It's 12:30, in the middle of the Fast. As I said, I'm looking at the Kitab-i-Ahd during my lunchtime and hoping to get a slightly better understanding of it. Today, however, I'm not sure how that's going to go. (I was going to write "gonna go", but I thought I might as well try and be a bit more grammatically correct. I am well edumicated, after all.) I'm quite a bit hungrier than I expected, and cold. I suspect this afternoon is going to be tough. Ah well. It's good for the soul, right? Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger? (Or as a friend of mine used to say, "Whatever doesn't kill me better run faster than I do.") So if I begin babbling a bit, blame it on the Fast. That's what I do.
I'm not going to reprint any of the Tablet here because I did that yesterday. At least, I reprinted the first part of it, and if you don't know what that means, well, read the article because I don't want to repeat myself here. If you want to read the part of the Tablet I'm looking at today, and I highly recommend you do (of course you, dear Reader, probably have it memorized), then just scroll down a bit. It should be there in the next article down.
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the third paragraph.
In paragraph 1, He points out that His heritage is a spiritual one, not a material one. In the second paragraph, He describes how we are to act if we want to arise to claim this lofty station that should be ours. Now, in this third paragraph, He defines the "people of Baha". This is, I think, different from the people of the Book, or the people of some other adjective. Even though all the religions are, in a very deep sense, one, there is still a distinction between them in this realm. These "people of Baha" are specifically those who are receptive to the stirrings of the spirit and turned towards Baha'u'llah. This is, to me, what it means when He refers to inhaling the fragrance of His garment, and why we grasp that chalice in His name. It is interesting to me to note that He isn't condemning anyone else here. He isn't saying that everyone else has missed the boat, or anything else derogatory in any way whatsoever. It is obvious that people of other faiths can, of course, be receptive and stirred by the spirit. We only need to look at Gandhi or Mother Teresa to recognize that. But the people of Baha are specifically those who have recognized Baha'u'llah.
After this, in paragraph 4, He goes on and reminds us that religion is for love and unity. It should never be the cause of discord or enmity. While some may feel that He is specifically warning the unfaithful half-brothers of 'Abdu'l-Baha, I think He is also warning us. To start, He addresses this paragraph to all who dwell on earth, and we sure fit into that category. And while it is probably true that those unfaithful members of His family were raised by their mother to be jealous of the Master, they are by no means the only ones.
Everything we need to safeguard humanity, everything we need to learn to be truly and deeply happy has already been revealed. We just need to recognize it. And that doesn't mean just reading the words, but striving to understand them even more deeply, learning to apply them, making them a part of our heart and soul. But this is the last of what He has written. I think this is, in no uncertain terms, a clear reminder to go back and study what He has written. There is nothing else that He needed to write. He has done His job, and now it is up to us.
You see, dear Reader, virtually every time I have read this Tablet in the past, I have seen these paragraphs as separate from each other, distinct, incoherent in the order in which they were revealed. Today, now, I am striving to see the coherency in it, for I know it must be there.
By outlining the paragraphs and recalling what has come before, this coherency seems to be becoming more evident. But this is, of course, just me.
It is quite possible that this clarity is also a result of the Fast, for good or ill. I think it's time for me to get warm. Enjoy the rest of your day, and happy fasting.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Some More Ahd Thoughts
Sorry about the delay in writing these days. I had to get an annual report out for my work at the university. And Shoghi's teachers are on strike, so he's been home with me for the past few days. It just seems that my time for writing is flying out the window. But isn't that always just the case?
And it's the Fast.
Aside: Don't you just hate it when, at the end of the day during the Fast, you say a prayer and take that unbelievably refreshing first sip of water, and then realize that you haven't said your second Medium Obligatory Prayer? You know, the one that you're supposed to say between noon and sunset? So now you realize that you can't complete your Medium prayer for the day. And then you realize that you also can't do the Short one, which is also to be said between noon (true noon, not daylight savings time, but that's another rant altogether) and sunset. Thank God for the Long Obligatory Prayer, which is still my personal favorite.
Anyways. I tried looking at this Tablet a paragraph at a time, but it just wasn't working for me. I want to look at the first part as a whole.
"First part? I thought it was all one piece."
Yes, dear Reader, it is. But let me explain. This Tablet is considered His final Will and Testament. Personally, I think of it as His final Testament and Will. (And this is just my own opinion. Nothing official. Insert usual disclaimer here, if you will.) The first part reads as a testimony, to me. Then, after the part quoted below, He continues "The Will of the divine Testator is this..." So I don't think I'm too far off in my reading of it. Anyways, here's the first part for your reading pleasure:
There is so much in here that it is difficult to know where to begin.
I already said that He begins by reminding us that He has given us something spiritual, not physical.
After this reminder, which in many ways distinguishes this from most Wills and Testaments, He goes on to tell why He lived his life the way He did. He didn't do it for fame or glory, as may have been obvious by what He suffered, and how he reacted to those sufferings. No. He did what He did in order to get rid of hatred and enmity, and to help us attain real peace and tranquility.
Then He draws our attention to a special passage in this Tablet which, since He feels it is important enough to do at the very end of His life, we should really take note of. He exhorts us to observe that which will elevate our station. (Remember this. It comes up again later.) Then He gives us something of a recipe list:
This caught my attention, for I remember the fear of God being mentioned in the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. "Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy and unseemly, and which is known as his sense of shame. This, however, is confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and do not possess, it. It is incumbent upon the kings and the spiritual leaders of the world to lay fast hold on religion, inasmuch as through it the fear of God is instilled in all else but Him."
Here, once again, we are being reminded of the importance of religion in the cultivation of the fear of God, which, as you may recall, is a very healthy thing. It is not the terror of God, but a mild discomfort. (You can read more on that here.)
In the second, we are reminded to do what is right. How often have we encountered a time in our life where we can benefit ourselves materially, or socially, by doing something that is not quite right? Me? More often than I care to count. It is good to be reminded not to fall for anything like that.
Then He tells us that God has forgiven what is in the past. We should, too. We shouldn't talk about those things in the past that troubled us, or bothered us, or even merely annoyed us. (Wow. I've got a long way to go.) God has forgiven, and we need to learn from that example.
