Excerpts from letters to Japanese believers, 1947-1957
To Mr. Saichiro Fujita
After so many years of silence our beloved Guardian was very happy to receive
your postcard.
He is very glad to see you are not only safe after all these terrible years of
war and privation, but that you are seeking to establish a center of the Faith
where you live. He assures you he will pray that your efforts may be
successful, and that you may become the father of the first spiritual assembly
there.
Your long services in Haifa are not forgotten, and the Guardian sends you his
greetings.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(October 15, 1947)
The excellent progress the Cause is making is a delight to his (the
Guardian's) heart, and he feels very close to the Japanese believers.
Now that our dear Agnes Alexander is with you again out there (in Japan), he
feels still greater progress will be made. You and she, both old and tried
believers, must devote particular attention to strengthening the faith of the
new souls, and giving them a firm foundation in the Covenant. You are often
affectionately remembered here.
(signed by "Ruhiyyih")
(October 6, 1950)
To Mrs. Kyoko Hongo
He (the Guardian) is very happy to hear that you and your husband have become
declared Bahá'ís; and he will ardently pray in the Holy Shrines
that each of you may become an active and devoted servant of
Bahá'u'lláh, and may be assisted in bringing many souls in that
land to the light of this great Faith, and carry on the work nobly started by
the dear Davenports.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 21, 1952)
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To Mr. Tameo Hongo
It brings him (the Guardian) great joy to realize that we see before our eyes
the promises of Bahá'u'lláh being fulfilled, and the peoples of
East and West embracing as lovers, and united in the service of God and of man.
He feels that the Japanese people, so sensitive to every form of beauty both
spiritual and material, will have a deep appreciation of the Teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh, not only because of their truth and justice, but
because of the great beauty which permeates them, a beauty which will
gradually, through the fulfillment of His prophecies and the practice of His
Laws and Principles, permeate the life of mankind, and create a society such as
has never been dreamed of before.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(April 22, 1952)
To Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto
Your letter has been received by the beloved Guardian and he has instructed me
to answer you on his behalf.
Bahá'u'lláh wrote, many, many years ago: "The vitality of men's
belief in God is dying out in every land; nothing short of His wholesome
medicine can ever restore it. The corrosion of ungodliness is eating into the
vitals of human society; what else but the Elixir of His potent Revelation can
cleanse and revive it?"
This is the ebb of the tide. The Bahá'ís know that the tide will
turn and come in, after mankind has suffered, with mighty waves of faith and
devotion. The people will enter the Cause of God in troops, and the whole
condition will change. The Bahá'ís see this new condition which
will take place, as one on the mountain-top sees the first glimpse of the dawn,
before others are aware of it; and it is toward that that the
Bahá'ís must work.
The Guardian will pray that you may be instrumental in bringing many of your
fellow-youth into the Faith. He sends you his loving greetings.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(October 5, 1953)
To Miss Yoshiko Morita
The photograph of the Japanese Bahá'ís, who attended the
conference recently held in Nikko, brought great joy to his (the Guardian's)
heart.
Although the American and Persian friends are helping greatly the spread of
the Faith in Japan, the main object of their presence in
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that country is to attract Japanese people to the Cause of God. Only
when the Faith is firmly rooted in the hearts of the people of that country can
we feel that true progress has been made; and therefore to see there are so
many Japanese believers, active and devoted in different places in Japan, has
been a great comfort and joy to our Guardian.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 30, 1955)
To Mrs. Masao Konishi
The time is too short to spend years preparing yourself to teach by the
indirect approach. The world is ready for the direct Message, and it would be
much better to equip yourself to do direct Bahá'í teaching.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(September 19, 1957)
The following excerpts are from letters to pioneers to Japan and Korea, 1948-1957
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) notices in your last letter that you sound discouraged. But
he feels you should look on the bright side of the work in Japan, and realize
that, after so many, many years of complete inertia, the old
Bahá'ís have been found--at least some of them-- and contacts
reestablished. You are able to serve there, new people are hearing of the
Faith, and the prospects for the future work there are promising. It is a great
pity that a pioneer effort, organized and financed, cannot be carried out
there. But the present Seven Year Plan takes all the American
Bahá'í resources, and at present Japan must depend on volunteer
teachers like your dear self, who of course are not as free as a full time
pioneer would be.
