April 28, 1912 Beyond the world of words

Departure for Chicago; Assurance of a condition beyond "the world of words"
`Abdu'l-Bahá left for Chicago (and then would travel to Cleveland and Pittsburg before returning to Washington D.C. on May 8).  I have the feeling that not only was it special to have the Parsons' home a kind of "home base," but that He had made so many connections in Washington that He looked forward to coming back. His conversations, as noted below by Mahmud, assured some of the friends that "all created things are interlinked" and that when hearts are connected, "bodily separation is not important; this condition is beyond the world of words and above all description."
Ah, for a dose of that at the current time! In this world where things are moving so quickly, it seems that we rarely have time for losing ourselves in the sea of oneness.  Yet it is fully possible, in any moment!  I must pray for that. 
For now, I'm going to include Mahmud's diary entry. I hope that tomorrow I can pick up the thread of Louis Gregory in D.C.--as I am guilty of not yet tackling that essential subject. 
Sunday, April 28, 1912
[Washington DC, en route to Chicago]

The Master prepared to leave for Chicago. Among those who came to see Him was the ambassador of Great Britain [a note clarifies that it was Edward Alfred Mitchell, not the ambassador but an employee of the British Embassy in Washington--AP], who was very humble and reverent while in His presence. Many friends, believers and seekers were with `Abdu'l-Bahá until His departure at 5:30 p.m. As He was leaving He said to Mrs Parsons:

This was the springtime; we had good meetings at your home; I shall never forget them. I shall pray for divine confirmation for you that you may be assisted both materially and spiritually. This material world has an outward appearance, as it has also an inner reality. All created things are interlinked in a chain leading to spirituality and ultimately ending in abstract realities. I hope that these spiritual links will become stronger day by day and that this communication of hearts, which is termed inspiration, will continue. When this connection exists, bodily separation is not important; this condition is beyond the world of words and above all description.

To others He said, `I hope these meetings of ours will bring forth everlasting results. The greatest of all benefits is the oneness of humanity and universal peace.'

Some friends came to the railway station to see `Abdu'l-Bahá off and to gaze once more at the Master's beautiful countenance [Agnes Parsons, Dr. Farid, Turkish ambassador and his son, Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Breed Khan, Mirza Sohrab, Charles Mason Remey, Mrs. Belmont, and Leona Barnitz--AP]. Some were to accompany Him to Chicago. Among them was Mrs Moss, a stenographer, who had requested a Persian name and was given the name Marzieh Khánum.

After crossing the Potomac River, the train entered the state of Virginia, which is exceedingly fertile and green. The scenery on both sides was charming, with a verdant expanse of land as far as the eye could see. `Abdu'l-Bahá praised the scenery and said it was most beautiful but His face showed signs of an inner sorrow. After a few minutes He said, `Whenever I see such scenes, I feel great sorrow, for the Blessed Beauty liked verdure and greenery very much. God shall never pardon those who imprisoned Him in that place.' 

The conversation then turned to the train. The Master praised the sleeping car room, the cleanliness of the compartments and the electric lights in them; however, owing to the speed of the train, the Master was not able to sleep.
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 ah! These journeys.  Later He will have some altitude sickness, on the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs.  I don't think we can appreciate how hard some of the travels were.

Often, when 'Abdu'l-Baha sees the countryside, He thinks of Baha'u'llah's deprivation. . . .

Becky Hillman (right)

Quite amazingly, I am in Chicago/Wilmette during this time of His travel.  The Temple will be the focus of the large commemorative event tonight!  I have costumed 35 members of the choir--that is my role here.  It was such fun to see some of the delegates and other friends!  But I am exhausted, having stayed up late last night and taken an early flight. . . . Better to empathize with the Master!

Some shots from Van Gilmer's basement, where I spent the evening costuming 35 choir members,  one at a time, with the help of Becky Hillman.  Everyone will look great at the commemorative event!