Don't slander or abuse? Well, we all know that backbiting is considered the most-grievous sin, and here He is, at the very end of His life, reminding us, yet again, to stop doing it.
And we are to avoid doing anything that causes sadness to another. Now that's mighty difficult. I'm still not sure how to even begin going about that. Remember, though, that there was a penalty for that in the Bayan, but in the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah absolved us of this penalty. Even though we no longer have to pay a hefty fine for making someone sad, it is still against the law.
"Lofty is the station of man!" What a statement. It is nothing short of a reminder that we were created noble. But just a few lines later He qualifies this. He reminds us that all that lay latent within us has been made manifest, and then says that our station is lofty if, and presumably only if, we are:
We have to be virtuous. If not, how can we claim to be in that lofty station? We have to hold to the truth, for if not, the foundation of all our virtues is gone. "Truthfulness", He has said, "is the foundation of all human virtues." "Without truthfulness," said 'Abdu'l-Baha, "progress and success in all of the worlds of God are impossible for a soul." Then we have to be firm and steadfast in the Cause. Later, in this very Tablet, we will learn more about just how it is that we are to be firm and steadfast, namely by following 'Abdu'l-Baha.
If we follow all of these, then our station truly will be lofty. In fact, ours will be "the loftiest station".
Sigh.
Yeah, I really do have a long way to go.
More on this in the next article. (The Tablet, not my shortcomings.)
And it's the Fast.
Aside: Don't you just hate it when, at the end of the day during the Fast, you say a prayer and take that unbelievably refreshing first sip of water, and then realize that you haven't said your second Medium Obligatory Prayer? You know, the one that you're supposed to say between noon and sunset? So now you realize that you can't complete your Medium prayer for the day. And then you realize that you also can't do the Short one, which is also to be said between noon (true noon, not daylight savings time, but that's another rant altogether) and sunset. Thank God for the Long Obligatory Prayer, which is still my personal favorite.
Anyways. I tried looking at this Tablet a paragraph at a time, but it just wasn't working for me. I want to look at the first part as a whole.
"First part? I thought it was all one piece."
Yes, dear Reader, it is. But let me explain. This Tablet is considered His final Will and Testament. Personally, I think of it as His final Testament and Will. (And this is just my own opinion. Nothing official. Insert usual disclaimer here, if you will.) The first part reads as a testimony, to me. Then, after the part quoted below, He continues "The Will of the divine Testator is this..." So I don't think I'm too far off in my reading of it. Anyways, here's the first part for your reading pleasure:
Although the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet within the treasury of trust and resignation We have bequeathed to Our heirs an excellent and priceless heritage. Earthly treasures We have not bequeathed, nor have We added such cares as they entail. By God! In earthly riches fear is hidden and peril is concealed. Consider ye and call to mind that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur'án: 'Woe betide every slanderer and defamer, him that layeth up riches and counteth them.'(Qur'án 104:1-2) Fleeting are the riches of the world; all that perisheth and changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a recognized measure.
The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and tranquillity. From the dawning-place of the divine Tablet the day-star of this utterance shineth resplendent, and it behoveth everyone to fix his gaze upon it: We exhort you, O peoples of the world, to observe that which will elevate your station. Hold fast to the fear of God and firmly adhere to what is right. Verily I say, the tongue is for mentioning what is good, defile it not with unseemly talk. God hath forgiven what is past. Henceforward everyone should utter that which is meet and seemly, and should refrain from slander, abuse and whatever causeth sadness in men. Lofty is the station of man! Not long ago this exalted Word streamed forth from the treasury of Our Pen of Glory: Great and blessed is this Day -- the Day in which all that lay latent in man hath been and will be made manifest. Lofty is the station of man, were he to hold fast to righteousness and truth and to remain firm and steadfast in the Cause. In the eyes of the All-Merciful a true man appeareth even as a firmament; its sun and moon are his sight and hearing, and his shining and resplendent character its stars. His is the loftiest station, and his influence educateth the world of being.
Every receptive soul who hath in this Day inhaled the fragrance of His garment and hath, with a pure heart, set his face towards the all-glorious Horizon is reckoned among the people of Baha in the Crimson Book. Grasp ye, in My Name, the chalice of My loving-kindness, drink then your fill in My glorious and wondrous remembrance.
O ye that dwell on earth! The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension. In the eyes of men of insight and the beholders of the Most Sublime Vision, whatsoever are the effective means for safeguarding and promoting the happiness and welfare of the children of men have already been revealed by the Pen of Glory. But the foolish ones of the earth, being nurtured in evil passions and desires, have remained heedless of the consummate wisdom of Him Who is, in truth, the All-Wise, while their words and deeds are prompted by idle fancies and vain imaginings.
O ye the loved ones and the trustees of God! Kings are the manifestations of the power, and the daysprings of the might and riches, of God. Pray ye on their behalf. He hath invested them with the rulership of the earth and hath singled out the hearts of men as His Own domain.
Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book. This is a decree of God in this Most Great Revelation. It is divinely preserved from annulment and is invested by Him with the splendour of His confirmation. Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
It is incumbent upon everyone to aid those daysprings of authority and sources of command who are adorned with the ornament of equity and justice. Blessed are the rulers and the learned among the people of Baha. They are My trustees among My servants and the manifestations of My commandments amidst My people. Upon them rest My glory, My blessings and My grace which have pervaded the world of being. In this connection the utterances revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are such that from the horizon of their words the light of divine grace shineth luminous and resplendent.
O ye My Branches! A mighty force, a consummate power lieth concealed in the world of being. Fix your gaze upon it and upon its unifying influence, and not upon the differences which appear from it.
There is so much in here that it is difficult to know where to begin.
I already said that He begins by reminding us that He has given us something spiritual, not physical.
After this reminder, which in many ways distinguishes this from most Wills and Testaments, He goes on to tell why He lived his life the way He did. He didn't do it for fame or glory, as may have been obvious by what He suffered, and how he reacted to those sufferings. No. He did what He did in order to get rid of hatred and enmity, and to help us attain real peace and tranquility.
