to America, that I may see the faces of the friends and be gladdened by meeting the loved ones. But the ship departs from Alexandria on March 25th. God willing, we will arrive in New York around mid-April.
As for my journey to America, it will be on March 25th on the steamship Cedric, directly to Naples and from there to America.
O Sohrab-zadeh! It was written to you that on March 25th we will board the ship Cedric and hasten to America, and God willing we will attend the Ethical Society of New York and meet with Mr. Felix Adler.
Since I am departing for America in these two days, therefore there is no opportunity to write more than this.
'Abdu'l-Baha's desire from all is that they supplicate day and night at the threshold of the Abha Beauty and pray for my support and confirmation in this perilous journey, for the journey is long and this body has no endurance for the rolling of the sea and hardship of the desert.
At present, there is great commotion and excitement among the passengers on the ocean liner that these strangers are servants of the Threshold of Baha'u'llah and are traveling from East to West to convey the Cause and spread the teachings of Baha'u'llah.
Up to the present time no one has traveled, with a purpose like ours, from Persia to America. Some have made the journey but it was for their personal gain or for trivial motives. Ours may be said to be the first voyage of Easterners to America.
In any case, I had great longing to meet you. If this longing did not exist, the favor of the Blessed Beauty would not have encompassed me. Although when I boarded the ship in Alexandria I was not well at all.
O Amata'l-Baha! With utmost ease I arrived in New York.
O readers of the Spectator newspaper! 'Abdu'l-Baha traversed thousands of leagues and sailed across the great ocean until He reached the land of the free, the country of America.
Last year I went to Europe. After a few months I returned to Alexandria. When I was ready to start for America, many people advised me to go by the way of Europe and take the steamer Titanic, but I came directly on the steamer Cedric. Baha'u'llah was with us. We are always confident that he is with us, no matter where we are.
Before leaving Haifa I felt very ill, but as soon as I embarked on the sea of the service of the Cause of God I felt better. All of a sudden my health was restored to me; simply through the Confirmations of the Blessed Perfection. That was why I took my first journey to Europe. Then God assisted me to spread the Glad-tidings in those regions. Returning to Alexandria I stayed in Egypt for the winter and then started on the long voyage for America. We spent fifteen days on the sea and when we reached New York many meetings and Conferences were commenced by night and day.
[The Bishop said: "Up to this time no one has come from the East to the West with such power, such lucid teachings and such an exalted aim. Therefore I am very grateful to you and most pleased to have met you."]
Once, when I was on my way to speak in a church in New York city, a person from India, a man prominent in that city, met us accidentally. He was surprised and said to himself, 'I will go and see what all this is about.' He came to the church and saw me standing on the platform, proving the prophethood of his holiness the Messenger of God. Indeed, he became amazed. When we came out, his face was radiant beyond description.
So it was with us. We had not traveled before so when we started, we went on a long journey. Every day, we were in a town or a city. Indeed, the American cities are very large. I spoke of the validity of his holiness, Christ, and of the accepted Messenger (Mohammed) in most of the Christian churches and in the synagogues of the Jews.
Praise be to God, through the assistance and favor of Baha'u'llah, with the utmost power and strength during this journey the verses of divine unity were chanted in synagogues and great gatherings, and the call of the Cause of God spread throughout all the Western lands.
[After descending from the pulpit, they proceeded to a special room and we Iranians were also taken there - Mr. Aqa Mirza Asadu'llah Isfahani Tamaddun'ul-Mulk, Aqa Mirza Azizu'llah the Jewish tailor residing in Tehran, Aqa Lutfu'llah brother of Mirza Aristu, also Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan. Mr. Dreyfus was also present. Mr. Campbell, the church leader, was present in his official attire and was hosting the Master. A large book containing the Torah and Gospel was on the table. Mr. Campbell requested that something be inscribed in the blessed handwriting on the back of the book. Abdu'l-Baha asked for a pen and inscribed in the blessed handwriting:]
"This divine Holy Book is celestial revelation.
In New York, Denur, the manager of one of the hotels had become attracted [to the Cause] and, having attaining the presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha, implored the Master to stay at his hotel, even without payment. Because of his insistence and invitation, 'Abdu'l-Baha went. While there, a Catholic priest entered the premises and spoke in such way that caused the manager to have a change of heart. Thereupon the Master left the hotel and departed for Washington. [While there,] the Master spoke in churches and Jewish synagogues on the validity of Christ and Muhammad.
