Master in Lotusland

The Master in California, Part I

By John Taylor; 2007 Jan 29

If you are like me, you cannot get enough details about the life of the Master. This morning I have scanned and edited some source materials from the Star of the West on His two or three week visit to California, some of which I will share here. It is interesting to see what He did on my birthday, October 10th... in the morning he visited an African American believer at his home and told him an inspiring story with deep spiritual meaning for all who have suffered.

Also included is an editorial published when the Master visited Stanford University; this reporter compares the Master's idea of a religion for all by comparing it to an early photographic technique that I would have thought was impossible until the introduction of digital photography. I have seen recently in science magazines composite computer-generated pictures of the most attractive female and male faces; but apparently something very similar had been done in 1912. If any of my readers is familiar with the history of photography, I would appreciate being enlightened with details of how it was done.

Abdu’l-Baha in San Francisco, California

By Frances Orr Allen

(SW, Vol. 3, No. 12, pp. 9-10)

Part 1

THESE ARE wonderful days which we are living with Abdu'l-Baha in our midst. Our longing to see him was great, but much greater is our joy that our prayers were answered.

A house was taken for Abdu'l-Baha at 1815 California Street. As our Assembly is composed of the friends in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and several adjoining towns, each day has been filled to the utmost receiving the friends and others interested in the movement, speaking to large audiences, giving talks in the parlors to groups of earnest seekers, and giving personal interviews to others. All, alike, are recipients of his favors.

The afternoon of the day of his arrival he crossed the Bay to Oakland where he met the friends at the home of Mrs. Helen S. Goodall. For twelve years this home has been a meeting place, but on the Afternoon of October rd it became a memorable place blessed by the presence of Abdu'l-Baha. After a beautiful address he took the children in his arms, kissed them and blessed them; they felt his love, even following him into the adjoining room, and one dear baby of four wanted to know if she "might pet the God man."

Friday evening, October 4th, he received many people at his home people from all the cities about the Bay, and after a short address, he greeted them, welcoming them to his home. Saturday from early morning he met the friends, and in the evening attended the regular Assembly meeting held each Saturday night at the Lick building, Montgomery street, where a most wonderful talk was given -- only the immediate friends being present.

Sunday, October 6th, two public addresses were given ill the morning at the First Unitarian Church in San Francisco, and in the evening at the First Congregational Church in Oakland.

Monday was also a busy day, with interviews, talks in the parlor, and in the evening an address before the Japanese Y. M. C. A. of Oakland, in the Japanese Independent Church (formerly a branch of the Congregational Church). The meeting was opened by the president of the society, Mr. Toga, reading a Scripture lesson in Japanese; this was followed by the singing of "Nearer My God to Thee" also in Japanese, then prayer was offered by the pastor of the church, Reverend Kazahira, to which all present said "Amen" in English. Following this a short address was given by Mr. Kanno, a Japanese poet and philosopher, at the close of which he read a poem in honor of Abdu'l-Baha. Then Abdu'l-Baha spoke, and it was a most interesting occasion, for the words were spoken in Persian, translated into English by Dr. Fareed, then from English into Japanese by Reverend Kazahira.

It was a marvelous mingling of the East and the West and the Islands of the Sea. In the audience were Japanese students and philosophers as well as those who serve in the humbler walks of life. As Abdu'l-Baha passed down the aisle, mothers held out their babies for his blessing and smiled most happily as he said in English, "Good baby; Japanese baby."

Early Tuesday morning, October 8th, Abdu'l-Baha, accompanied by the Persian friends and fifteen others, went to Leland Stanford Junior University, where an address was given before the student body. He was enthusiastically received by the 1,500 students who listened attentively to his address, the theme of which was "The Oneness of All Phenomena." At the close of the address Abdu'l-Baha was given a perfect ovation by the students, who thus showed their appreciation of his wonderful knowledge, not alone of religious and philosophical subjects, but of scientific as well.  For the remainder of the day he was a guest of Dr. David Starr Jordan, with whom he drove in the afternoon, going later to the home of Mrs. Merriam.

In the evening Abdu'l-Baha spoke at the Unitarian church. The impressive service opened with soft music as Abdu'l-Baha entered accompanied by the pastor, Mr. Reed, who introduced him in the following words: "It is a great privilege to have with us tonight one who calls himself a Servant of God; one who also is a great lover of mankind."