Then He draws our attention to a special passage in this Tablet which, since He feels it is important enough to do at the very end of His life, we should really take note of. He exhorts us to observe that which will elevate our station. (Remember this. It comes up again later.) Then He gives us something of a recipe list:
- Fear God
- Hold fast to that which is right
- Mention what is good
- Don't slander or abuse or do anything that causes sadness
This caught my attention, for I remember the fear of God being mentioned in the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. "Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy and unseemly, and which is known as his sense of shame. This, however, is confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and do not possess, it. It is incumbent upon the kings and the spiritual leaders of the world to lay fast hold on religion, inasmuch as through it the fear of God is instilled in all else but Him."
Here, once again, we are being reminded of the importance of religion in the cultivation of the fear of God, which, as you may recall, is a very healthy thing. It is not the terror of God, but a mild discomfort. (You can read more on that here.)
In the second, we are reminded to do what is right. How often have we encountered a time in our life where we can benefit ourselves materially, or socially, by doing something that is not quite right? Me? More often than I care to count. It is good to be reminded not to fall for anything like that.
Then He tells us that God has forgiven what is in the past. We should, too. We shouldn't talk about those things in the past that troubled us, or bothered us, or even merely annoyed us. (Wow. I've got a long way to go.) God has forgiven, and we need to learn from that example.
Don't slander or abuse? Well, we all know that backbiting is considered the most-grievous sin, and here He is, at the very end of His life, reminding us, yet again, to stop doing it.
And we are to avoid doing anything that causes sadness to another. Now that's mighty difficult. I'm still not sure how to even begin going about that. Remember, though, that there was a penalty for that in the Bayan, but in the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah absolved us of this penalty. Even though we no longer have to pay a hefty fine for making someone sad, it is still against the law.
"Lofty is the station of man!" What a statement. It is nothing short of a reminder that we were created noble. But just a few lines later He qualifies this. He reminds us that all that lay latent within us has been made manifest, and then says that our station is lofty if, and presumably only if, we are:
- righteous
- holding to the truth
- firm in the Cause
- steadfast in the Cause
We have to be virtuous. If not, how can we claim to be in that lofty station? We have to hold to the truth, for if not, the foundation of all our virtues is gone. "Truthfulness", He has said, "is the foundation of all human virtues." "Without truthfulness," said 'Abdu'l-Baha, "progress and success in all of the worlds of God are impossible for a soul." Then we have to be firm and steadfast in the Cause. Later, in this very Tablet, we will learn more about just how it is that we are to be firm and steadfast, namely by following 'Abdu'l-Baha.
If we follow all of these, then our station truly will be lofty. In fact, ours will be "the loftiest station".
Sigh.
Yeah, I really do have a long way to go.
More on this in the next article. (The Tablet, not my shortcomings.)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Some Ahd Thoughts
Well, it's March again, and the Fast began last night at sunset. As usual, this is a time that I look forward to with both excitement and trepidation.
Seriously. I do.
There is always something of a sense of joy and wonder at this time. Dreams are far more potent. Coincidences abound. There is something remarkably spiritual in the air that just doesn't seem to be there to the same degree any other time. It is a month of wonder, if we only open ourselves up to it.
But then there is the trepidation. I know. As a "good Baha'i", I'm not supposed to feel anything but joy at the thought of the Fast. But where is that written? I think this is just a myth that may help perpetuate ideas of guilt. I do feel nervous every year getting ready for the Fast, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I know that there will be some degree of sacrifice, some unpleasantness, a lot of temptation. But I still fast. Remember, you can only show the strength of your virtues when challenged on them.
I suspect that this year will be easier than most for I am already in the habit of getting up before sunrise to help get Shoghi ready for school each day. And Marielle and I have already found a pattern of eating that works real well for the Fast. (You can read a bit about this diet here.) So both waking up early and the food aspect are taken care of.
But then there is studying. As you may know, I took a page out of my friend Lucki's book and I choose a major work to study every year during the lunch hours of the Fast. This year, due to a comment from my wife, I'll be looking at the Kitab-i-Ahd and the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. She feels drawn to studying them this year, and I will be very happy to go along with that.
As you may know, the Kitab-i-Ahd, Book of the Covenant, is Baha'u'llah's will and testament. Or perhaps it is better phrased, "His testament and will". Why? Because it begins with His testimony.
The very first paragraph of it reads:
It would be very easy at this point to go into a history of this work, and talk about how 'Abdu'l-Baha's half-brothers tried to lay claim to some of the funds of the Faith for their own use, and how they never imagined that He would show up in court with this document to show that Baha'u'llah never bequeathed to them any earthly treasures. I could go into all of that, but I won't. You can find this, and many other incredible stories around this document in other places, such as Taherzadeh's fine work, The Covenant of Baha'u'llah. I don't need to do that here.
Instead, I will just look at the Tablet and share a few thoughts about it. (In other words, I'll do my usual sort of study.)
So here in the very beginning, Baha'u'llah is reminding us of the spiritual nature of His faith, and at the same time warning us of the perils that lie hidden in material possessions. And while this is a "excellent and priceless heritage", it is not to be confused with those earthly treasures.
Interestingly enough, he isn't saying that the riches of the world are worthless, just that they are worth far less of our attention than we usually think. And it was this very mention that allowed 'Abdu'l-Baha to show the court that His brothers had no claim on any material goods from this.
Oops. The Fast just caught up with me. I don't think I can write any more this afternoon. I'll just leave you with this excerpt and look at it again tomorrow morning.
Enjoy the Fast, everyone.
Seriously. I do.
There is always something of a sense of joy and wonder at this time. Dreams are far more potent. Coincidences abound. There is something remarkably spiritual in the air that just doesn't seem to be there to the same degree any other time. It is a month of wonder, if we only open ourselves up to it.
But then there is the trepidation. I know. As a "good Baha'i", I'm not supposed to feel anything but joy at the thought of the Fast. But where is that written? I think this is just a myth that may help perpetuate ideas of guilt. I do feel nervous every year getting ready for the Fast, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I know that there will be some degree of sacrifice, some unpleasantness, a lot of temptation. But I still fast. Remember, you can only show the strength of your virtues when challenged on them.