In Europe, in the great assemblies talks were given. I spoke to the eminent people.
… Did you ever see in America, in Washington, in the Churches and meetings that anyone rose to oppose me? It was in your house in Washington that there was a general meeting in the morning and one for the notables on the afternoon.
From the time that I entered America until I left no one criticized. His Holiness Christ said: "When you want to speak don't think, say that which comes into your heart and mind. I did so. I had no thought, and all that came to my mind I said.
Look at the history of the world and try to find a parallel instance in which a native of the East has come to the countries of the West, particularly America, and called out to them in the churches and meetings there, raised the divine call in many of the large cities and invited everyone to the Abha Kingdom, with no one taking exception.
Throughout many cities of America and Europe, in Churches and meetings with a loud voice I declared these Teachings and there was found not a single soul to contradict them."
I am engaged in teaching in New York churches. … No one objected, and the minister himself expressed endless gratitude and pleaded for another talk on a second occasion, but I apologized saying I was headed to Montclair....
O thou who art attracted with the fragrances of God! Today we returned from Boston to New York. In that city the Cause was most wonderfully spread.
While I was travelling in America whenever I entered a new city I looked around and said it to myself: 'Why am I here? What relation exists between me and the United States? This is made possible through the Bestowals of the Blessed Perfection. During my stay in Boston I delivered an address at the annual Banquet of the Unitarian Association where more than 800 Ministers were present.
Abdu'l-Baha: "See how much we have moved from one place to another. How far New York is from here: Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia, the many places we have visited. And now these ladies have come to invite me to come to California.
It was my hope to come to California and see the faces of the friends; but I regret that I am obliged to return to the Orient.
I had intended to depart for London at the beginning of October, but the friends in the cities of California, especially San Francisco, lamented and pleaded so much, and made such intense supplication, and your letter also arrived expressing infinite regret at their deprivation, that I have now decided to make a journey to California.
I hope to be in London at the beginning or end of November, and I am infinitely eager to see you.
Despite this, it is midnight and I have risen from my bed to write this letter. In the morning I am bound for Kenosha, and I am determined to go to California.
Now I am in San Francisco and have not a moment's rest day or night - in brief, it is resurrection!
I have come a long distance to see you; I have traveled 12,000 miles.
It is now over menthe seven and a half months - that I have been here, and it is two years since I left the Holy Land, leaving all my concerns there to come here, as I longed to see the Friends of God.
'Abdu'l-Baha:
"Very good. I want you to write this exactly, to the believers, giving the details. Tell them I have many letters from the Orient--all stating that the believers in the Orient have travelled long distances and they are disappointed that I am not there. They are constantly coming there from afar. From great distances to see me. They feel disappointed and very sad. The believers in the Northwest will realize greater development if they sacrifice themselves to have me go to those pilgrims.
O how we miss you, O how we miss you!
In short, the journey has reached its end and the dawn of return has broken, for we have reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond this are the Hawaiian Islands and the countries of China and Japan. The distance is great, strength and power have reached their limit. Now we must turn toward the Center of the Sun of Truth and hasten to the Holy Shrine, that I may lay my face upon its dust and make my hair fragrant and perfumed.
We traveled straight through from California to Denver over three days and nights in perfect comfort and joy. At first it was not thought that my constitution could endure this fatigue and length of journey."
Now we are traveling from California to Chicago. Praise be to God that this journey has passed most pleasantly. At the time of leaving Haifa, I had several ailments and did not expect to cross oceans and plains with such ease and comfort and to make such a long journey.
We will arrive in New York Monday Night. The time for sail is not yet set.
Then it becomes clear what importance this journey will acquire - that we raised the call of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha in the great churches and major assemblies, and with eloquent speech and perfect proof gave the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of God and explained the teachings of the Blessed Beauty.
I have been in America where I have travelled through many large cities and spoke in many churches. After nearly 8 months, returning from California to N.Y. I sailed for Liverpool. Then London, Bristol, Edingburgh, Paris, Stuttgart, Morgentheim, Budapest and now in your delightful city.
