August 19, 2011

Green Acre: Spiritual and Material Education

Mahmud writes: "Among the friends was a lady who had come from Brooklyn to ask `Abdu'l-Bahá's permission to go to Utica. He kindly said to her:

Put your trust in the Blessed Beauty. Every momentous work that one undertakes has difficulties in the beginning. One should withstand such difficulties with the utmost steadfastness. We who wish to raise this magnificent edifice must be as brave as the soldiers who are intent on conquering strong fortresses.

Later He walked to Mrs Taylor's home. Resting in the foyer, He praised the climate and beauty of the surroundings, saying:

Here on a moonlit night, when the moon is in its full brilliance, when the stars are shining and the air is pure and a sweet breeze is wafting, at such a time to pray and weep before the Court of God has a delight of its own.

As He left there He encountered some women who were fortune tellers. Some read palms and others interpreted dreams. They all voiced their opinion that `Abdu'l-Bahá possessed divine spirit and heavenly power. He showered kindness on all of them then returned to the Inn and gave a talk about superstitious beliefs and the severe discipline and asceticism of the Hindus.

He also visited a residence known as the Bahá'í House. He praised it, saying, `It would have been good if we had stayed here.' The Master then gave instructions for the Nineteen Day Feast to be held the following day, saying: `Tomorrow I will host the festivity.'

In the afternoon He was invited to a summer school for girls held on the Green Acre common. Mrs Tatum drove Him in her automobile. There He sat on the grass near the bank of the river as the students pitched their tents and began their exercises. The principal and a teacher gave Him information about the school. A group had assembled under the trees to hear the Master's address. With great reverence, the superintendent of the school introduced the Master. He then gave an eloquent talk on both spiritual and material education which drew much admiration from the audience. Afterwards the chairman and school mistress thanked the Master and expressed everyone's appreciation for His talk. The students then stood and sang in praise of `Abdu'l-Bahá in such sweet tones that everyone was enchanted. When the Master left everyone went to the automobile to shake His hand and to express their gratitude.

In the evening `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke on the everlasting dominion of God and His Holy Manifestations. After the talk He answered questions."

I am here, reliving these days, but too tired to write more. . . . 

August 18, 1912

Such blessings! My heart surges with the reality of being here at Green Acre. . . . 

Green Acre: a wonderful impression . . . 

Mahmud writes: "It was a rainy day. The Master was occupied until noon counseling the friends to devote their time in teaching the Cause of God and advising them not to interfere in the affairs of the Green Acre Fellowship. Lunch was prepared by Mrs Kinney. `Abdu'l-Bahá said: `A little soup would have sufficed me. A variety of foods makes me ill.'

In the afternoon `Abdu'l-Bahá gave an impressive talk to a gathering of liberal-minded visitors concerning the renewal of religious laws and the oneness of the Manifestations of God. A wonderful impression was produced on the whole audience as His melodious voice rang with majestic tones, moving the chairman of the conference to tears. As the Master was offering a prayer, one lady stood up and then fainted. When she regained consciousness she said that the power of the meeting overwhelmed her. It seemed to her that everyone in the audience was flying in heaven.

When the Master left this gathering, He met some people who were singing. He said to them, `We listen always to your terrestrial music, now it would be well for you to give ear to our celestial songs.' After seeing to things in the kitchen, He came out to meet a number of the friends who had come to seek His advice on personal matters. He gave each His special attention. When Miss Edna McKinney, who had transcribed His addresses in English, came into His presence, He said to her, `Thou art a maidservant who in the Kingdom of God is among the near ones. I desire the confirmation and protection of the Abhá Kingdom for you.' He also expressed extraordinary kindness for Mrs Parsons, Mrs Goodall, Mrs Cooper, Mrs Krug and Miss Juliet Thompson, who were not present. He advised Mrs Kinney not to wish for too rapid progress at once in the emancipation of women."

He must have infused the women especially with such hope for change--and then was kind enough to advise them not to expect too much at once. 

 Brent Poirier writes: "This day in 1912 was a rich day at Green Acre -- the Master gave
four talks on that day, all recorded here: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PUP/ 

August 17, 1912

I arrived at Green Acre late last night and kissed the ground, the cool evening dew refreshing my travel- weary brow (and getting my knees wet)!  But I could not go online then. . . .

