July 7, 1912 Love & unity

New York: Obedience, not Opposition; Love and Unity

Mahmud writes:  "Lua Getsinger was again instructed by the Master to leave for California. His words to her were very emphatic and clear; among them was this admonition: The Blessed Beauty entered into this Covenant for obedience and not for opposition. I say this merely for the protection of the Cause of God and for the purpose of safeguarding unity among the friends. Were it not for the removal of vain imaginings and the eradication of differences, I should not have asserted that I am `the Center of the Covenant'. We must obey the Blessed Beauty. We must never forget His favors and exhortations. If even a breath of egotism is found in us, we shall perish at once. The friends must be alert. Everyone who expresses a word not from the texts sows discord among the believers. The Blessed Beauty entered into this Covenant for obedience; that is, that no one should utter a word from his own self or cause any conflict. If it were not so, everyone would open a way for himself and expound the Words of God in his own manner. One would say, for instance, `As I have the power of the Holy Spirit, I have a greater capacity for understanding.' Others, even these old ladies, would at once retort, `We, too, have the power of the Holy Spirit.'

     The power of the Holy Spirit is limited to the Blessed Beauty and the interpretation thereof to none but me. If it is so, then there will be no differences. We must occupy ourselves with thoughts of spreading the Cause. Know that whoever has any thought other than this will become the cause of discord among the friends.

      `Abdu'l-Bahá sent Lua with Mrs [Georgia] Ralston, a new believer who had been very much welcomed by the Master. He gave Mrs Ralston a beautiful small Persian carpet.

In the evening at a public meeting `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke of the animosity shown by a Catholic priest towards the Cause of God. The Master called the friends to His presence and emphatically exhorted them to associate with one another with love and unity."

Oh, Lua!  Such a lover! It must have been so hard to leave the Master. . . . What you will choose to do is really comedic.  (Coming up!) 

July 6, 1912 Poems of praise

New York: Eulogies and Poems in praise of the Master

Mahmud writes: "After morning prayers and visits with some Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís, the Master went for a long walk. It was His custom to go out for a walk before lunch and dinner.

     A person of Greek ancestry invited the Master to go to a park outside of the city where a number of his friends, who desired to meet `Abdu'l-Bahá, had gathered. The Master went to the park. While traveling on the subway, He said:

     In man's nature there must be a desire to ascend and not to descend. The underground air is suffocating. It would have been better if we had gone by road above. The Blessed Beauty used to say that it is even a pity that the dead body of man should be buried under the ground.

     When the Master entered the park, He sat on the grass and those who wished to meet Him came to Him. Much of the time was spent listening to a translation of a long article that appeared in today's issue of The Sun concerning `Abdu'l-Bahá's talk at a church. The reporter had been present when the address was given and had published the translation, adding a brief history of the Cause. In his article, he emphasized the force of `Abdu'l-Bahá's reasoning in establishing the truth of all of the Manifestations of God, and in particular of Islam and this mighty Cause.

     The newspaper was sent to the Assemblies in the East so they would be informed of the influence of the Cause and the prestige of `Abdu'l-Bahá. In addition to such articles and comments in the newspapers of many cities, both Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís wrote eulogies and poems in praise of the Master. Everyone was full of praise for Him, which demonstrates the influence of the Cause in the West. There were even short, sweet poems written in English about His manners and mode of speech. Foremost among such poets was Mr McSway. When the Master was staying in New York, Mr McSway had written a booklet eloquently praising Him, which he intends to publish in the near future.  [I wonder if this still exists? U.S. Archives doesn't have it.] This evening the Master explained that the distinction of the world of humanity is due to its relationship to the world of the spirit.

     For some time the Master had repeatedly instructed Lua Getsinger to return to California. She delayed her journey and then became ill. When the doctor's medications proved of no avail, the Master gave her pomegranate preserve with an apple and she recovered." 

ah!  I wish we had medicine from the Master's hand AND a clearer relationship to the world of the spirit, in our times. The latter seems to characterize many who were attracted to Him in 1912. 