But alas, the appointed time of arrival is the fourth of the month, while this yearning one will be departing for Paris on the morning of the third month, as some respected individuals have extended invitations and I have made promises, and breaking promises is wrong.
My dear loving friend,
Now as I write this letter, I have been at Mr. Hoyt's house in Edinburgh for two days. I am in good health and well-being and thinking of you. In two days, that is on January 10th, I will be in London. Yesterday I attended a gathering of university students where meetings were held, and last night in the large Esperanto hall nearly a thousand people were present and I spoke. Today in the afternoon I will attend a large gathering and will spend the evening with the governor and ruler and several notables, and tomorrow with the suffragettes.
Dear kind friend, tomorrow we are departing for Scotland but my health is not good at all. … We will be in Paris on the twentieth or twenty-first of the month....
In London there is absolutely no time to write due to the crowds.
O loving friends and handmaidens of the All-Merciful! I am now engaged in writing this brief letter in Paris.
In any case, I am in Paris.
We have reached Paris. Greetings to all. Any Persian, be he my own son or daughter, if he comes to America without having a new permission written in my own handwiting or signature, do not meet him at all. Inform all cities.
It is morning, and in Paris I have begun reading this precious letter, but alas, I have no opportunity to write a reply.
Its contents brought spirit and fragrance and demonstrated the firmness of the friends in the Covenant of 'Abdu'l-Baha. For two and a half years He has been wandering through mountains and deserts, lost in plains and seas, each day in a different city and each evening in a different land, until now He has arrived in Paris and has become the companion and associate of the friends, of Jinab-i-Amin and his esteemed son.
O Amin! Praise be to God that you traversed this vast distance to become an intimate companion in London and Paris.
This trip to Paris was just for your sake. I am longing very much to see you. God willing, I shall come to Stuttgart. However, I will not stay more than two nights and this is according to the requirement of wisdom.
Thou wishest that I would come to Germany. I hope that God will permit it.
O servant of the Threshold of Baha! We are unable to leave Paris by any means. There is wisdom in this which will become apparent later. Journeys were made to the regions of Hungary, Vienna and Germany which yielded divine results....
While in Europe one day we were in London and another in Edinburgh; now in Paris and anon in Stuttgart; once in Budapest and again in Vienna. We were almost every hour in one place, delivering lengthy speeches and addresses and notwithstanding the indisposition of the body day and night I cried and raised my voice in large meetings and important Churches...
I have been travelling for two and a half years. Nowhere was I ill except here, where due to illness I had to stay a long time. If I had not become ill, I would not have stayed in Paris more than a month.
While I was travelling in Germany I passed by Baden-Baden and although the friends persisted that I should go and take baths, but I could not comply with their wish. In Stuttgart Consul Schwarz invited me to Morgentheim which is an excellent resort for taking baths for various kinds of ills.
I traveled in many countries. I went to the world's most famous climates, such as Dublin, New Hampshire, the summer resort of Washington's government officials and statesmen. … Also, we went to Denver, Colorado. … Again, we were in Switzerland, which is far famed, and in the summer people from all regions go there.
In this vast region we are wandering and roaming - each day in a different city, each hour in a different place.
O scion of the blessed Tree! We are on a journey, we are in haste. Each morning we are in one country, each evening we are wanderers.
As the express train speeded over vast stretches of land and traversed long distances, thus joining together the remotest parts, therefore I became the associate and the confident participator of every meeting and sang and chanted the praises of the Lord in every assembly.
O dear friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! For three years, like a bird without nest or shelter, I have wandered through mountains and deserts, lost in plains and wilderness. Not for a moment did I rest, nor tarry in any place. I was constantly traveling and in motion.
O luminous friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! For three years I have been wandering like the desert wind through vast wilderness, and in the mountains like birds without nest or shelter, journeying day and night. At times I traverse stormy seas, and at times witness the expanse of the desert plains. Not for a moment have I rested, nor sought repose for an instant. In all the cities of the West, I gave glad tidings of the appearance of the Sun of the East.