I suspect that this year will be easier than most for I am already in the habit of getting up before sunrise to help get Shoghi ready for school each day. And Marielle and I have already found a pattern of eating that works real well for the Fast. (You can read a bit about this diet here.) So both waking up early and the food aspect are taken care of.
But then there is studying. As you may know, I took a page out of my friend Lucki's book and I choose a major work to study every year during the lunch hours of the Fast. This year, due to a comment from my wife, I'll be looking at the Kitab-i-Ahd and the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. She feels drawn to studying them this year, and I will be very happy to go along with that.
As you may know, the Kitab-i-Ahd, Book of the Covenant, is Baha'u'llah's will and testament. Or perhaps it is better phrased, "His testament and will". Why? Because it begins with His testimony.
The very first paragraph of it reads:
ALTHOUGH the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet within the treasury of trust and resignation We have bequeathed to Our heirs an excellent and priceless heritage. Earthly treasures We have not bequeathed, nor have We added such cares as they entail. By God! In earthly riches fear is hidden and peril is concealed. Consider ye and call to mind that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur'án: 'Woe betide every slanderer and defamer, him that layeth up riches and counteth them.'[1] Fleeting are the riches of the world; all that perisheth and changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a recognized measure.
It would be very easy at this point to go into a history of this work, and talk about how 'Abdu'l-Baha's half-brothers tried to lay claim to some of the funds of the Faith for their own use, and how they never imagined that He would show up in court with this document to show that Baha'u'llah never bequeathed to them any earthly treasures. I could go into all of that, but I won't. You can find this, and many other incredible stories around this document in other places, such as Taherzadeh's fine work, The Covenant of Baha'u'llah. I don't need to do that here.
Instead, I will just look at the Tablet and share a few thoughts about it. (In other words, I'll do my usual sort of study.)
So here in the very beginning, Baha'u'llah is reminding us of the spiritual nature of His faith, and at the same time warning us of the perils that lie hidden in material possessions. And while this is a "excellent and priceless heritage", it is not to be confused with those earthly treasures.
Interestingly enough, he isn't saying that the riches of the world are worthless, just that they are worth far less of our attention than we usually think. And it was this very mention that allowed 'Abdu'l-Baha to show the court that His brothers had no claim on any material goods from this.
The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and tranquillity. From the dawning-place of the divine Tablet the day-star of this utterance shineth resplendent, and it behoveth everyone to fix his gaze upon it: We exhort you, O peoples of the world, to observe that which will elevate your station. Hold fast to the fear of God and firmly adhere to what is right. Verily I say, the tongue is for mentioning what is good, defile it not with unseemly talk. God hath forgiven what is past. Henceforward everyone 220 should utter that which is meet and seemly, and should refrain from slander, abuse and whatever causeth sadness in men. Lofty is the station of man! Not long ago this exalted Word streamed forth from the treasury of Our Pen of Glory: Great and blessed is this Day -- the Day in which all that lay latent in man hath been and will be made manifest. Lofty is the station of man, were he to hold fast to righteousness and truth and to remain firm and steadfast in the Cause. In the eyes of the All-Merciful a true man appeareth even as a firmament; its sun and moon are his sight and hearing, and his shining and resplendent character its stars. His is the loftiest station, and his influence educateth the world of being.
Oops. The Fast just caught up with me. I don't think I can write any more this afternoon. I'll just leave you with this excerpt and look at it again tomorrow morning.
Enjoy the Fast, everyone.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Dr Peter Centre Diaries, Part 2
Ok. This is just a pain in the patootie. I've spent the past hour or two looking for a picture of a tapestry I saw at the Dr Peter Centre in Vancouver. I mean, this tapestry is beautiful, and I wanted to write about it today, but not without being able to show it to you. (Perhaps someone at the Centre can take a picture and post in the comment section.) (hint hint)
Oh well.
I'm still going to tell you about it. Why? Well, not just because it is beautiful. I'm going to write about it for two reasons: First, it is a beautiful example what can be created when artists work in unity. Second, it reminds me of the Peace Tapestry at the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette.
After Dr peter passed away, a group of weavers got together to offer a befitting memento in his memory. Then, after designing it, they decided that it should be a group effort. They figured that it would convey more of the spirit of what they were trying to show and do if many hands worked on it, rather than just a few. This calls to mind the exhortations of both 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi for all the Baha'is to participate in the various affairs of the Faith, such as the building of the Temple in Wilmette. They wrote of the importance of the spiritual benefits of many, as opposed to only a few with greater degrees of wealth, contributing with devotion, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm. They seemed to imply that this would have a great spiritual impact on the efficacy of the Temple.
The tapestry these friends made is quite beautiful and includes many little symbols embedded within it, like the columns in the Temple. it is just laden with meaning, most of which is explained in a little paper they give you if you ask. There are small animals hidden within it, and each of them is used not only for their presence in the area he loved to visit, but also for the spiritual significance in the Native traditions.
While this tapestry was being woven, it was on display in, I think, a library. People could just walk up and offer to do a few stitches (or whatever it is called, for I'm sure that stitch is the wrong word). The news media got wind of this project and did some stories on it, and more and more people began to show up to offer what they could. People from all over the world came by to put in their little bit. Stories of people from Japan, Germany, and many other countries filled in the background of this tapestry, showing that we could all unite for a good cause. Many hundreds of people, I was told, helped in the making of this tapestry.
And there it is, hanging between the offices in the Dr Peter Centre, just to the right of the main entrance, there for all to see. It is very beautiful, and I really do hope that we can see it here soon. (I wanted to take a picture of it, but had been asked, for good reasons, to leave my camera at home when I visited.)
Now, I have to go back about 25 years for the other tapestry, the one I was reminded when I saw this one. Back in 1985, the Universal House of Justice released a marvelous document to the "Peoples of the World" about the inevitability of world peace, and the steps needed to achieve it.
One of the many responses to this was from an artist who decided to put the essential ideas of it into a large 4-part tapestry. It was filled with embroidered quotes from the message, and depicted some of the ideas in imagery. The first part was very dark and grey, with lines that spoke of the spectre of war, or the oppression of women, and the indignity of racism. As you moved along the piece, each subsequent panel got brighter and brighter, more colorful, and more optimistic.