Green Acre: ah! paradise

Mahmud writes: The beloved Master's health was better and He was happy. He spoke of the pleasant climate of Green Acre and visited with friends and seekers until He left for a walk. On the way to Mr [Charles Mason] Remey's house the Master was accompanied by a group to whom He spoke about many spiritual truths. When He arrived, Mr Remey offered Him a cup of water, saying that he had longed for many years to invite the Master and that he thanked God for being given the honor to offer Him a cup of water. The Master said:

Your home is simple and furnished plainly. People are captivated by the superfluities of the present generation. It is impossible for a man to furnish his house in utmost perfection. The more he tries the more he finds it lacking because every day new products are manufactured. People have filled their lives with difficulties.

Later the Master went to the home of Mrs [Carrie] Kinney. There He spoke about material progress and the philosophers' lack of feeling for the spiritual kingdom, saying that `This is befitting of animals. Truth must be sought and laid bare. No one should endeavor to force upon people what he conceives. The brilliant reality, which is the spirit of the world today, is one. It can never be multiple.' He uttered such statements on numerous occasions and in various ways. Because Green Acre is known as a center for religious freedom and advanced liberal views, many fortune-tellers, spiritualists and ascetics come here every year to spread their superstitious views. The discourse of the Center of the Covenant completely swept away the cobwebs of their superstitions. They were checked to such a degree that some of the impostors, who in previous years had delivered lectures contrary to the Cause of God, now came to see Him, bowing before Him and repenting. Some of them begged Him to heal them, saying, `You have healed many.' The Master replied:

We pray but God bestows healing. We do not make claims for ourselves. We are only the expounders of the Word. We are all promulgating the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. I am `Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh is the Dawning Place of Holiness. Address your needs to Him. I am only the expounder and promulgator of the Word. Bahá'u'lláh is the Source, the One Who has illumined this dark world, made corporeal into spiritual, quickened the dormant minds, changed the earthly souls into heavenly ones and given life to the dead and sight to the blind.

That night He delivered an address on the unity of mankind in the east hall of the Eirenian. On His return to the Inn He spoke with the audience in jests which nevertheless touched on many important subjects. He offered sweets to some visitors who, following the superstitious ideas of the ascetics, did not eat certain foods. He dispelled their beliefs by saying, `Food has nothing to do with faith. Rather, you should eat things to gain strength and you should acquire spirituality.'"

 17 August 1912  Talk at Green Acre  Eliot, Maine  Notes by Edna McKinney

     The physical beauty of this place is very wonderful.  We hope that a spiritual charm 
may surround and halo it; then its beauty will be perfect.  There is a spiritual atmosphere 
manifest here particularly at sunset. . . . (follow link below to continue.)

    

August 16, 1912 Green Acre!

At last--the journey catches up to the photograph above!
Dublin, NH, day 23 of 23, to Green Acre--the "Acca of the Western World!"

Mahmud writes, "At dawn, while we were still in bed, we heard the Master sweetly chanting a prayer. We at once got up, went to Him and were served tea and refreshments from the all-bountiful Sághí [a Persian expression denoting one who passes round the wine cup at joyful gatherings]. He instructed us to collect our belongings and prepare to leave. Around 10:00 a.m. Mr [Alfred E.] Lunt's automobile arrived and the Master left Dublin. En route He had lunch at Nashua, New Hampshire, and after a little rest continued on His journey. We reached Green Acre in the afternoon where more than five hundred people were waiting for Him. Both sides of the entrance had been decorated with multicolored lanterns and a festive reception awaited His arrival.

After a short rest, the Master entered the main room of the Inn and gave a brief talk about the investigation of truth. From there He went to the home of Miss Farmer, the founder of the Green Acre Society. [He actually "visited Sarah Farmer at the sanatorium in Portsmouth where she, an invalid, was a patient."] This distinguished lady was revived by His visit and although she was not feeling well, she accompanied the Master back to the Inn.

In the evening at the hotel, [actually, the Eirenian, the "House of Peace"--another building] in response to questions from the audience, `Abdu'l-Bahá delivered a most impressive address on the love of God, the immortality of the spirit and the divine teachings. Everyone was deeply moved and their hearts were transformed."

Back in Dublin, Agnes writes: "I was up very early, but before I was dressed Mirza Sohrab came over to see Mrs. Meredith about some matter of business. I told him from my window that Jeffrey Boy and I would soon be over to see the Master. He sent for us to come to His room, where He gave us both some tea. I brought Him the double black shawl of my Mother's to use always, if He will, when it is cold, in motor or carriage. . . . We took for the journey a basket of fruit and some English stick candy. I told Him I was not going to be unhappy, for I should find Him in my heart, and He said that was the right way. . . . The farewell was a quick one and He was out of my sight, but the blessing of this Visit remains with us."

YES--that is an understatement for all of us--"the blessing of this Visit remains with us."