For a time, I was like birds without nest or shelter, wandering in distant climes - sometimes on mountain peaks and hills, sometimes in the depths of valleys and deserts, moving about with a weak constitution. Despite this, I traveled from shore to shore throughout the countries of America and Europe, and despite frailty and weakness, attended most gatherings and assemblies where, with inadequate speech, I proclaimed the Manifestation of the One Who appeared on Sinai and explained in detail the teachings of the Beloved.
Throughout this period of wandering and homelessness, the cry of this helpless bird reached the height of heaven, while the call of 'Ya Baha'u'l-Abha!' thrilled the ears of the world's people.
When he was freed from bonds and prison, he hastened involuntarily to every region, raised a cry in every quarter, conversed with every well-disposed person, burst into song and melody in every meadow, and like unto the nightingale raised high the anthem of Ya Baha'ul-Abha, and in every gathering struck the note of Ya Ali'ul-A'la. He traveled throughout all the Western lands and raised his call....
Although five years ago, due to severe hardships, my physical frame could not endure and various illnesses befell me, yet for four years 'Abdu'l-Baha wandered through mountains and deserts, lost in wilderness and seas, and throughout all the western countries gave the glad-tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of God.
'Abdu'l-Baha, while afflicted with three illnesses, suddenly left Haifa and has been continuously traveling for three years.
At such a time, it was observed that before death and passing occur, a sacrificial movement must be made. Until now, general teaching had not been done in Western lands. So despite that illness and affliction, suddenly departing from Haifa to sea and heading to desert and mountain and wilderness, he went to all the Western countries. And in a state of severe nervous illness and chest ailments in cold weather, from morning until midnight in gatherings and assemblies he called out and delivered the call of the Kingdom to all ears.
This is why 'Abdu'l-Baha abandoned all important matters in the Holy Land and hastened to the furthest countries of the world despite illness and extreme weakness.
Despite physical weakness and the onset of illness, while suffering from three diseases, 'Abdu'l-Baha traveled from the Holy Land to Africa, Europe and America. For four years, despite physical frailty, he taught in great gatherings and mighty assemblies, crying out loudly.
For three years, despite weakness, I traveled throughout all regions, traversed East and West, and in every temple cried out and in every gathering raised lamentation. I explained the harms of war and expounded the benefits of universal peace.
I renounced all peace, tranquility and rest in this Luminous Spot, and, notwithstanding my advanced age, left behind my kindred and traversed both land and sea, to lift up my voice in the vast assemblies and gatherings of both Europe and the Americas, and to address mankind from the depth of my being, calling aloud and saying:
'O ye men of insight! O ye exponents of learning!
My object in taking that long journey through the West- was to awaken them out of this sleep; that they may not grovel all the time in the world of matter and that they may not only think of eating and drinking.
In this year, calamities and the blow of economic depression and corruption have encompassed all horizons, for the proof has been completed for all: 'Abdu'l-Baha, in churches and gatherings throughout Europe and America, in most great cities, proclaimed the Cause of Baha'u'llah with raised voice and called to the Abha Kingdom. He established brilliant proofs and manifested clear and evident demonstrations and conclusive arguments, leaving no excuse for anyone.
Abdul-Baha in successive years traveled to all parts of the West and proclaimed the Cause of God with raised voice in all gatherings and assemblies.
I am in Europe and have no rest day or night, hoping that I may draw a breath in servitude at the Sacred Threshold and take a step on the path of self-effacement and nothingness.
Consider how 'Abdu'l-Baha forgot all thoughts and mentions and turned His face toward the countries and empires, cities and villages, mountains and deserts of the West. Day and night He was engaged in teaching the Cause and conveying the Message.
Less than a year 'Abdu'l-Baha raised the cry of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" from his heart and soul as he crossed the mountains and deserts of that continent and in churches and meetings he imparted the glad-tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of God.
Less than a year Abdul Baha traveled through the cities of America and crossed its deserts and from his heart and soul he raised the cry of Ya Baha El Abha; in gatherings and churches he gave the Glad-Tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of God; vociferously he imparted the news of the dawn of the Sun of Reality; he explained divine Proofs and Evidences and with a spirit and mind overflowing with the Love of God He sung the New Melody.
For four years in the Western clime, I raised my voice and cry in all gatherings and churches, and called to the Kingdom of God. The capacity of the Western people attracted my heart, otherwise it would not have been possible.