The reasons I was reminded of this were multiple. First, it told a story. Second, it was a tapestry. Third, it was beautiful to look at. But mostly because of all the bits and bobs in it. When you look closely at the Peace Tapestry, you will see bits of string, odd bits of cloth, some beads, a feather or two. You will see all sorts of little things that, I was told, were contributed to the artist by people from all over the world. I've heard that one of the most difficult things she faced when making this glorious work of art was to figure out how to include all of the items she had been sent. Whether or not that is true, it is still wonderful, and a great example of many people contributing to a lasting legacy.
And it still bums me that I can't find pictures of either one on the internet.
Oh well.
I'm still going to tell you about it. Why? Well, not just because it is beautiful. I'm going to write about it for two reasons: First, it is a beautiful example what can be created when artists work in unity. Second, it reminds me of the Peace Tapestry at the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette.
After Dr peter passed away, a group of weavers got together to offer a befitting memento in his memory. Then, after designing it, they decided that it should be a group effort. They figured that it would convey more of the spirit of what they were trying to show and do if many hands worked on it, rather than just a few. This calls to mind the exhortations of both 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi for all the Baha'is to participate in the various affairs of the Faith, such as the building of the Temple in Wilmette. They wrote of the importance of the spiritual benefits of many, as opposed to only a few with greater degrees of wealth, contributing with devotion, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm. They seemed to imply that this would have a great spiritual impact on the efficacy of the Temple.
The tapestry these friends made is quite beautiful and includes many little symbols embedded within it, like the columns in the Temple. it is just laden with meaning, most of which is explained in a little paper they give you if you ask. There are small animals hidden within it, and each of them is used not only for their presence in the area he loved to visit, but also for the spiritual significance in the Native traditions.
While this tapestry was being woven, it was on display in, I think, a library. People could just walk up and offer to do a few stitches (or whatever it is called, for I'm sure that stitch is the wrong word). The news media got wind of this project and did some stories on it, and more and more people began to show up to offer what they could. People from all over the world came by to put in their little bit. Stories of people from Japan, Germany, and many other countries filled in the background of this tapestry, showing that we could all unite for a good cause. Many hundreds of people, I was told, helped in the making of this tapestry.
And there it is, hanging between the offices in the Dr Peter Centre, just to the right of the main entrance, there for all to see. It is very beautiful, and I really do hope that we can see it here soon. (I wanted to take a picture of it, but had been asked, for good reasons, to leave my camera at home when I visited.)
Now, I have to go back about 25 years for the other tapestry, the one I was reminded when I saw this one. Back in 1985, the Universal House of Justice released a marvelous document to the "Peoples of the World" about the inevitability of world peace, and the steps needed to achieve it.
One of the many responses to this was from an artist who decided to put the essential ideas of it into a large 4-part tapestry. It was filled with embroidered quotes from the message, and depicted some of the ideas in imagery. The first part was very dark and grey, with lines that spoke of the spectre of war, or the oppression of women, and the indignity of racism. As you moved along the piece, each subsequent panel got brighter and brighter, more colorful, and more optimistic.
The reasons I was reminded of this were multiple. First, it told a story. Second, it was a tapestry. Third, it was beautiful to look at. But mostly because of all the bits and bobs in it. When you look closely at the Peace Tapestry, you will see bits of string, odd bits of cloth, some beads, a feather or two. You will see all sorts of little things that, I was told, were contributed to the artist by people from all over the world. I've heard that one of the most difficult things she faced when making this glorious work of art was to figure out how to include all of the items she had been sent. Whether or not that is true, it is still wonderful, and a great example of many people contributing to a lasting legacy.
And it still bums me that I can't find pictures of either one on the internet.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Happy Ayyam-i-Ha
I was going to continue to write about the Dr Peter Centre, but the calendar got in the way, as did my keyboard problems. I'll continue that story later in the week.
Today, however, I want to write about one of my favorite times of the year: Ayyam-i-Ha.
Ayyam-i-Ha, in case you don't know, means "the days of Ha", and that alone means it's full of joy. In what other calendar system do you have days dedicated to laughter? It would be like calling Christmas-time the "days of ho ho ho". Hmmm. Ayyam-i-ho-ho-ho. I kind of like that.
It is a time of joyous celebration that is also called the Intercalary Days, because the Baha'i Calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days each. Do the math and you'll realize that this only makes 361 days. These intercalary days make up the rest of the solar year, so we have 4 days of celebration, except in a leap year (like this one) when we have 5.
Five days of joy and celebration. What more can you ask for?
"The days which Thou hast named the Ayyam-i-Ha in Thy Book have begun..." But just in case we want to get carried away, Baha'u'llah reminds us later in that same prayer, "...the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching." (And yes, that's right. You read it correctly. Just after the Intercalary Days comes the Inter-Calorie Days.) (I used to put a sign on my candy dish that would read "A yummy? Ha! Happy fasting.")
It is also the time of my son's birthday. Like Shoghi Effendi (the Guardian), Shoghi (my son) was born on a Sunday during Ayyam-i-Ha. This makes it an even more joyous time of celebration in my house. And today, the very day of his birth, he is turning 7 (my son, not the Guardian).
So what is it that we do? I'm glad you asked, dear Reader.
These joyous days can be used as spiritual preparation for the fast, and they can also be used for hospitality, feasting, charity and gift giving.
What was that? I'm sorry, I think I mis-understood you. What is it that we, in my family, do? Oh, sorry. I thought you meant what do we Baha'is do?
First of all, we have two very different celebrations in our house: one for Ayyam-i-Ha and the other for Shoghi's birthday. Yesterday, for example, we had a birthday party at a local recreation centre. We brought in pizza, played tons of highly active games, and gave personalized gift bags to all who came. (What I mean by personalized is that we wrote their names on the bags and gave small little gifts that we thought appropriate to each child, like a notepad with music on it for the girl who loves the piano. That sort of thing.) But most important, we asked the kids to bring change for a local charity that helps children in need. This not only helped raise a bit of money for a good cause, it also helped remind the children of the importance of giving to charity. (The total he raised was just over $100.) There, at that party, I was able to talk to a few of the adults about why it is that we chose to do this, explaining both the charity aspect, as well as Ayyam-i-Ha.