Agnes goes on to describe that Dr. Fareed, Mirza Ali Akbar, and Mirza Sohrab and Mr. Lunt went with Him to Green Acre, and others went on the afternoon train. They all expressed great appreciation of the visit to Dublin, and by the evening mail there was a card from Mirza Sohrab saying they were just leaving Nashua, where Abdu'l-Baha had had a rest at a hotel.

On the 19th Agnes received a letter from M. Sohrab: "Our Beloved is feeling very well and the weather, not being cold, His health is good. On our arrival on Friday there were hundreds of people who were present to greet Him, and immediately half an hour afterwards He went to the Eirenion (a large lecture hall) to speak to those who have come from far and near. There were nearly 800 people and I could see the faces of a great many Baha'is beaming with joy and happiness. The lecture hall was beautifully decorated with all kinds of flowers & the people gave Him a hearty welcome."
The road from the gate of Green Acre, to the hotel where He is living is more than a mile long and was decorated with more than a thousand lanterns, the people of Green Acre contributing them and hanging them with their own hands. "He speaks every day at 7:30 P.M. and expects to stay here till next Fridauy, then He will go to Boston for a little while, from which place He will go to Montreal. I suppose He will stay in Montreal for a week, then start westward. He have taken beautiful rooms in the Inn. People are all interested and crowd around Him whenever He is out."

This account does not mention Sarah Farmer.

Can you see the lanterns? Feel the excitement. TOMORROW I will go to Green Acre, and, after kissing the ground, will imagine His arrival.  For the first time, my journey will physically coincide with His--well, 99 years later.

"Heart too full for speech"--a quote from Sarah Farmer.  If only I could convey to you what this visit to Green Acre means--to Sarah Farmer, to us, to the future.  I will try. But for now, I must pack. 

August 15, 1912

Dublin, NH, day 22 of 23; closure and music; inebriated with love and affection

In Dublin

Mahmud writes: "Today was the Master's last day in Dublin. Mrs Parsons had asked a large number to attend and had invited the best musicians to play the piano and sing at the beginning of the meeting. The Master sat in an adjoining room enjoying the music. There was such a crowd in the large drawing room that although rows of chairs had been arranged, no seating was available. The Master entered the room to give His last talk in Dublin:

I have explained every question for you, delivered to you the message of God, expounded the mysteries of the divine Books for you, proved the immortality of the spirit and oneness of truth and expounded for you economic questions and divine teachings.

As this was His last address everyone came to shake His hand and offer his or her thanks before leaving His presence. Mrs Parsons said that the people were usually happy but because they knew `Abdu'l-Bahá was leaving they were sad and wanted to prolong His stay.

He replied, `I, too, wished to stay longer but I must go to Green Acre and other places. I must raise the call of the Kingdom in all places. The days of my life in this world are limited, so I must pass through all regions and announce the glad tidings of the Kingdom of Abhá.'

`Abdu'l-Bahá spent the day saying farewell to many eminent people. After the afternoon meeting, one of the believers, Miss Knobloch, with His permission took several photographs of Him with these servants.

The automobile was ready and He was driven to the home of a friend where a meeting was held. The people were very enthusiastic and inebriated with love and affection. After speaking to them briefly and narrating a few stories, He left."

Dublin

Perhaps we can find those photographs. 

Agnes writes: "A telephone message was brought me early: ‘Will Mrs. Parsons come with the carriage to drive with Abdu'l-Baha at nine?’ And very nearly at nine, I was there. When Abdu'l-Baha, Dr. Fareed and I were in the carriage, Abdu'l-Baha said He wanted to call on some of the people. First we went to see Mrs. Childs. . . . He sat in her parlor for a few minutes, and she was most pleased."

Is it interesting how He is bringing closure to His days in Dublin. Remember, “the work is finished.” I myself am "inebriated" over the thought of His travels to Green Acre, tomorrow! 

August 14, 1912

Dublin, NH, day 21 of 23; economics and related issues

Mahmud writes: "All the friends had been informed that the Master would soon leave Dublin for Green Acre in Eliot, Maine, and that time was running out. They asked Him to speak on economics and to correct certain false ideas of the socialists. His explanations were so impressive that after He left they

implored Him to reveal a Tablet on this subject and send it through Mrs Parsons so that it might remove doubts from the minds of the people. The following is a transcription of that Tablet:

Dublin: To the maidservant of God, Mrs Parsons.
Upon her be Bahá'u'lláhu'l-Abhá.
He is God.