However, this second journey cannot be compared to the first journey, for America cannot be compared to Europe. It is another world, with different people and different capacities. Therefore, 'Abdu'l-Baha found a vast arena and saw an expansive field.
Now the friends of God must adopt the manner and conduct of 'Abdu'l-Baha and strive day and night to teach the Cause of God, but in the way that 'Abdu'l-Baha did in America.
When I went to Europe, I had never given a speech before, for it is not customary in the East, yet I plunged into speaking. It was like someone who had never studied or heard music, nor even hummed a tune, being told to sing any melody.
'Abdu'l-Baha stated,
When I went to America, My fatigue was of such a degree that My voice could not reach more than a few meters. Of necessity, in gatherings of four or five thousands souls, I would first concentrate on the Blessed Beauty and then begin speaking.
When travelling in America and Europe, on many occasion[s] I did not have the power of uttering one word but before entering the meeting I begged Baha'u'llah to reinforce me and then walked in and commenced to speak for one or two hours.
When I entered a convention or a meeting I saw with my own eyes the confirmations of the Holy Spirit hovering like white-plumaged birds over my head and the Kingdom of existence with all its mighty forces coming to my assistance. All the days and nights were spent for the Cause and all the conversations and talks revolved around the Cause.
Were it not for His confirmations, in the Western countries no one would have paid even the slightest attention to me.
God guided my steps to that country and I was engaged in His Service.
This is why I abandoned every task, every thought, every mention, every imagination, and for three and a half years I went through deserts, mountains, valleys, cities and countries, raising my voice and crying out.
… Like the sun in the second year after the Ascension, I wrote a letter to one of the friends which included this verse: "O Abbas, mounted alone, charge into the ranks of the world!" In brief, I went to those regions and saw that I was moving alone among their temples, gatherings, assemblies and churches, but I was supported by hosts that you cannot see.
This journey to America was very arduous and lasted several years. Every day we were moving from place to place, but divine confirmations and power were clear and evident.
Finally, trusting and relying upon God, he hastened to the Western lands and through the assistance and favor of the Blessed Beauty (may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of His threshold), some relief came in the weakness and frailty - that is, some of those ailments disappeared.
What a wonderful time we had in America, all spent in the service of the Cause and every minute of it filled with delight and high spirits. How much better it would have been if we had not returned here, had stayed there serving the Faith of God and day and night raising the cry of the divine Kingdom.
The days I spent with you were spiritual and luminous.
For some time I was in the Western countries, passing like a breeze each day over a different region. In all places and occasions, I remembered the friends of the East, and every moment my soul was stirred with longing and constant yearning, wondering how I had become separated from those longtime friends.
During the journey to America, my thoughts were constantly with the Holy Shrine, and I would recite this verse of Sa'di: ("O Ka'bah of my heart's desire, how distant art thou! How many mountains, deserts and seas lie between!") meaning the day would come when we would reach the Holy Shrine. From there to the Holy Shrine is a complete arc of the globe.
We traveled extensively throughout America. Three times to Chicago, four times to Boston, four times to Washington. It was a good journey and will have tremendous effects. The Call of God reached the ears of all manner of people.
In Paris and London, numerous journalists and newspaper people insisted greatly on taking photographs, but this servant did not consent.
But when I went to London I realized how impossible it was to ward off the professional photographs.
In my journey to America, I never spoke of her [Mrs. Hearst], and when others spoke of her, I maintained silence so that no one would think that we had an eye on her money. Upon arrival in California, Goodall and Cooper asked that I meet with her [Mrs. Hearst].
So far, very few people have lived according to this behest, but it is my will to live accordingly. Before coming to America, the believers of God, through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, offered for my traveling expenses 16,000 dollars, but I did not accept one cent.
When friends in the West wished to make contributions, whether small or large, towards these expenses, they were absolutely refused.
… Nevertheless, in view of an all-encompassing wisdom, we have kept this matter silent in the West, and if anyone wished to present something, we did not accept it, except in the beginning from one or two individuals for charitable expenses.
