Who was `Abdu'l-Bahá, and why did He come to the West?


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

July 24, 1912 Enchanted and in ecstasy


Boston: Beauty of Perfection; Universal Language; East and West; Immortality; Spiritual Ecstasy
Mahmud writes: "From 8:00 a.m. until noon, the Master spoke to friends and seekers who came to visit. Newspapers carrying accounts of the previous day's meeting were brought to Him. Both His talk and the questions and answers were published.
In the afternoon He gave a public address about those deeds which bring about the beauty of perfection in this contingent world.
He was invited later to the Golden Links Club where He was asked whether Arabic might become the universal language. He said that it would not. He was then asked about Esperanto. He replied:
A few weeks ago, I wrote a letter from New York to one of the promoters of Esperanto telling him that this language could become universal if a council of delegates chosen from among the nations and rulers were established which would discuss Esperanto and consider the means to promote it.
He gave a public address on the subject of the relationship between the East and the West. The president of the club and its members were enchanted and reverently and humbly bid Him farewell. Some even continued to listen to His explanations in the automobile as it traveled for one and a half hours through parks, gardens and green fields, all beautifully landscaped. When He reached the hotel, He found another group waiting. After greeting the members of the Bahá'í Assembly, He spoke with the group at length.
Later that day the president of the Boston Theosophical Society invited the Master to speak to his association that evening. Although He was tired, seeing that the meeting place was not too far away, He accepted and gave a detailed and comprehensive talk on the immortality of the spirit of man. When the meeting ended, the people ran to the door to shake hands with the Master and to express their joy and devotion. Some were in ecstasy."

It seems that we need more spiritual ecstasy in our lives now!  Oh, to shake hands with the Master and feel that divine current!

Today (in 1912) was a day of great talks--and I am re-realizing the importance of studying the talks. 

I did a search for the "Golden Links Club" but couldn't find anything definitive about it. Apparently it still exists in various places (?) and is sometimes associated with senior groups--but I really don't have a clue about its focus. Sounds interesting, though!

Boston still has a Theosophical Society--see http://www.tsboston.org/

A Boston map from 1912 can be obtained at: http://www.historicmapworks.com/Atlas/US/6707/Boston%201912%20Charlestown%20and%20East%20Boston/

1 comment:

  1. We are waiting with hearts full of love and impatience, for the arrival of the Master. He will be here tomorrow - oh joy! Tomorrow we start our daily devotions at 12:30, here at the Dublin Inn, one gathering for each day the Abdu'l-Baha was among us in Dublin. We have trees that are over 100 years old on the Inn property. Could He have said prayers under those trees? Thank you Anne for this beautiful journey. I've never felt so close to Abdu'l-Baha as I do following Him day by day. Bless you for your wonderful work! Ruthie Gammons

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