July 5, 1912 A chain of many links . . .

New York: Divine Knowledge; Racial Unity; Names bestowed; Interconnection of Creation; Heat; Museum Visit 

*Mahmud writes: “A number of people met `Abdu'l-Bahá in the morning. He spoke to them about divine knowledge and the spiritual stations which lead to eternal life -- the ultimate goal of human existence. A black youth was there, to whom the Master gave the name `Mubárak' [`happy'], and to a black woman He gave the name `Khush Ghadam' [a person who brings good fortune, welcome news, good omen]. He spoke to them about the importance of harmony between the white and black races of America and described the various meetings attended by both blacks and whites and the talks given at them which dealt with this question.

     Mrs Kaufman asked about the influence of heavenly bodies on the affairs of humanity. `Abdu'l-Bahá replied:

     The words of the astrologers are for the most part doubtful and unreliable. But the whole of creation is interrelated like the different parts of the human body which have a complete affinity from the toenail to the hair on the head. Every part is perfectly connected with the other. Similarly, the whole of creation forms a chain composed, as it were, of many links connected with each other. It is therefore obvious that they all greatly influence each other and are part of organized, regular cycles.

     He was then asked about the connection between the soul and the body. He replied, `It has the same connection as the sun has with the mirror. Death consists of the severance of this connection.'

     `Some say that your prayers and promises for us have come true and are being completely fulfilled.'

     `I always pray with complete self-effacement and humbly implore confirmations from the Kingdom of Abhá.'

     `Do you feel the excessive heat? Does it affect your health?'

     `I am so absorbed that I feel neither the heat nor the cold. It is all the same to me.'

     Today the Master was occupied in revealing Tablets for the Eastern friends. Notwithstanding the heavy pressure of work, He does not delay His answers to important questions.

     There was a large crowd in the evening to whom He spoke about the various kingdoms of creation and the virtues of the world of existence. After the meeting several seekers visited the Master in His room. He answered their questions regarding the stations of divinity and the journey in the path of knowledge and servitude. Everyone was pleased and delighted and joined us in offering praise and glory to God.”

*It is not clear what day these events occurred on. Mahmud's accounts have been one day off in the previous section of his diary. [AP]

Wouldn’t you love to be known as a person who brings “good fortune, welcome news, good omen”? For that matter, wouldn’t you love to have been given a name by Abdu’l-Baha? One wonders if he/she perfectly matched the name OR if he/she grew into the name, after He bestowed it.

On the subject of the interconnection of creation, several friends have been impressed with the film, “I Am.” Apparently, this is one of its central messages. How I wish that we could convey this idea more easily through art and film!

Mahmud dates the following entry July 5:  "Some Tablets were revealed for friends in California, consoling them because of their separation from Him since He was not traveling to that state at the present time. Most of the friends on the West Coast of America had not yet had the honor to see Him. When they learned of His intention, they were saddened and sent telegrams begging Him to visit their state.

National Museum of American History

Today, at the invitation of Juliet Thompson, `Abdu'l-Bahá went to a museum near His house. [National History Museum.] On the first floor there were statues, figures of animals and a collection of relics of early American civilization. On observing these objects, `Abdu'l-Bahá said, `From these things it appears that America had a great civilization in ancient times.'

In the evening, He spoke to a large number of friends and seekers at His home about detachment from physical desires and the attainment of everlasting life. Everyone was delighted."

Juliet has a much more descriptive entry about the museum visit. But she says it occurred on July 9.  Here's the essence of her description, in my words: 

On July 9 Abdu’l-Baha asked Juliet Thompson to take him to the Museum of Natural History, where He seemed more interested in talking outside to an elderly museum guard than in seeing the museum’s artifacts. When the man asked if He wanted to see more of the museum, Abdu’l-Baha said He was tired of this world and more interested in things of the spiritual world. The old man responded with a preference for the material world, as it is something known. "But you do not lose it when you have attained the spiritual world,” said Abdu’l-Baha. “When you go upstairs in a house, you don't leave the house. The lower floor is under you."

