Washington D.C. Dignitaries . . . Effusive remarks about the Master . . . Unity of East and West
Today, in 1912, according to Mahmud,
"There was a special meeting for the Theosophists in the morning. The
Master spoke on the distinction and superiority of human beings to the
rest of creation, the various faculties of the soul, the unity of God,
the need for spiritual progress and divine civilization. There were many
guests and after the Master's talk some went into a private room to ask
Him personal questions. Another meeting was held in the afternoon at
the Master's residence. As with the other meetings, it was attended by
the public. The living room on the ground floor was filled to capacity.
`Abdu'l-Bahá spoke on the importance and necessity of spiritual
teachings and their renewal in every age. He also discussed the
principles of this great Cause. After the talk, many received permission
to ask Him questions in an adjoining room. Most of them first
apologized, aware that He was extremely tired, but said that just being
in His presence was for them their greatest joy and that to listen to
Him was a source of happiness and honor.
"Today
the Master said to Mrs Parsons: 'Such a traveler and guest is the cause
of much bother. You need to leave the house and run away. The usual
guest in a city meets certain people at specific times but you have had
to host the public from morning until evening.'
"In the evening the Turkish Ambassador, his honor Díyá Páshá,
invited the Master to a royal feast. Most of us were also invited, as
were many dignitaries, all of whom were dressed in formal attire. The
Master gave a short talk at the table with the utmost majesty and beauty
on the subject of the influence of the words of the Manifestations of
God and their all-conquering power. The Ambassador then read from a
prepared statement written in praise of the Master and presented it to
Him:
'The
light of His honor's quality and knowledge in this new land and new
world is now shining upon all peoples, showering them with His
encouragement and enlightenment. He has suffered and sacrificed
everything for the purpose of disseminating good qualities for humanity.
He has now honored us by His presence. His Honor, `Abdu'l-Bahá, is
unique in our age and is highly esteemed and treasured by all of us.
With prayer to the Lord of the worlds, I wish Him a long life and good
health. Díyá Páshá'
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| Turkish Ambassador
"When the Ambassador completed his statement, the Master spoke: 'This
night is a very blessed night, worthy of the utmost praise and joy for
many reasons. First, praise be to God, we are in a country which is
famous for its prosperity and freedom. Second, we are in a house which
is connected to the great Ottoman Power. Third, we are the guests of His
Excellency the Ambassador who shines like the sun in the world of
morality. Fourth, this meeting provides a tangible demonstration of the
love and unity that is possible between the East and the West.
|
'His
Excellency the Ambassador is from the East, while his wife is an
American. Similarly, His Excellency the Ambassador of Persia is from the
nobility of the Orient, while his wife is also an American. This is a
proof that the Orient and Occident can meet, love and unite. The
greatest wish of people of thought and broad vision and
sound understanding is the oneness and unity of humanity. . . . I thank
His Excellency the Ambassador who brought about this meeting of people
of different nationalities in his home. Such meetings, in truth, deserve
much praise and commendation.'
"At
the close of the meeting the Ambassador again arose to show his respect
and appreciation. He accompanied the Master to His carriage with the
utmost humility and esteem.
"During
these days, many dignitaries and important people visited the Master.
Even President [Theodore] Roosevelt came, with humility and respect,
especially to see the Master."
__________________________
Some scholars
are dubious about this meeting--as only Mahmud mentions it. Yes, Zia
Baghdadi wrote a report for Star of the West. Yes, Shoghi Effendi
mentions "Roosevelt" (no first name) among the people who met the
Master. These are based on Mahmud's report. But, Roosevelt's records
indicate he wasn't in DC on that day. Maybe Mahmud's date is just off.
If only Agnes had noted it! But she was so used to being in the company
of people such as Roosevelt.
Roosevelt! He chose Portsmouth, NH, across the river from Green Acre,
as the place where the 1905 peace treaty between Japan and Russia took
place and later would receive a Nobel peace prize for his role in the
treaty. To think of him coming to meet `Abdu'l-Bahá! I choose to believe they did meet.
Duane Troxel sent me the book by Elbert Hubbard, "Hollyhocks and Golden
Glow," which has a chapter on the Master. Published in 1912, it is
effusive (and sometimes inaccurate). I'll quote a bit from it:
 |
| Elbert Hubbard |
"This man is the modern Messiah. He comes to the Western world on a distinct mission, and no one who meets him can doubt his sincerity. The message he brings is the unification of the East and West in the bonds of brotherly love, mutual aid, reciprocity and an understanding which means peace on earth and good-will toward men. It presages a worldwide upspringing of vital religion. . . .
"America has never produced a religious leader with the zeal and health and insight and patience and intellectual reach of this man Abdul Baha-save with one exception, and that was a woman. [One wonders whom he refers to here. Perhaps Mary Baker Eddy? AP]. . . . The man is regal
in his way of living and in his mental attitude. He travels with a
retinue of servants, secretaries and followers, all caftan-robed.
Evidently, he is well supplied with money. He has everything he needs and wants. Wherever he goes he rides in automobiles and stops at the best hotels. He is in touch with big people, and meets all classes and kinds of people on an equality. Let him visit any bank, factory, office-building, church, and everything is laid aside and eyes bulge and ears listen until he takes his departure. [Don't you love this reference to eyes bulging? AP] When
he went to Washington and swept through the Capitol, even the Supreme
Court of the United States saw fit to adjourn;
the House the same; and the Senate--for a while, at least--forgot matters of investigation. [Fallacies: This is where Allan Ward got his information, which he then published erroneously in 239 Days—AP]
". . . He has the ambition, the faith, and the heart of youth. He looks at things with the innocence of a man who sees them absolutely for the first time. He is reverential, respectful, filled with a great and holy zeal. And this zeal takes the form of a message of unification to the world. There is no doubt, among thinking people, that this man represents, in great degree, the growing and evolving spirit of our times. Aside from his religious zeal, the fact still re-mains that the nations are getting together in a way that they never have before in history . . . The divine fire of this man's spirituality is bound to illuminate the dark corners of our imaginations and open up to us a spiritual realm which we would do well to go in and possess.
So here is health and happiness and long life to Abdul Baha, the servant of God ! We can not but echo back to him the love, the good-will and the high and holy faith which he brings to us."
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