At home, though, we do a few other things.
Some of the Baha'i friends like to talk about the Ayyam-i-Ha Camel in the same way that some Christian families will talk about the Easter Bunny. But not us. That poor bunny is busy enough with Easter. We don't need to make any extra work for him. Nope. We have the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama. (I think it sounds better than a bunny anyways.) I've described a bit about his activities before, but I think I'll do it again, just for fun.
Although Shoghi (both my son and the Guardian, I'm sure) is well aware that the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama doesn't really exist, we do like to have fun with it. We realized that it is no longer common to hang your socks by the fireplace to dry overnight, so "Christmas" stockings was just kind of unnatural, even though I really wanted to do them. But we do toss our jackets on the backs of chairs or hang them on the doorknobs. We decided to put little gifts in everyone's pockets. Every evening during Ayyam-i-Ha, Shoghi and I "sneak" downstairs and help the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama with this task, making sure to put gifts in our own pockets, too, because it is very important to be generous to yourself, too.
We also love to hang lights. These lights generally go up sometime around Christmas and stay up all the way through this time of year. If we're really lazy they also substitute as Naw Ruz lights. (Most years they even do duty as Ridvan lights.) We really love it.
This is the time of year when we get to pick and choose our own joyous and festive ways of celebrating. it is when we get to give all those little gifts to our friends that we've been collecting throughout the year. It is that time of the year when we get to be exuberant and celebratory, confusing our friends who are all shivering and frowny-faced, and explain to them just what it is that we are so happy about.
And it is also a time of the year when we get to think about just what it is that we are going to do during those long lunch hours of the Fast.
My friend, Lucki, who taught me the Faith, told me that she would choose a Book, such as Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, and spend her lunch time studying it. I liked that idea a lot, and so I've scraped off the serial number and stolen the idea. (I know a good idea when I steal it.) (I also know a good line when I steal it.) (<-- Like that one.)
This year Marielle and I are going to study the Kitab-i-Ahd and the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. (I thought I'd give you fair warning.)
But for now, I'm going to go outside and enjoy the beautiful crisp, sunny day that God has blessed this area with. And I'm going to go around wishing people a happy and joyous Ayyam-i-Ha, even though most of them will probably think I'm talking about a motorcycle.
Today, however, I want to write about one of my favorite times of the year: Ayyam-i-Ha.
Ayyam-i-Ha, in case you don't know, means "the days of Ha", and that alone means it's full of joy. In what other calendar system do you have days dedicated to laughter? It would be like calling Christmas-time the "days of ho ho ho". Hmmm. Ayyam-i-ho-ho-ho. I kind of like that.
It is a time of joyous celebration that is also called the Intercalary Days, because the Baha'i Calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days each. Do the math and you'll realize that this only makes 361 days. These intercalary days make up the rest of the solar year, so we have 4 days of celebration, except in a leap year (like this one) when we have 5.
Five days of joy and celebration. What more can you ask for?
"The days which Thou hast named the Ayyam-i-Ha in Thy Book have begun..." But just in case we want to get carried away, Baha'u'llah reminds us later in that same prayer, "...the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching." (And yes, that's right. You read it correctly. Just after the Intercalary Days comes the Inter-Calorie Days.) (I used to put a sign on my candy dish that would read "A yummy? Ha! Happy fasting.")
It is also the time of my son's birthday. Like Shoghi Effendi (the Guardian), Shoghi (my son) was born on a Sunday during Ayyam-i-Ha. This makes it an even more joyous time of celebration in my house. And today, the very day of his birth, he is turning 7 (my son, not the Guardian).
So what is it that we do? I'm glad you asked, dear Reader.
These joyous days can be used as spiritual preparation for the fast, and they can also be used for hospitality, feasting, charity and gift giving.
What was that? I'm sorry, I think I mis-understood you. What is it that we, in my family, do? Oh, sorry. I thought you meant what do we Baha'is do?
First of all, we have two very different celebrations in our house: one for Ayyam-i-Ha and the other for Shoghi's birthday. Yesterday, for example, we had a birthday party at a local recreation centre. We brought in pizza, played tons of highly active games, and gave personalized gift bags to all who came. (What I mean by personalized is that we wrote their names on the bags and gave small little gifts that we thought appropriate to each child, like a notepad with music on it for the girl who loves the piano. That sort of thing.) But most important, we asked the kids to bring change for a local charity that helps children in need. This not only helped raise a bit of money for a good cause, it also helped remind the children of the importance of giving to charity. (The total he raised was just over $100.) There, at that party, I was able to talk to a few of the adults about why it is that we chose to do this, explaining both the charity aspect, as well as Ayyam-i-Ha.
At home, though, we do a few other things.
Some of the Baha'i friends like to talk about the Ayyam-i-Ha Camel in the same way that some Christian families will talk about the Easter Bunny. But not us. That poor bunny is busy enough with Easter. We don't need to make any extra work for him. Nope. We have the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama. (I think it sounds better than a bunny anyways.) I've described a bit about his activities before, but I think I'll do it again, just for fun.
Although Shoghi (both my son and the Guardian, I'm sure) is well aware that the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama doesn't really exist, we do like to have fun with it. We realized that it is no longer common to hang your socks by the fireplace to dry overnight, so "Christmas" stockings was just kind of unnatural, even though I really wanted to do them. But we do toss our jackets on the backs of chairs or hang them on the doorknobs. We decided to put little gifts in everyone's pockets. Every evening during Ayyam-i-Ha, Shoghi and I "sneak" downstairs and help the Ayyam-i-Ha Llama with this task, making sure to put gifts in our own pockets, too, because it is very important to be generous to yourself, too.
We also love to hang lights. These lights generally go up sometime around Christmas and stay up all the way through this time of year. If we're really lazy they also substitute as Naw Ruz lights. (Most years they even do duty as Ridvan lights.) We really love it.
This is the time of year when we get to pick and choose our own joyous and festive ways of celebrating. it is when we get to give all those little gifts to our friends that we've been collecting throughout the year. It is that time of the year when we get to be exuberant and celebratory, confusing our friends who are all shivering and frowny-faced, and explain to them just what it is that we are so happy about.
