62: ELECTIONS (a.s.sEMBLY VOTING)

"With these a.s.semblies, Local as well as National, harmoniously, vigorously and efficiently functioning throughout the Baha'i world, the only means for the establishment of the Supreme House of Justice will have been a.s.sured. And when this Supreme Body will have been properly established, it will have to consider afresh the whole situation, and lay down the principle which shall direct, as long as it deems advisable, the affairs of the Cause.

"Pending the establishment, and to insure uniformity throughout the East and throughout the West, all Local a.s.semblies will have to be re-elected once a year, during the first day of Ridvan, and the result of polling, if possible, be declared on that day."

63: ELECTIONS (THE CHARACTER OF BAHa'i)

"Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated a.s.surance that every a.s.sembly elected in that rarified atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is in truth, appointed of G.o.d, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness ... the elector ... is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold... Hence it is inc.u.mbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of pa.s.sion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience... Nothing short of the all-encompa.s.sing, all-pervading power of His Guidance and Love can enable this newly enfolded order to gather strength and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fullness of time vindicate its high claim to be universally recognized as the one Haven of abiding felicity and peace."

64: ELECTION OF NATIONAL a.s.sEMBLIES (RADICAL CHANGES NOT ADVISED)

"Regarding your questions concerning the advisability of changing the basis of the National a.s.sembly's election and confining it to the body of delegates or of limiting the term of office: He feels that as any such changes are of a radical nature and should therefore apply to the National Spiritual a.s.semblies of other countries, they are inadvisable and premature, both for this reason and because of their very nature.

"What is needed is to get the administration in its present form to run more efficiently and at the same time to build up a higher sense of the responsibility among the body of the believers. They should be encouraged to think more, not only about the qualifications of their elected bodies, but also about such things as you mention, the law of averages, the age and indisposition of some of the members, etc.

"When we look back and see what the administration has accomplished in twenty-odd years, indeed what it has done in the last seven years, we see what strides forward have been made. Far greater tasks lie ahead, but the Guardian does not feel that the way to meet them is to change the present system but rather to perfect it by educating the believers and training them, holding more conferences, publishing more news for Baha'is, getting more people active."

65: ELECTIONS, REGARDING (IN THE UNITED STATES)

"The Guardian has written the National a.s.sembly in detail and given them the principle upon which he would like to see them act. He has asked them to advise the friends accordingly and also to expound the principles so as to apply to the local conditions in America."

"To facilitate matters and avoid misunderstandings he prefers to refer you and the individual friends to them (The National a.s.sembly). He is sure that you will obtain full satisfaction by putting the question to them.

The purpose of the Guardian in this is not to avoid the issue but only to facilitate matters and eliminate misunderstandings. In all such matters the friends should first approach the Local, then the National a.s.sembly and only in case they can obtain no satisfaction should they approach the Guardian on these matters. This way many difficulties will be avoided."

66: EMMANUEL, HIS HIGHNESS

"In connection with your question regarding the reference made by 'Abdu'l-Baha to 'His Highness Emmanuel' in Vol. III of His Tablets; this obviously refers to the Bab, as the text shows it clearly, and is in no way a reference to Swedenborg."

67: ESPERANTO (THE SUBJECT OF)

"Regarding the subject of Esperanto; it should be made clear to the believers that while the teaching of that language has been repeatedly encouraged by 'Abdu'l-Baha, there is no reference either from Him or from Baha'u'llah that can make us believe that it will necessarily develop into the international auxiliary language of the future. Baha'u'llah has specified in His Writings that such a language will either have to be chosen from one of the existing languages, or an entirely new one should be created to serve as a medium of exchange between the nations and peoples of the world. Pending this final choice, the Baha'is are advised to study Esperanto only in consideration of the fact that the learning of this language can considerably facilitate intercommunication between individuals, groups and a.s.semblies throughout the Baha'i world in the present stage of the evolution of the Faith."

68: EVOLUTION, MAN'S

"You have asked as to what point in man's evolution he becomes conscious of self. This consciousness of self in man is a gradual process, and does not start at a definite point. It grows in him in this world and continues to do so in the future spiritual world.

"Man can certainly recall past experiences in his evolution, and even when his soul leaves this world it will still remember the past."

69: FAMILY TIES, SPIRITUAL TIES (VS.)

"Deep as are family ties, we must always remember that the spiritual ties are far deeper; they are everlasting and survive death, whereas physical ties, unless supported by spiritual bonds, are confined to this life. You should do all in your power, through prayer and example, to open the eyes of your family to the Baha'i Faith, but do not grieve too much over their actions. Turn to your Baha'i brothers and sisters who are living with you in the Light of the Kingdom.

"Indeed, the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's strength and consolation in time of need. The Cause of G.o.d is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to draw fully on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith."

70: FAST (NECESSARY PERMISSION FOR)

"With reference to your son's request for advice regarding the observance of the Baha'i Fast; much as the Guardian realizes the difficulty which a believer of his position, attending a military school, will have to encounter if he wishes to strictly conform to the regulations of the Fast, he nevertheless would advise him to make every effort to obtain from the school authorities the necessary permission. In case his request is refused the only alternative for him would be to obey his superior."

71: FASTING (THE ORDINANCE OF)