As the journey to America lies ahead with an accompanying group and endless expenses - that is, costly - though the expenses were kept with utmost frugality as you observed in Alexandria. In Paris, in one day the cost reached six hundred liras, but the expenses for all of us, that is with companions, despite Paris being expensive, was half a lira, and so forth. From America they sent three thousand and some pounds for travel expenses, but it was not entirely accepted and was returned. The intention is that even hospitality should not be accepted, and in this there is complete wisdom.
...Should people enquire about My whereabouts, tell them that certain prominent Americans and Europeans have repeatedly sought and received promises that I would make a trip to those areas . . . be evasive as much as possible . . . The less said the better it would be. Tell Dr. Fallscheer also not to divulge the truth, and thou shouldst not divulge either as far as possible....
Therefore Abdu'l-Baha immediately engaged upon answering the letter, because in Europe there was scarcely time to breathe, let alone to write. During the journey, I asked the friends' forgiveness that they may allow me a few months' respite and excuse me from answering letters.
This servant is about to depart for the region of Europe, therefore time is short.
… Now it is being sent from London. Consider how little time there was then, and now it is ten times less, for from morning until midnight there are gatherings for teaching, even priests are present in the meetings and in the churches the cry of 'Abdu'l-Baha is raised and the people are astonished.
From the day I arrived in the Western countries until now, I have absolutely not found the opportunity to write replies to the letters of the friends, as I am occupied.
O attracted handmaiden of God!
Regarding correspondence during this period, there was a delay due to extensive travel, day and night conversations, and engagement in teaching in public gatherings.
Due to bodily infirmity, the difficulties of traveling over seas and lands, lack of rest, striving and exerting day and night, delivering long addresses in different cities, and answering the varied, intricate questions of people, 'Abdu'l-Baha has not been able to answer it.
Due to the length of travel by sea and land, the great hardships day and night, lack of rest and sleep, and detailed addresses in public gatherings, physical weakness and exhaustion resulted. From sunrise until midnight in America there were either questions and answers or talks and addresses.
The long journey over sea and land, the innumerable difficulties in the morn and eve, the lack of rest and sleeplessness, the delivery of detailed addresses in public congregations, the meeting of the people from sunrise to midnight in America, answering countless questions and withstanding the hardship of the trip, the different kinds of weather etc have put their impressions on this earthly constitution and the result is great weakness.
O thou my daughter in the Kingdom!
From the day of leaving Montreal until now I have not rested nor reposed for a moment. From morn until midnight I was engaged in heralding the Kingdom, and in numerous assemblages and meetings, even in the Jewish Temple, I raised the call proclaiming the Revelation of the Kingdom. Many a night I did not sleep, and on many a day, like unto a surging sea, I was in the utmost state of agitation.
Yesterday extensive talks were given in two great churches and at the general meeting of the friends, and private meetings were held with some individuals. Consider that despite this we were guests day and night. Last night I reached home at midnight and had no opportunity to change clothes - I slept in my clothes.
The reason was fatigue from travel and extreme exhaustion and physical ailments which still persist, for I was continuously traveling for four years without any rest. Anyone else in my place would have been completely worn down to skin and bones.
From this three-year journey and endless hardships and difficulties, Abdul-Baha's physical powers have been completely depleted - it is as if the limbs have fallen apart from each other.
But I swear by your precious life that this ailing body is extremely weak, and skilled physicians in Paris strongly warned against writing and speaking, saying that due to the intensity of mental occupations and constant writing and detailed speeches, physical powers have completely dissolved, the vessels and nerves have become so tired and weak that they cannot bear to hear even one word, let alone write and speak.
I stayed in these parts for several days, because from the length of travel and storms at sea and different climates of mountain and desert in America, and journeys in European lands - one day in London, another time in Paris, days in Germany, periods in Vienna, days in Bucharest, every hour in a different place - and continuously giving talks and addresses, despite poor health, engaged night and day in proclamation and outcry in great gatherings and grand churches, therefore this earthly frame could not withstand these endless hardships and became ill and weak.
After three years of travel in the western regions and traversing twelve astronomical hours, I returned to the East, but illnesses so overtook me that life was in danger.
After my return from America and Europe, owing to the difficulties of the long voyage and the innumerable inconveniences of the journey, a reaction set in and I became sick.
The reaction of this long journey has had terrible effect upon my weakened constitution and I cannot work as vigorously as I used to in my youth.