And it is also a time of the year when we get to think about just what it is that we are going to do during those long lunch hours of the Fast.
My friend, Lucki, who taught me the Faith, told me that she would choose a Book, such as Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, and spend her lunch time studying it. I liked that idea a lot, and so I've scraped off the serial number and stolen the idea. (I know a good idea when I steal it.) (I also know a good line when I steal it.) (<-- Like that one.)
This year Marielle and I are going to study the Kitab-i-Ahd and the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. (I thought I'd give you fair warning.)
But for now, I'm going to go outside and enjoy the beautiful crisp, sunny day that God has blessed this area with. And I'm going to go around wishing people a happy and joyous Ayyam-i-Ha, even though most of them will probably think I'm talking about a motorcycle.
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Dr Peter Centre Diaries, Part 1
Earlier this year I published an article in the local paper about a woman I had met on the ferry around Christmas time. In the piece, I mentioned that she had been visiting her brother who was with the Dr Peter AIDS Centre in Vancouver. It was only a short time after that article came out that I received a touching and heartwarming letter from Dr Peter's mother, Shirley, inviting me to come visit and volunteer for a day.
Wednesday 8 February was that day.
It began when Marielle and Shoghi got up very early to take me to the ferry. Shoghi had wanted to come with me, and I would have loved to take him, but you have to be 19 to enter the building.
Now, I have to say, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I mean, I knew that it was a place for people with HIV, that there were some beds available for people who needed hospice care, that there was a lot of counseling and medical stuff going on, as well as that they worked with many who were homeless and hungry. I got all that from the web-site. I knew they did good work.
And I've been to many hospitals, hospices, rehab centres, care centres, and in every single one of them, the majority of the people look like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. This place is different.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in, besides the beautiful and welcoming entry hall, was that everyone was smiling. That gave me an immediate good feeling, beyond what I got when I had received the initial invitation.
But perhaps I should go back a bit. What is the Dr Peter Center, and how did it begin? A whirlwind history is that Dr Peter had just finished his doctorate degree in medicine back in the late 80s when he was diagnosed with HIV. He approached the CBC about recording a weekly diary about his experience with the disease and, over the next few years, won himself a wide audience of admirers for his courage, wisdom and spiritual ideas. After he passed away, the Dr Peter Foundation was started in his name, and based on his principles. (You can find lots more info in other areas and I don't want to repeat it all here.)
There I was, in the hallway, wondering what to do. I introduced myself to Kamal, who was standing behind the front desk sorting something.
Aside: Kamal has one of the most difficult jobs in the building, as far as I can tell, and he does it admirably. His job is to greet the people who come in and make sure they get where they need to go. This is particularly difficult because he has to greet people without inadvertently offending them. Given some of the tensions that people can be facing when they arrive, it is truly amazing how well he does this.
So there I was, a stranger who had just been been given a beautiful smiling thanks by a man for whom I held open the door, and now wondering what to do.
I went to the desk and said, "Hi. My name is Mead..." and got no further than that when someone poked her head from around the corner and said, "Oh! You're Mead." That was to prove the motif for the day. "Oh", I would hear over and over again, "you're Mead." Those three words can often prove to be a disappointment, when the first word is stressed, or a blessing, when the second word is emphasized. Here it boded of excitement that someone would come so far just to volunteer for the day. Little did they know that the real blessing was mine.
It was only a few moments later that I met Shirley, dressed in her apron, serving breakfast to all who came her way. She greeted me with a warmth and a smile that made me feel even more welcome than before. And I then understood that no matter what she would think, I knew I had found the heart of the Centre.
The next few hours were a bit of a blur as I met many people and was given the tour. I want to tell you all about the people I met, and the things I saw, but I'll save that for later. As you can tell from this wildly all over the place article, it was a bit of a whirlwind for me. I wanted to give you a bit of the sense that I felt while I was there: joy, being overwhelmed and welcomed, and a sense of curiosity. Over the next few days I'm going to try and show a couple of the things they are doing there, but for now I want to share one little story.
I had the wonderful bounty of talking with Shirley a bit more later in the morning, and I told her about that line from 'Abdu'l-Baha that had confused me for so long. I've written about it here in the past, but I think it bears repeating. "The good deeds of the righteous are the sins of the Near Ones."
She seemed to really focus on me when I said that line from Some Answered Questions and asked me to share what I had learned from it. I said that, to me, it meant that many of us would feel good about giving money to support a cause such as the Centre, and that this donation would be a righteous deed. It would be a good thing to help support it in that way.
But for others, to merely give money would not be enough. They would need to get to know the actual people involved. They would need to pour out their heart and soul, the sweat and their blood. To merely give something as superficial as money would practically be a sin to them.
This, I said, is what I saw in her. With all the love that she gave her son, she gives herself to the Centre. She embraces each and every one of the people that the Centre has helped, and regards them as her own children. Dr Peter's sacrifice, for really, what else could you call his last few years on this earth, has really helped grow the tree of her service. Shirley really has become the loving mother of everyone who walks through those doors, for she has seen what they are going through and doesn't see the illness, but the dear soul trapped within the body. Of all the things I saw and learned at the Centre on that rainy Wednesday morning, this is what touched me the most: her loving service.
As 'Abdu'l-Baha said, "Service to humanity is service to God." And "This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer." I feel so honoured to have been able to see such a servant in action.
Wednesday 8 February was that day.
It began when Marielle and Shoghi got up very early to take me to the ferry. Shoghi had wanted to come with me, and I would have loved to take him, but you have to be 19 to enter the building.
Now, I have to say, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I mean, I knew that it was a place for people with HIV, that there were some beds available for people who needed hospice care, that there was a lot of counseling and medical stuff going on, as well as that they worked with many who were homeless and hungry. I got all that from the web-site. I knew they did good work.
And I've been to many hospitals, hospices, rehab centres, care centres, and in every single one of them, the majority of the people look like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. This place is different.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in, besides the beautiful and welcoming entry hall, was that everyone was smiling. That gave me an immediate good feeling, beyond what I got when I had received the initial invitation.