"Oh I see!" cried the guard, his whole face lighting up. 

Juliet asks: "Why had the Master visited a Museum of Natural History in the hottest hour of a blistering July day? Had He instead visited a soul whose need was crying out to Him, to open an old man's eyes so that he might see to climb the stairs, to take away the dread of death?"

I find this story quite interesting. Apparently Juliet went back to the museum the next week, and the man no longer worked there. Her thought was that he had passed on. . . . 

July 4, 1912 Persian entourage at July 4th parade

New York: Independence Day; the Persian entourage at a parade

Mahmud wrote:  "Today was the anniversary of the Independence of the United
States from England. There were celebrations everywhere. The Master was invited
to attend the Fourth of July parade to which the mayor was also invited. A special
messenger had been sent to the Master at Montclair with the invitation. He replied
then that He would come if His schedule would permit. As it was not a spiritual
occasion, the Master did not go but in order to show His interest, He sent us, His
companions, wearing our Persian hats and `abás. We arrived before the mayor, were
received with great honor as representatives of `Abdu'l-Bahá, and were given seats
near the mayor's chair. There were people there from many nations including China,
Japan, Turkey and India, as well as members of the American military and businesses
carrying flags and decorations for the celebration. All of these passed before the mayor
and were followed by parades of men, women, boys and girls in gala dress and singing
sweetly. As they passed by the mayor's stand, he spoke to all gracefully and kindly. After
the parade it was the turn of the poets and speech-makers.

     When we returned from the event to the Master, we described all that had taken place. 

It was well that He did not go because the excessive heat and crowds would have been a 

strain to His strength and health. Whenever it is beneficial to the interests of the Cause, 

He endures every kind of hardship. For example, on certain days during this journey, in 

spite of exhaustion and fatigue, He went to faraway places and attended many gatherings 

in the course of one day. He said, `I am continually speaking from morning until evening. 

Not even the strongest person would have such patience and fortitude.'

In the afternoon, at the request of friends, He went for an automobile ride into town. In 
the evening He spoke at length in His home about the coming of the Promised One."

_______
I wish we had a photo of Mahmúd and crew at the parade! 

July 3, 1912 Visit to the Plaza Hotel

New York: Memories of the Prison; avoiding beautiful sights

Mahmud wrote: "After the usual morning prayers and thanksgiving to God, `Abdu'l-Bahá sent for us and offered thanks and praise to the Most Great Name for the assistance and protection vouchsafed by the Ancient Beauty. The Master spoke with seekers and visited with friends until noon. After some milk and bread for lunch, He rested for awhile but the friends and `Abdu'l-Bahá's companions remained to enjoy the generous lunch.

     In the afternoon, a prominent gentlemen invited the Master to the Plaza Hotel, which is one of the most elegant hotels and a gathering place for the American elite. We went there to see the building. The Master sat in one of the small rooms. When the manager of the hotel offered to show Him the rest of the hotel, He did not accept. Afterwards the Master said to the friends: `When I see magnificent buildings and beautiful scenery, I contrast them with memories of the prison and of the persecutions suffered by the Blessed Beauty and my heart is deeply moved and I seek to avoid such sightseeing excursions.'

Tonight He spoke about God and creation: `The Kingdom of God', He said, `is pre-existent and, since He is the Creator, without doubt He has always had a creation.'”

------------------------

Can you imagine wanting to avoid beautiful sights because of such memories and such pain?  This is part of the mystery of the Mystery of God--what He endured so that He could be such an Example!

All during the journey there are references to His melancholy when He saw beautiful sights--as He remembers the Blessed Beauty. But, at Lake Mohonk, He gets into the joy of hearing His companions sing as they go through the countryside. . . . 

Don't you wish that Mahmúd had been a little more explicit about the prominent gentleman? argh . . . so many details lost.  Where is that time machine I asked my husband to build?  But he is busy, editing some sound files. . . . 

