“..whatever we ask for which is in accord with divine wisdom, God will answer. Assuredly!”

… we ask for things which the divine wisdom does not desire for us, and there is no answer to our prayer. His wisdom does not sanction what we wish. We pray, "O God! Make me wealthy!" If this prayer were universally answered, human affairs would be at a standstill. There would be none left to work in the streets, none to till the soil, none to build, none to run the trains. Therefore, it is evident that it would not be well for us if all prayers were answered. The affairs of the world would be interfered with, energies crippled and progress hindered. But whatever we ask for which is in accord with divine wisdom, God will answer. Assuredly! ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 246)

The primary characteristic of a true believer

The primary characteristic of true believers is trustworthiness whereas the primary characteristic of the rebellious is faithlessness. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)

He is a “Baha’i”, “of the people of Baha”, who tries “as far as possible, to be filled with love” –- “from whom we breathe the fragrance of this love again.”

Unity is love. It cannot be established without love. Therefore try, as far as possible, to be filled with love. Love is perpetual life, the most perfect vitality. Consider how love has gathered us together from the East and the West! If there were no love between us our friendship would have been concluded with salutations, such as “Good morning” and "Good evening." Love draws us in friendship to the people of every race and religion. He is a Baha’i, of the people of Baha, from whom we breathe the fragrance of this love again. … (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted in ‘Fortnightly Review’, June, 1911; Star of the West, vol. VIII, no. 9, August 20, 1917) (To read the rest of the Master’s words, please visit Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)

Impact of the reign of perfect justice on our planet

When perfect justice reigns in every country of the Eastern and Western World, then will the earth become a place of beauty. The dignity and equality of every servant of God will be acknowledged; the ideal of the solidarity of the human race, the true brotherhood of man, will be realized; and the glorious light of the Sun of Truth will illumine the souls of all men. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 154)

The path of attaining perfections …

While a man is happy he may forget his God; but when grief comes and sorrows overwhelm him, then will he remember his Father who is in Heaven, and who is able to deliver him from his humiliations.

Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit.

The labourer cuts up the earth with his plough, and from that earth comes the rich and plentiful harvest. The more a man is chastened, the greater is the harvest of spiritual virtues shown forth by him. A soldier is no good General until he has been in the front of the fiercest battle and has received the deepest wounds. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 50)

Religion “is an attitude to divinity which is reflected through life.”

I respect all who work for the good of mankind, of whatever religion they call themselves. You should learn to recognize truth from whatever point in the horizon it is shining. People think religion is confined in a temple to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude to divinity which is reflected through life. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted by Lady Blomfield in an article entitled ‘Christianity in the Baha’i Message’, Star of the West, vol. 17, no. 11, February, 1927)

“The proof of the validity of a Manifestation of God ..”

The proof of the validity of a Manifestation of God is the penetration and potency of His Word, the cultivation of heavenly attributes in the hearts and lives of His followers and the bestowal of divine education upon the world of humanity. This is absolute proof. The world is a school in which there must be Teachers of the Word of God. The evidence of the ability of these Teachers is efficient education of the graduating classes. ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 340)

Our individual and collective dependence on the “life and fortification of the Holy Spirit”

The world of humanity cannot advance through mere physical powers and intellectual attainments; nay, rather, the Holy Spirit is essential. The divine Father must assist the human world to attain maturity. The body of man is in need of physical and mental energy, but his spirit requires the life and fortification of the Holy Spirit. Without its protection and quickening the human world would be extinguished. Jesus Christ declared, "Let the dead bury their dead." He also said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." It is evident, therefore, according to Christ that the human spirit which is not fortified by the presence of the Holy Spirit is dead and in need of resurrection by that divine power; otherwise, though materially advanced to high degrees, man cannot attain full and complete progress. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace)

"Religion is the outer expression of the divine reality."

Religion is the outer expression of the divine reality. Therefore, it must be living, vitalized, moving and progressive. If it be without motion and nonprogressive, it is without the divine life; it is dead. The divine institutes are continuously active and evolutionary; therefore, the revelation of them must be progressive and continuous. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace)

The “life of man must bring forth certain fruitage.”

The purpose of life is to get certain results; that is, the life of man must bring forth certain fruitage. It does not depend upon the length of life. As soon as the life is crowned with fruition then it is completed, although that person may have had a short life. There are certain trees which come to fruition very quickly, but there are other trees which attain to fruition very late; the aim is fruit. If the tree brings forth its fruit young, its life is short; it is praiseworthy. How regretful it is that a man may live a long life and yet his life may not be crowned with success, like unto the cypress tree which does not give any fruitage. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha at the grave of Thornton Chase; Star of the West, vol.III, No. 13, November 4, 1912)

"The object of God's teaching to man is that man may know himself in order to comprehend the greatness of God.”