O thou, my spiritual daughter,

I am on a train on my way to San Francisco. I recalled your praiseworthy qualities and the dear face of little Master Jeffrey, so I wanted to write this letter. Know that my greatest pleasure will be when I shall see you, my dear daughter, enraptured and completely charmed by the paradise of Abhá, and aflame with the fire of the love of God. May my dear daughter burn and melt like a candle to enlighten all people. It is my hope that thou mayest be so.

Regarding the question of economics according to the new teachings, as this caused some difficulty for you because the report you received did not reflect what I said, I shall outline the essence of this matter so that it will be clearly proven that there is no complete solution for the economic question apart from that offered in the new teachings. It is absolutely impossible to resolve the problem by other means.

In solving this problem we must start with the farmer and end with other trades, because there are twice as many farmers, if not more, as there are people engaged in other trades. Thus it is right that we begin with them. The farmer is the primary factor in society.

In every village a council of wise men of the village should be established and the whole village should be placed under its jurisdiction. In addition, a public treasury should be established with its own administrator. At harvest time a specific quantity of the general produce of the village should be appropriated for the treasury. This treasury will have seven sources of income, namely: tithes, taxes on livestock, unclaimed inheritance, property that has been found but that has no owner, buried treasure (if found, one third of it should be paid to the council), mines (one-third of the natural resources taken should be levied by the council) and donations. Likewise, there are to be seven categories of expenditure: first, moderate public expenditures such as the expenses of the council and maintenance of public health; second, payment of government taxes; third, payment of taxes on livestock to the government; fourth, care of orphans; fifth, providing for the disabled; sixth, management of schools; and seventh, providing the necessary means of livelihood for the poor.

The first means of income is the tithe, which must be administered as follows: If a person's average income is $500 and his necessary expenses amount to the same sum, no tithe will be collected from him. If another person has an income of $1,000 and his necessary expenses amount to $500, he will be able to pay the tithe because he will have more than he needs. If he pays the tithe there will be no decline in his standard of living. Another has an income of $5,000 and his expenses are only $1,000, so he will have to pay one and one-half times the tithe because he has an even greater amount than he needs. Another has an income of $10,000 and his necessary expenses amount to $1,000; therefore he will have to pay two times the tithe because his surplus is larger. Another person has an income of $100,000 and expenses amounting to $4,000 or $5,000; he will have to pay one-fourth of his income. Another has an income of $200 but the expenses he requires to live at subsistence level amount to $500. He spares no pains in working and laboring for his livelihood but the fruit of his labor is inadequate. He must be helped from the treasury so that he may not be in want and may live in comfort.

In every village a certain amount should be allocated for the orphans there. The disabled must be provided for. The treasury must also provide for the needy who are unable to work. The council will also allocate a certain amount for the department of education and for public health. If there is a surplus, it will be transferred to the national treasury for general expenses. If it be thus arranged, every individual in society will live comfortably and pass his days happily.

Differences in station will also remain and no breach will occur in this respect. Gradations of rank are without doubt one of the essentials of society. Society is like an army. An army requires field marshals, generals, colonels, captains and privates. It is utterly impossible for all professions to be equal. Preservation of rank is necessary. But each individual in the army must live in perfect peace and comfort. Likewise, a town requires a mayor, judges, merchants, men of means, craftsmen and farmers. Of course, these ranks must be observed, otherwise the general order would be disrupted.

Convey my heartfelt love to Mr Parsons. I shall never forget him. If possible, have this letter published in one of the newspapers, as others are proclaiming these principles in their own names. Convey wondrous Abhá greetings to Qudsíyyih [the first Persian woman to travel in the United States]. 

Upon you be Bahá-u'l-Abhá.

`Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás.

It is very interesting that He would convey such specifics in a letter to an individual and suggest that the letter be published!  

Agnes on this day describes various people visiting and the fact that there was a hotel bill to pay—so apparently `Abdu'l-Bahá was moving out of the hotel.  Then she describes the lunch guests. “The luncheon was very pleasant, after which `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke in a particularly interesting way of certain pagan customs which crept into the Christian Church worship. They said their servants were all at the Church on Sunday and that the cook particularly wanted to know if she might come near after the luncheon and listen to `Abdu'l-Bahá. After the rest which He took directly after luncheon, we went on the terrace where, hidden by a tree, the cook sat. A little later He asked for the servants to come that He might speak to them, which He did very beautifully, shaking hands with all four of them.

    Joe’s play was an extravaganza which coming late, we could not follow. [Joseph Linden Smith had constructed an outdoor stage near his house, called “Teatro Bambino,” where this play was performed.”] `Abdu'l-Baháwas given a seat and I was offered one, but after a little time He withdrew to the side near some trees, saying it was hot. It was thought He did not like the play, but He was very courteous in all He said about it. He told Joe he was a genius.