For some time, due to the hardships of travel in the West and enduring trying conditions, the body was in danger, but now praise be to God, through the grace and favor of the Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones, comfort and healing were immediately obtained.
'Abdu'l-Baha's limbs are exhausted from the fatigue of this Western journey. In these few days some improvement has occurred, therefore He has undertaken to write this letter, but an extensive and detailed one is not possible.
When I was in America I was most busy. Often I addressed three meetings in a day and gave innumerable interviews from early morning till midnight. In Europe I spread certain divine Teachings which will insure security to the human world and taught them that the foundation of the religions of God is one and the same. Now I have returned to Egypt in order to rest from the effect of this arduous journey and while I am here correspondence is uninterrupted [sic] with all parts of the West.
Before leaving for America I wrote to them that during my journey they must excuse me from any letter-writing, that after my return I will write to them as of old and now I am fulfilling my promise"
When we left I ventured to say that many petitions from America and Europe are accumulated that invite his attention.
Despite lack of time, I write briefly that for two and a half years we have been wandering through mountains and deserts, lost in plains and seas. The journey was very long but praise be to God it ended in Paris, and from here we will move eastward.
But soon He will hasten to Europe and from there sail to the Holy Land and make up for what was missed.
After a period of travelling through mountain and desert, and voyaging over ocean and sea, I have returned from the West to the East, and have entered into the ancient land of Joseph the Canaanite.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! From my journey to America and Europe, I hastened toward Africa, and now in Port Said I have undertaken to write this letter.
I arrived in Port Said and under the protection of Baha'u'llah, I forgot every hardship that I endured.
O 'Amin ['Trustworthy One'] of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Again we have come, again we have come! From the lands of Europe we have come.
O branch of the Blessed Tree! We have again returned from the West to the East that we might attain the sacred threshold of the two blessed Shrines.
O two Afnans of the Blessed Tree! Praise be to God, after three years of travel in the vast countries of America and Europe, I have returned again to the East and have begun writing, though there is not yet proper opportunity.
O ye kind friends! When I returned from the Western regions to the Eastern clime, I met the Zoroastrian Believers.
After the end of three years, again I return to the Holy Land. Were it not for the assistance and protection of the Blessed Beauty (Baha'u'llah) I would never have had any hope of returning from such a long journey. I went as far as Los Angeles, which is situated on the western coast of America and directly opposite the land of Acca.
Praise be to God, I arrived safely in the East and found the hearts of the friends illumined with the lights of the Kingdom. … Therefore, as long as there is life in his body, 'Abdu'l-Baha will travel and call to the Kingdom of God, and even when at home will not rest for a moment but will strive with his whole being so that this lifeless body of humanity may attain eternal life.
I have requested him to journey to those regions so that he may inform 'Abdu'l-Baha of the momentous events of this Western journey.
During the first journey to Europe no one was thinking to do this work. Now and then Mirza Bager Khan, who was a member of our party, wrote down a few addresses and dates, but no systematic attempt was made in this direction.
Extract from letter written by Mabel McCoy Irwin to Mrs. I. D. B giving an account of her visit to Abdul Baha while he was in London, Eng., September 18, 1911.
[As soon as the Master left America now and then, letters were received that some of the believers thought and felt that the activities of the Persian American Educational Society in Washington are against the desire and consent of the Beloved. The contents of these letters were presented to him and in several instances answers were received and forwarded to America. I have refrained up to this time to mention anything in my diary in regard to this matter, because having rendered some slight service to this Society personally, the friends may have thought that I have some personal aim to further or cherish. But I believe now the time has come for the removal of this wrong feeling from amongst the friends. This morning two other such letters were received by the Master. The Beloved was very much affected and told me emphatically to write to the Secretary of the Society to contradict such erroneous feeling:]
"It is strange," he said, "that the people put aside my many Tablets written on this matter and go by their own feelings.
During this journey to America, certain souls showed humility and companionship, compared to whom people like Brown are not worth mentioning.
In these days when 'Abdu'l-Baha has hastened to the land of the Moon of Canaan, it has caused the agitation of the enemies, for they are certain that inevitably from this journey results and fruits will be obtained.
O enkindled light of love! Your letter indicated that 'Abdu'l-Baha's call in Paris awakened you.