The object of God's teaching to man is that man may know himself in order to comprehend the greatness of God. The Word of God is for agreement and concord… We do not consider anyone a stranger, for it is said by Bahá'u'lláh 'Ye are all the rays of one sun; the fruits of one tree; and the leaves of one branch.' We desire the true brotherhood of humanity. This shall be so, and it has already begun. Praise to be God, the Helper, the Pardoner! (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)

Loving God and submitting our will to His Will

When men are developed spiritually they obey God... The true believer is the one who follows the Manifestation of God in all things. ... The Manifestation of God is a perfect example of real obedience. Like Him we must sacrifice everything, every plan, every longing and ideal must be given up completely to the Will of God. We must look to God for all we desire, all we attain. Real obedience and real sacrifice are identical -- absolute readiness to follow and perform whatever you are called upon to do in the Cause of God. When you really love God you will be willing to sacrifice everything and submit yourself entirely to His Will. His Will is everything; His service paramount. ... If each human creature had his own will and way, spiritual development would be impossible.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. 25, no. 11, February 1935)

"There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind."

Another asked why the teachings of all religions are expressed largely by parables and metaphors and not in the plain language of the people.

'Abdu'l-Bahá replied: -- "Divine things are too deep to be expressed by common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the pearls of their inner significance. There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind." (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)

The "master-key" to self-mastery is self-forgetting

Today the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha are with those who renounce themselves, forget their own opinions, cast aside personalities and are thinking of the welfare of others. Whosoever has lost himself has found the universe and the inhabitants thereof. Whosoever is occupied with himself is wandering in the desert of heedlessness and regret. The "master-key" to self-mastery is self-forgetting. The road to the palace of life is through the path of renunciation. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. 17, no. 2, p. 348; Compilation ‘Psychology and Knowledge of Self by Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and Universal House of Justice’, Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

Becoming a “wayfarer in the realms of the spirit”

[While aboard the ship to America] An American came to see the Master in the late afternoon and spoke to Him about his travels around the world. `Abdu'l-Bahá told him, `You have traveled in this world; I hope you will now traverse the world of the Kingdom and become a wayfarer in the realms of the spirit.' (Quoted in Mahmud’s Diary, p. 19)

How to be detached and severed from all things and at the same time learn a trade or profession

Another friend asked, "In the Tablets it is stated that we must be severed and detached. In another place it is stated that we must learn a trade or profession. Do not these two statements contradict each other?" `Abdu'l-Bahá replied, "In the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, it is incumbent upon every soul to acquire a trade and an occupation. For example, I know how to weave or make a mat, and you know some other trade. This, in itself is an act of worship, provided that it is conducted on the basis of utmost honesty and faithfulness.

And this is the cause of prosperity. Yet, in spite of being so occupied, if the heart is not chained and tied to this world, and is not troubled by current events, neither hindered by wealth from rendering service to mankind, nor grieved because of poverty, - then this is human perfection. Otherwise in a state of poverty, to manifest generosity and in a state of weakness to claim justice - this can easily be said, but it is not a proof of man's attainments and alertness." (`Abdu'l-Bahá from an article written by Dr. Z. Baghdadi entitled "`Abdu'l-Bahá in America", published in "Star of the West", Vol. 19, No. 7, p. 219; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, The Arts and Crafts)

God grants our prayers through His universal Manifestations

O handmaid of God! Prayers are granted through the universal Manifestations of God. Nevertheless, where the wish is to obtain material things, even where the heedless are concerned, if they supplicate, humbly imploring God's help- even their prayer hath an effect. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)

Means through which “union and harmony among nations” will be achieved

...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible expression through three means: first, intention; second, confirmation; third, action. Today on this earth there are many souls who are promoters of peace and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity of the world of humanity; but this intention needeth a dynamic power, so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In this day the divine instructions and lordly exhortations promulgate this most great aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom also support and aid the realization of this intention. Therefore, although the combined forces and thoughts of the nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this exalted purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things and the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong it will become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and the tent of union and harmony among nations is the Tabernacle of the divine Kingdom, for therein the intention, the power and the action, all three, are brought together. The realization of everything in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

We can receive “grace from the bounty of the Holy Spirit which appears in the Manifestations of God”

It is evident that the souls receive grace from the bounty of the Holy Spirit which appears in the Manifestations of God, and not from the personality of the Manifestation. Therefore, if a soul does not receive grace from the bounties of the Holy Spirit, he remains deprived of the divine gift, and the banishment itself puts the soul beyond the reach of pardon. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 128)

“man must be born again”

