Preface Many are the lives of learned men that have been spent, occupied with the task of deciphering the true meaning of the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life. Most people who know of the Kabbalah categorize it as Jewish mysticism but in reality, as you will see, it is a masterpiece of prophecy and a …
A Taxi Ride That Sparked a Dialogue While on a business trip to Seattle, I had a brief but memorable discussion with a taxi driver. He was dressed in all white, including a white fez, and was playing a tape of Arabic singing. The music was beautiful—entrancing, even. When I gave him directions, he turned …
The Fourth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“Religion Must be a Source of Unity.” If it is not, its non-being were better than its being. The fourth foundation stone, the emerald, is green. Green is the color of harmony and unity. There is no color known that green will not harmonize with, as the green foliage blends …
The Twelth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“The Establishment of an International Tribunal, or Parliament of Man, with a descendant of King David as its Executive.” The twelth foundation stone, the Amethyst, is violet. It symbolizes spiritual light–reverence, healing, serenity and poise. This Tribunal of all nations must be as the ultra-violet rays for the “healing of …
The Tenth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“A Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problems of the World.” There is no cut and dried system of economics. Baha’u’llah establishes certain principles and leaves it to us to build the structure. There is a danger of the popular term “new world order” conjuring up a picture of something for …
The Ninth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“Universal Compulsory Education.” The ninth foundation stone, the Topaz, the glory of the sun, is symbolical of the light of knowledge and the glory of wisdom, which universal education will establish in the world when the golden Topaz, the light of the teachings of Baha’u’llah, is understood and lived.Abdu’l-Baha Education …
The Eighth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“Universal Peace upheld by a Spiritual World Government.” The world longs for peace. But none of its respective nations, not even America is prepared to relinquish nationalism to the extent which Baha’u’llah pointed out would be necessary in an effective world organization. Two mandatory considerations are still withheld from fulfillment …
The Seventh Basic Baha’i Principle is:“The Removal of all Prejudice, Religious, Racial, Political, etc.” The seventh foundation stone, the “pure Chrysolite,” is an exquisitely clear, slightly tinted green. We read in the ancient philosophies of the Chrysolite Tablet; it is the symbol of absolute sincerity and truthfullness, purity and selflessness. Only when our hearts are …
The Sixth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“The Equality of Men and Women.” Considering the time and place in which Baha’u’llah proclaimed his principles, this one, the equality of men and women, was probably the most revolutionary and startling of them all. And yet it is now the most universally accepted, outwardly at least. Feminine emancipation has …
The Fifth Basic Baha’i Principle is:“Religion must be in accord with Science and Reason.” There exists a conflict between science and religion today, which is not new to the chronological records of man’s history. The annals of history provide numberless accounts of scientists who have been persecuted in the name of religion and forced with …