In regard to the various questions in your last letter; because of the
difficult conditions under which you are serving there and the state of the
country and immaturity of the believers you should not be too rigid. You should
try and meet on the proper Feast day, but if it is not possible meet as close
to the date as you can. Likewise, it would be desirable to observe the
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master, etc., at the correct
times, but it is not essential to do so. With such a small group of
Bahá'ís who have no proper literature except the Esslemont
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book, and need to deepen in the Teachings, you should be very patient
and not ask them to do things before they see the wisdom of it.
Membership for Bahá'ís should be based on their understanding
the station of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, `Abdu'l-Bahá,
the Guardian and the function of the Administrative Order. To do this it is not
necessary for people to first read the Will and Testament and the Dispensation.
The essentials can be explained to them, and the rest is a question of faith;
if they believe, they can be accepted as Bahá'ís. It is premature
now to say any "laws" of the Aqdas must be followed. But the
Bahá'ís should be encouraged to keep the Fast, use an obligatory
prayer, obtain the consent of parents for marriage, and live up to the
Teachings in general.
He certainly feels one of your first duties is to deepen the understanding of
the Faith in the minds of the believers there.
You should certainly try to make new contacts but until you have a nucleus of
active believers there he feels a lot of publicity is premature.
As to translations, this is certainly very important, but he would not suggest
that at present with the limited facilities at your disposal, that you
translate whole books. Make selections of subjects that will interest the
Japanese; some prayers, some of the chapters from "Some Answered Questions" on
things of general interest rather than the purely Christian topics; some of the
excerpts from "Gleanings". In other words try and get together a selection from
our Teachings that covers a wide range of subjects and is representative of our
beliefs, and translate these at first. Whole books can be undertaken in the
future.
He feels the teaching and translating work can go hand in hand as you teach
with new material translated.
Your services are very deeply valued by our beloved Guardian, and he assures
you he will pray for you and all the Japanese Bahá'ís in the Holy
Shrines.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian's handwriting)
The zeal, devotion and courage which you exhibit in your activities in
the service of the Cause in Japan are truly meritorious and evoke my deepest
admiration. Your mission is indeed historic, and your pioneer achievements an
example to the rising generation. Persevere in your high endeavors, and rest
assured that the Beloved will bless your exertions and will aid you to fulfil
your heart's desire.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(January 21, 1948)
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He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in Japan,
and feels greatly attracted to the Japanese believers, who show a spirit of
sincerity and faith which augurs well for the future development of the work
there.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian's handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your outstanding pioneer services are indeed worthy of the highest praise, and
I am deeply grateful to you for the work you have accomplished. The firm
establishment of a spiritual assembly in Japan and its consolidation, as well
as the formation of small groups and isolated centers, will no doubt act as a
magnet that will draw the inestimable blessings of Bahá'u'lláh.
Persevere in your historic task and rest assured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(October 16, 1948)
To Mrs. Barbara Davenport
He (the Guardian) urges you to encourage the friends (in Japan) to observe our
Bahá'í laws and ordinances, deepen themselves in the
administration, and realize they are followers of a Faith--not a mere movement.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 20, 1949)
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) is so pleased to have dear Miss Alexander there. Her
devotion and loyalty, her love and knowledge of the teachings will be a comfort
and inspiration to the believers there (in Japan).
The Guardian was also very happy to see eight Japanese names on the Tokyo
Assembly. Although the help and advice of American believers is of great
importance, it is excellent that the majority are Japanese and are assuming
responsibility for the affairs of the Cause in their native land.
He feels great strides forward have been made, and trusts still greater
progress lies ahead. He was delighted to hear the Japanese friends and
particularly the women, are actively teaching and giving lectures.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
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(in the Guardian's handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering the Faith in Japan are indeed remarkable and
unforgettable. I am filled with admiration for the spirit that animates you and
for your splendid accomplishments. Persevere in your historic tasks, and rest
assured that the Beloved is well pleased with you. I will continue to
supplicate in your behalf the Master's richest blessings, that He may fulfill
your heart's desire in His service.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(September 17, 1950)
The news of the progress being made by the Japanese Bahá'ís in
teaching and in reaching people of importance, pleased him (the Guardian)
greatly; and he urges you all to persevere, and never lose heart. In his visits
to the Shrines, he will supplicate that Bahá'u'lláh may confirm
your efforts, and enlarge the scope of your activities.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(February 27, 1951)
He (the Guardian) feels by all means you should plan to remain in Japan and
buy a home, if possible. Your presence there has marked a turning point in the
work in that country.