Christ announced, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," meaning that man must be born again. As the babe is born into the light of this physical world, so must the physical and intellectual man be born into the light of the world of Divinity. In the matrix of the mother the unborn child was deprived and unconscious of the world of material existence, but after its birth it beheld the wonders and beauties of a new realm of life and being. In the world of the matrix it was utterly ignorant and unable to conceive of these new conditions, but after its transformation it discovers the radiant sun, trees, flowers and an infinite range of blessings and bounties awaiting it. In the human plane and kingdom man is a captive of nature and ignorant of the divine world until born of the breaths of the Holy Spirit out of physical conditions of limitation and deprivation. Then he beholds the reality of the spiritual realm and Kingdom, realizes the narrow restrictions of the mere human world of existence and becomes conscious of the unlimited and infinite glories of the world of God. Therefore, no matter how man may advance upon the physical and intellectual plane, he is ever in need of the boundless virtues of Divinity, the protection of the Holy Spirit and the face of God. ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 288)

“freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition.”

When the ship came abreast of the Statue of Liberty, ‘Abdu'l-Baha stood erect facing the Statue and held up His arms in salutation.

“There is the new world's symbol of liberty and freedom,” He said. “After being forty years a prisoner I can tell you that freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition . . . When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed a release.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha waved farewell to the Statue as the ship turned towards Manhattan. To the reporters He said, “In former ages it has been said, "To love one's native land is faith." But the tongue in this day says, "Glory is not his who loves his native land, but glory is his who loves his kind - humanity." (Quoted in ‘The Flame, the Story of Lua’, by William Sears & Robert Quigley)

What happens when the human spirit is “reinforced by Holy Spirit”

The human spirit possesseth wondrous powers, but it should be reinforced by the Holy Spirit. What thou hearest other than this is pure imagination. If, however, it be assisted by the bounty of the Holy Spirit, then will its strength be a thing to marvel at. Then will that human spirit uncover realities, and unravel mysteries. Turn thy heart fully to the Holy Spirit, and invite others to do the same; then shall ye witness wonderful results. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 160)

How to “cleanse and purify” one’s heart and “adorn it with the spotless garment of holiness”

… love of God and spiritual attraction do cleanse and purify the human heart and dress and adorn it with the spotless garment of holiness; and once the heart is entirely attached to the Lord, and bound over to the Blessed Perfection, then will the grace of God be revealed. (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 202)

The “color" of one’s "servitude to God”

There are no whites and blacks before God. All colors are one, and that is the color of servitude to God. Scent and color are not important. The heart is important. If the heart is pure, white or black or any color makes no difference. God does not look at colors; He looks at the hearts. He whose heart is pure is better. He whose character is better is more pleasing. He who turns more to the Abha Kingdom is more advanced. ('Abdu'l-Baha, excerpt from a talk given at Howard University on 23 April 1912; The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 44-45) (To read the entire talk please visit Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)

We can expect difficulties and hardships when attempting to serve the Cause of God

O maid-servant of God! Everything of importance in this world demands the close attention of its seeker. The one in pursuit of anything must undergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained and the great success is obtained. This is the case of things pertaining to the world. How much higher is that which concerns the Supreme Concourse! That Cause involves every favor, glory and eternal bliss in the world of God. The seeker after the great guidance and eternal happiness necessarily will encounter difficulties. He must be patient under such circumstances. The chosen believers of the past quaffed the chalice of suffering and sank deep in the ocean of trials until they attained to that blessed station and sublime beatitude. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 265)

The “light” of a human being

The light of man depends on the light of the love of God. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 249)

“Do ye not look upon the beginning of the affairs; attach your hearts to the ends and results.”

Do ye not look upon the beginning of the affairs; attach your hearts to the ends and results. The present period is like unto the sowing time. Undoubtedly it is impregnated with perils and difficulties, but in the future many a harvest shall be gathered and benefits and results will become apparent. When one considers the issue and the end, exhaustless joy and happiness will dawn.
Live thou as far as thou art able according to the divine commands and advices, because they are conducive to eternal life. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 264)

Spiritual vs. material light

The light is divided into two kinds, material and spiritual. The material light is a vanishing matter and is known by etheric vibrations. But the spiritual light is the divine, eternal and never-ending quality and is a truth of the Kingdom. Blessed is thy face for that it hath taken a portion and a radiance from that Light. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 249)

How can one have an “effect upon the hearts” of others so they become attracted to “the Kingdom of God”

O maid-servant of God! Forget all else save God, be in communion with Him, supplicate and pray to Him to make thee conqueror over the material things, impressed by the bounties of the Kingdom, commemorating the name of thy Lord, pure from all else save Him, and imbued with the spiritual attributes of those who are holy (and high); then shall thy breaths have effect upon the hearts, and attract the hearts of thy son and husband unto the Kingdom of God. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 246)

We should always "rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.“

O ye beloved of Baha'! Do not look at your weakness, nay, rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Verily, It maketh the weak strong, the lowly mighty, the child grown, the infant mature and the small great. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 273)