     Miss Caldwell took `Abdu'l-Bahá, Dr. Fareed and me around the lake and to our house in time for the ¼ to 6 meeting. This day there was a large number of young people. . . . After this meeting, Mirza Ali Akbar, Ali Kuli Khan’s secretary, arrived.

     At about 9:30 we all walked down to Day-Spring where we had a Persian dinner with `Abdu'l-Bahá. It was simple. He had pillau [Persian rice], and a dessert also of rice—also ice cream.

    After dinner, which was served by Sayyad Assad Ulla, a descendant of Muhammed, `Abdu'l-Bahá took Jeffrey and me, with Dr. Fareed, to His room where we had a beautiful talk together. Jeffrey spoke frankly about his religious feelings, in a way that I think he has never spoken to any one before. `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke most wonderfully about sincerity—saying there are degrees, that one person’s conception of it must not be judged by another who may be capable of expressing a higher degree of this quality.  As we were leaving our house for His, He said: ‘Where is Mr. Jeffrey?’ When told: ‘Asleep,” He said, it seemed reluctantly, ‘Very good.’ If I had only known he was expected!

     Jeffey Boy said recently, ‘I wish `Abdu'l-Bahá would drive once in the cart. The horses have had all the honor, and I want Max to have some honor!’ `Abdu'l-Bahá would have done so, but there has seemed no time.”

How we can relate to such wishes of people—to have `Abdu'l-Bahá fulfill a personal wish and be there for us. But in a larger sense, He is so very present for us. . . .

To the right--publicity about  `Abdu'l-Bahá's pending arrival at Green Acre.  I think you can magnify it to read it? 

August 13, 1912

Dublin, NH, day 20 of 23; music; "The soul dances on hearing the Word of the Beloved"; speaking from the spirit

Mahmud writes: "Because some of the people who met `Abdu'l-Bahá today were musicians, He gave an explanation of the science of music:

Music is produced by vibrations of air which affect the tympanum of the ear. Although music or an ordinary pleasing voice is of the physical realm, yet it has an effect upon the spirit. In the same manner, freshness and purity of the air, the atmosphere, the scenery and sweet fragrances impart joy, spirituality and comfort to the heart. Even though these are physical phenomena they have a great spiritual influence.

He then narrated stories of the great masters of music, gave an account of the famous Rúdakí and read his famous poem which had caused Amír Nasir Samani to change his course from Herat to Bokhara:

The Júy-i-Múliyán we call to mind

We long for those dear friends long left behind.

The sands of Oxus, toilsome though they be,

Beneath my feet were soft as silk to me.

The Master ended His explanations with beautiful songs and these verses:

From whence comes this minstrel

Who sings the name of my Beloved,

That I lay down this life and soul

For a message from my Loved One?

To hear the message from the City of the Beloved

Resuscitates the heart.

The soul dances

On hearing the Word of the Beloved.

In the afternoon the Master spoke on the immortality of the soul and the teachings of the new Manifestation. Afterwards, many were eager to see Him alone. He said to them:

My desire is greater than yours. Some of the disciples went to Rumelia and said, `We had a desire to see you so we have come from Jerusalem to this place.' Now, behold what a desire I had to see you, that I traveled from the East to the West!

(There are some notes from Mahmud's diary that I should add when I can. . . .)

Agnes writes: "Mrs. Boyle of Washington was with  `Abdu'l-Bahá this morning. He drove here with His guest Mrs. Champney and the child of the other guests, Mr. and Mrs. Allston. This was about 4. He went at once to the drawing room to rest, I arranging the silk cushions for Him on the long sofa near the door. Mrs. Champney was with me for some time in the “bird cage” when  `Abdu'l-Bahá joined us. Then we walked to the play house where He watched the children slide down the sliding board, and later see-saw.

 [She then lists various people who were there. “I tried to take down the English, but it was quite hopeless. I could not keep up. I wish we had a stenographer. It was very beautiful. Again He was asked to give proofs of Immortality, and He spoke of true brotherhood.

    Later, in the dining room He answered questions of the missionary. . . .

    Jeffrey Boy was again in His arms this afternoon. At dinner he said: ‘I want Max [Jeffrey’s pet pony that pulled a small cart] to have some honor, the horses had had it all. Won’t Ab drive some time with Max in the cart?’

     A Quaker lade said to me, ‘He was speaking from the Spirit this afternoon.’”

Don’t you wish we had a picture of Jeffrey and Max with his cart?  And that we had the opportunity to follow up with the Quaker lady, inviting her to a devotional meeting or study circle?