It is now evident that the journey of 'Abdu'l-Baha to Los Angeles has brought forth very important results; the believers have obtained joy and happiness, gained exhilaration and exultation and with hearts intoxicated with the wine of the Love of God are delivering eloquent speeches in the meetings and are guiding the people to His Highness the Promised One, saying: "Praise be to God He hath appeared with a luminous Countenance.
Thou hast written regarding the results of my trip to America. Its importance is not now manifest. Ere long you shall behold that these pure seeds have grown and how adorned the green meadow and verdant rose-garden.
Then she asked:- "Will the Master visit again America?"
"If much results are witnessed as the outcome of the first trip; if many harvests are gathered after the first sowing of the seeds, then God willing I will go."
'Abdu'l-Baha: "We will see what God wants. If America becomes illumined, its illumination, like a magnet, will draw me there. If America will become the America I want it to become, I will surely come and I will go to all parts, to every state."
When the service which is our (present) purpose is realized for the Kingdom of God, perhaps we shall journey to other parts.
If the beloved of God in all America strive for unity and harmony, attain perfect love and accord, and act according to the divine teachings and the precepts of the Blessed Perfection, this will prove a magnet attracting 'Abdu'l-Baha, so that, perchance, he may journey to America.
Therefore pray thou that harmony may be created so that your country may find the capacity for the Presence of Abdul-Baha. I have the utmost yearning to meet all of you; but unless the conditions which have been previously mentioned are realized, my trip to those parts would be difficult, for it would produce no results.
O thou real beloved!
The letter which thou hast written in regard to the happiness and joy, beatitude and rejoicing of the American believers concerning the trip of Abdul-Baha to the country of Joseph of Canaan, and likewise their expectation of my going to America was perused. However, the latter event is depended upon several conditions which are already explained in a former Tablet.
Regarding my coming to America, you wrote that the friends have prepared places for my arrival. … Whenever a fragrant breeze reaches Our nostrils, surely the journey will be undertaken.
Thou hast invited me to America saying that in that region and in that country there are many fragrant and multicolored flowers, likewise there are thorns and thistles but Abdul-Baha should not look upon the thistles of the desert.
… I have the utmost longing to meet all of you but unless the conditions which have been previously mentioned are realized my trip to those parts would be difficult for it would not produce any results.
If such a delicious, sweet and pleasant feast is prepared and arranged, surely Abdul-Baha will fly to America to partake of that feast.
As regards the second trip of Abdul Baha to America, if the believers of God be enkindled and attracted in a superlative degree, perchance this object will be again obtained.
This morning 'Abdul-Baha spoke about America and the probability of His return to that country. He said, "God willing! If I go to America another time I will go differently; but it is very difficult. This first trip was also made with great exertion."
I asked, "Would it be possible for the Master to once more bless the western world with His footsteps?"
He replied, "Europe is far. I wish to go to Jerusalem and Medina since these cities are near."
And when the intended service to the divine Kingdom is accomplished, travel to other regions may occur.
You observed what a great commotion arose in Europe. … However, 'Abdu'l-Baha, despite weakness and having no belongings or fame, entered those regions.
O servant of the True Beauty! At this moment in the city of Malden, America, I have engaged in mentioning that Kind Friend.
… In any case, in this perilous journey the prayers of the divine friends are necessary, that we may be like racing steeds running side by side - otherwise the task is difficult.
Will you ever return to America again?
Answer by Abdul Baha:
It is in God's hands. Pray for me to return and say: "O Baha'u'llah! Confirm Abdul Baha in the Cause of God. Confirm him in the servitude of God in the East, so that he may not spend all of his time in the Orient, that he may return to America and occupy his time in the Western world."
Now is the time that thou mayst go to America and exert in the promotion of the Cause of God and the exaltation of the Word of God and [self-sacrifice] in the Path of God."
While in America I strove day and night to prepare a few, holy sanctified souls to take up the burden of the Cause after my departure.
The mature wisdom requires this. I must go everywhere and raise the call of the Kingdom. As the days of my life are limited in this world, I must perfect my services; I must go everywhere and raise the summons of the Kingdom!
As to the second point--I am going to take a long journey and at that time my spirit will rest."
For thought and discussion