It will interest you to know that there are Bahá'ís now in
Formosa and Indochina, and we hope an English believer will be able to go out
to Hong Kong later. Lights are going on in Asia.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(September 21, 1951)
He (the Guardian) was most happy to hear of the progress being made in Japan,
particularly in the new centers being opened to the Faith, such as Yokohama and
Kofu. He was also very happy to know that Miss Alexander is now teaching in
Kyoto.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 12, 1952)
To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Witzel
He (the Guardian) was deeply touched by the two letters by the two new
believers of Korea, and the spirit of loving devotion which they portray. He
wishes you to assure them of his prayers in their behalf. He hopes they will be
inspired to intensify their teaching efforts, so others may be quickened by the
spirit of Bahá'u'lláh, and an Assembly be formed in Korea.
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He wishes you and the friends in Tokyo to keep in close touch with the friends
in Korea. In fact, he wishes the Tokyo Assembly to undertake, as one of their
direct responsibilities, the assistance of the work in Korea, sending if
possible one or two pioneers to Korea. This will keep the Center in Korea, (and
even enable it to develop into an Assembly), until such time as more American
pioneers are sent to Korea.
The Guardian greatly values the services of the friends in Japan. He hopes
they will now treble their efforts in the teaching field. Now that the Ten Year
Crusade has been so auspiciously launched, the divine confirmations are
descending; and the friends should seize this opportunity to spread the Faith
to all corners of the globe. Especial opportunity devolves on the Japanese
Bahá'ís and pioneers, as one of the goals of the Crusade is the
establishment of a National Assembly for Japan.
The Guardian will pray for the success of the teaching efforts of the friends
in Japan; also for the services and development of the Faith in Korea.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(May 25, 1953)
To Mr. Noureddin Momtazi
The Guardian is deeply appreciative of your devotion and sacrifices for the
Faith. The gift which you have made of $3,000 toward the purchase of the Hazira
in Tokyo is a further sign of the dynamic spirit which animates you in all of
your services.
The Guardian attaches the utmost importance to the Hazira of Tokyo, as this is
to become the Headquarters of the National Assembly when it is elected.
The Guardian feels the time is now ripe for the Faith to spread very rapidly
throughout Japan, and he wishes that all of the preliminary steps be taken for
the development of the Faith as it goes forward. Thus he is anxious that the
Hazira be purchased this year if possible.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(July 10, 1954)
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian has received very glowing reports of the wonderful
accomplishments of the Conference* in Japan. He feels that this
__________
* The International Teaching Conference at Nikko.
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conference marked a new point of development of the Faith in Japan, as
well as the entire general area. The spirit of confirmation is reaching all
those who arise to serve the Faith; and he is sure divine blessings will come
upon everyone who attended the Conference and took part in its deliberations,
and who will now go forth to win new victories.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 19, 1955)
To Mrs. Carolyn Dary
He (the Guardian) urges you to make a special effort to visit the friends in
other places where you stop, no matter how short the time, as the news of the
progress of the Faith in general will encourage and hearten them. Especially in
places such as Japan, the friends need to be urged to persevere with their
teaching efforts, so as to have more Spiritual Assemblies in the future to
support their National Body, when the time comes for its formation.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 23, 1955)
The recent news from Japan is most heartening--eight Assemblies in all. Even
though our dear Bahá'í sister, Miss Alexander may be exhausted
from years of labour, the harvest is so rich that it compensates for any
inconvenience or suffering.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 3, 1956)
To Mr. John McHenry III
He (the Guardian) is very happy that you can arrange your affairs so as to
return to Korea... The phenomenal progress the Cause has made in that area
(Korea) is practically exclusively due to the services of the young American
Bahá'ís who are in the Armed Forces. Indeed, it is a great
victory won by Bahá'í youth.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 18, 1957)
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian was happy to learn that you are still in Korea and that you are
able to continue in the teaching work of that important country. He knows that
wherever you are you will carry forward the pressing requirements of the Faith
with vigor and enthusiasm but he
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feels that Korea and even Japan particularly need the help of yourself
and other American pioneers at this time.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(August 18, 1957)
To Mr. Eugene Schreiber
The Master was most hopeful of the spread of the Faith in Japan. Now that His
Promises are being fulfilled, the friends must be very happy. Likewise this
happiness must translate itself into renewed devotion so that the Call of God
may be raised in all parts of that important country.
The Guardian is praying for the success of the teaching work in Japan.
Chapter 12 Chapter 14