But perhaps I should go back a bit. What is the Dr Peter Center, and how did it begin? A whirlwind history is that Dr Peter had just finished his doctorate degree in medicine back in the late 80s when he was diagnosed with HIV. He approached the CBC about recording a weekly diary about his experience with the disease and, over the next few years, won himself a wide audience of admirers for his courage, wisdom and spiritual ideas. After he passed away, the Dr Peter Foundation was started in his name, and based on his principles. (You can find lots more info in other areas and I don't want to repeat it all here.)
There I was, in the hallway, wondering what to do. I introduced myself to Kamal, who was standing behind the front desk sorting something.
Aside: Kamal has one of the most difficult jobs in the building, as far as I can tell, and he does it admirably. His job is to greet the people who come in and make sure they get where they need to go. This is particularly difficult because he has to greet people without inadvertently offending them. Given some of the tensions that people can be facing when they arrive, it is truly amazing how well he does this.
So there I was, a stranger who had just been been given a beautiful smiling thanks by a man for whom I held open the door, and now wondering what to do.
I went to the desk and said, "Hi. My name is Mead..." and got no further than that when someone poked her head from around the corner and said, "Oh! You're Mead." That was to prove the motif for the day. "Oh", I would hear over and over again, "you're Mead." Those three words can often prove to be a disappointment, when the first word is stressed, or a blessing, when the second word is emphasized. Here it boded of excitement that someone would come so far just to volunteer for the day. Little did they know that the real blessing was mine.
It was only a few moments later that I met Shirley, dressed in her apron, serving breakfast to all who came her way. She greeted me with a warmth and a smile that made me feel even more welcome than before. And I then understood that no matter what she would think, I knew I had found the heart of the Centre.
The next few hours were a bit of a blur as I met many people and was given the tour. I want to tell you all about the people I met, and the things I saw, but I'll save that for later. As you can tell from this wildly all over the place article, it was a bit of a whirlwind for me. I wanted to give you a bit of the sense that I felt while I was there: joy, being overwhelmed and welcomed, and a sense of curiosity. Over the next few days I'm going to try and show a couple of the things they are doing there, but for now I want to share one little story.
I had the wonderful bounty of talking with Shirley a bit more later in the morning, and I told her about that line from 'Abdu'l-Baha that had confused me for so long. I've written about it here in the past, but I think it bears repeating. "The good deeds of the righteous are the sins of the Near Ones."
She seemed to really focus on me when I said that line from Some Answered Questions and asked me to share what I had learned from it. I said that, to me, it meant that many of us would feel good about giving money to support a cause such as the Centre, and that this donation would be a righteous deed. It would be a good thing to help support it in that way.
But for others, to merely give money would not be enough. They would need to get to know the actual people involved. They would need to pour out their heart and soul, the sweat and their blood. To merely give something as superficial as money would practically be a sin to them.
This, I said, is what I saw in her. With all the love that she gave her son, she gives herself to the Centre. She embraces each and every one of the people that the Centre has helped, and regards them as her own children. Dr Peter's sacrifice, for really, what else could you call his last few years on this earth, has really helped grow the tree of her service. Shirley really has become the loving mother of everyone who walks through those doors, for she has seen what they are going through and doesn't see the illness, but the dear soul trapped within the body. Of all the things I saw and learned at the Centre on that rainy Wednesday morning, this is what touched me the most: her loving service.
As 'Abdu'l-Baha said, "Service to humanity is service to God." And "This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer." I feel so honoured to have been able to see such a servant in action.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A Minor Annoance
No, that's not a typo. I really is a minor annoance.
What is? Le me show you for a few lines:
What that is supposed to say is: I was a bozo the other day. I was drinking some tea, and like an idiot I was drinking near my computer. Well, as you can imagine, I spilled it and knocked out a few keys on my keyboard.
Kind of sucks, but it got me thinking. It got me thinking about tests and just what it is that we take for granted in our lives.
For example, look at this photo of Shoghi Effendi. It's the photo of him sitting at his typewriter (see below).
He had to type every letter he wrote, and then go over each and ever one of them to make sure that they were correctly typed. It took forever.
Just imagine how much more he could have written if he had had a computer.
And me? I'm inconvenienced by a couple of missing letters.
Now let's look at 'Abdu'l-Baha, or even Baha'u'llah. They had to write each letter by hand.
Me? I have the unbelievable luxury of using a computer and all I need to do right now is cut and paste a few letters that are missing after each line. This is made so much easier by the fact that the spellcheck shows me most of the words that are missing those letters.
So besides replacing the keyboards for a few dollars, what can I do? I can recall those beautiful words of Baha'u'llah's that were written for not only the truly life-threatening things that are occurring to those believers in some parts of the world, but also to help wimps like me keep it all in perspective:
What is? Le me show you for a few lines:
I was a bozo he oher da. I was drinking some ea, and like an idio I was drinking near m compuer. Well, as ou can imagine, I spilled i and knocked ou a few kes on m keboard.
What that is supposed to say is: I was a bozo the other day. I was drinking some tea, and like an idiot I was drinking near my computer. Well, as you can imagine, I spilled it and knocked out a few keys on my keyboard.
Kind of sucks, but it got me thinking. It got me thinking about tests and just what it is that we take for granted in our lives.
For example, look at this photo of Shoghi Effendi. It's the photo of him sitting at his typewriter (see below).
He had to type every letter he wrote, and then go over each and ever one of them to make sure that they were correctly typed. It took forever.
Just imagine how much more he could have written if he had had a computer.
And me? I'm inconvenienced by a couple of missing letters.
Now let's look at 'Abdu'l-Baha, or even Baha'u'llah. They had to write each letter by hand.
Me? I have the unbelievable luxury of using a computer and all I need to do right now is cut and paste a few letters that are missing after each line. This is made so much easier by the fact that the spellcheck shows me most of the words that are missing those letters.
So besides replacing the keyboards for a few dollars, what can I do? I can recall those beautiful words of Baha'u'llah's that were written for not only the truly life-threatening things that are occurring to those believers in some parts of the world, but also to help wimps like me keep it all in perspective:
O My servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain.
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