_______ On the Plaza Hotel: 

It was once said, “Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza.” One of America’s most celebrated hotels, The Plaza opened its doors on October 1, 1907, amid a flurry of impressive reports describing it as the greatest hotel in the world. Located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, this luxury hotel was constructed in the most fashionable residential section of New York City.
Construction of the 19-story building (a skyscraper back then) took two years at a cost of $12 million – an unprecedented sum in those days. No cost was spared. The largest single order in history for gold-encrusted china was placed with L. Straus & Sons, and no less than 1,650 crystal chandeliers were purchased. Originally, The Plaza served as a residence for wealthy New Yorkers. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt were the first to sign the register. For guests who chose to rent on a nightly basis at the time, this New York City luxury hotel’s single rooms started at $2.50 per night.  Kings, presidents, ambassadors, stars of stage, screen and sports, as well as business executives and travellers from all parts of the world have gathered and stayed at The Plaza. 

Designated a New York City Landmark in 1969, The Plaza is listed on the Register of Historic Places and the only New York City hotel to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.

July 2, 1912 Links in the chain of lovers

New York:  More links in the chain of lovers

    Mahmud wrote: "During the Master's stroll in the park near the house, a person of Greek ancestry walked by. When he saw `Abdu'l-Bahá, he was attracted and approached Him. The passerby immediately summoned his friends, who were in the park, to gather round. In those green surroundings the Master spoke to them about Greek philosophers and about the progress and civilization of their country in ancient times. He then exhorted and encouraged them to acquire the virtues of the world of humanity. He was so compelling that they were immediately influenced. That evening they came to the Bahá'í gathering and became yet more links in the chain of lovers.

     Every night after the public meeting, seekers are invited to visit `Abdu'l-Bahá in His own room. As they listen to His solutions to complex spiritual problems, to His convincing arguments and to answers to their questions, they are drawn towards the Kingdom of God and attracted to the Abhá horizon. Although it is summer and intensely hot, every day and night a new group of inquirers is introduced."

Wouldn't it be great in our lives if every day and night a new group of inquirers were introduced. . . . 

Our group of 26 extras and 3 crew members, Grapevine

It is very hot here (in Texas). We've done several shoots for our film lately--at two locations in Arlington and then at the train station and on a train in Grapevine. Whew!  Plus we've launched a kickstarter, set up a new website, recorded a number of voice narrations, and made progress on the film itself. But there is so much left to do!  See our new website for updates:  www.LuminousJourney.org and check out our Kickstarter link! 

Our dear intern, Nura, left to go back to NYC.  We need a new intern!!! 

July 1, 1912 Reeds of heavenly melodies

New York: Reeds of Heavenly Melodies; gratitude; center of signs

Mahmud writes:  "In the morning, after His obligatory prayer and supplications, the Master invited us into His presence and served us tea with His own hand. He spoke of the blessings and confirmations of the Ancient Beauty, the Greatest Name: This help and assistance are from Him and these confirmations are through His bounty and favor; otherwise, we are nothing but weak servants. We are as reeds and all these melodies are from Him. We are ants and this dignity of Solomon is from Him. We are servants and this heavenly dominion is from Him. We must, therefore, offer our constant gratitude to Him for His favors and must join heart and soul to praise Him for His blessings.

     As His home is always filled with a continuous stream of visitors, `Abdu'l-Bahá did not accept invitations from societies or organizations to speak at public meetings. Instead He spoke to the people gathered in the evenings, gave special audiences during the day and attended to other tasks. This evening He spoke about His long stay in New York. `As it is the meeting place of the East and the West,' He said, `I desire to make it a center of signs, and pray that the friends may advance and gain precedence in spirituality.'

     Apart from these gatherings, the Master's movements outside attract everyone and His look of favor captivates all."

_________________

I am beginning to understand this--how and why He attracted everyone.  As we follow the places, talks, and hearts that He graced, there is something amazing--then, now, and in perpetuity.