The theme of Abdu'l-Baha's discourse was "The Reality of Divinity." Mr. Reed closed the service by saying:

"I feel that a man of God has spoken to us tonight. I know no better way to close the service than with a prayer; not a prayer in spoken words, but a prayer in silence. Let each person pray in his own way for the coming of the universal religion, the religion of love, the religion of peace a religion of the fullness of life." There was a moment's silence, then the pastor said in quiet tones, "You are dismissed."

An interesting incident in the day at Palo Alto and the University was the attendance of Professor Rodgers and the boys of his school, which is located near Los Gatos. They came a distance of thirty miles by train and walked five miles each way to the station. But Professor Rodgers said as they took the late train home, "We are well repaid more than repaid, and all very happy."

Abdu'l-Baha and the Persian friends spent the night at the home of Mrs. Merriam, after a most joyous day in which he expressed himself over and over as having been made so very happy.

Early the following morning Abdu'l-Baha and party returned to San Francisco.

Part II, Continued from the last issue of the Star of the West

SW Vol III No. 13, pp. 11-12

The only public address of Abdu'l-Baha in Berkeley was given the evening of October 9th at the High School Auditorium before a large and representative gathering. He had been invited by Mr. J. Stitt Wilson, the Mayor of Berkeley, to be the guest of the city. In the Mayor's absence, he was introduced by Mr. H. I. Stern, of the Public School Department.

The next morning, Abdu'l-Baha made quite a different visit -- not to one of the great universities, but to the humble home of one of the friends, Charles Tinsley, a colored man, who was confined to his bed on account of a broken leg. During this visit, Abdu'l-Baha told a beautiful story of a ruler who trained the subject he loved best in order to fit him to hold the most important place in his kingdom -- told how he scourged him, and maimed him, and caused him all manner of sorrow and suffering that he might know for himself what these conditions were in reality, meanwhile assuring him that he loved him and that only through this training could he be fitted for the great place he had destined him to fill.

The evening of the same day, October 10th, Abdu'l-Baha gave an address before the Open Forum, an organization for the discussion of economic and kindred subjects. His discourse was scientific, contrasting the philosophy of the East with that of the West.

Friday evening, he spoke before the Theosophical Society and their friends, being introduced at length by the President of the Society, who presented Abdu'l-Baha as one of the Enlightened.

The most remarkable public address given during the visit to the Coast was on Saturday morning, October 12th, at Temple Emmanu-El. It was a wonderful sight, Abdul-Baha standing in the pulpit of that magnificent synagogue, between pillars of palms. The morning sunshine came dimly through the beautiful colored windows, descending as in benediction and approval of the call to righteousness, once more being given to the chosen people of the Lord. In their own synagogue, he proved to the congregation the validity of Christ. He called upon them to investigate Reality, --not to be bound by dogma. He urged them to respect the name of Christ and of Mohammed, and, above all, exhorted them to be kind.

From the synagogue Abdu'l-Baha was driven to Mrs. Goodall's Oakland home, where Children's Day was to be observed. The afternoon was especially for the little ones, whom Abdu'l-Baha loves so tenderly. The spacious parlors were filled with the children and their parents and friends, and the rooms were sweet with the fragrance of many flowers. The children greeted him with the beautiful song, "Softly His Voice Is Cal1ing Now." Calling them to him, he gave them candy and flowers, and then went to each one, child and adult, and gave an envelope, containing rose leaves. He named the children "radiant children." They followed him about and he took the little ones in his arms. Later the children gathered on the steps, where a photograph was taken. It was a beautiful afternoon. Truly one who has not seen Abdu'l-Baha with the children has missed a great deal.

At 3:30 o'clock of the following day, Sunday, Abdu'l-Baha spoke in the reading room of the blind, at 1665 Jackson Street, San Francisco, where during the week instruction is given in manual training. To this meeting were invited, also, the blind from the Adult Home in Oakland, and the children and youth from the State Educational Institution in Berkeley. The service opened with a beautiful song by a child. Abdu'l-Baha first paid a tribute to Mrs. Rowan, through whose efforts the teaching at this place is made possible. Then he spoke of how, in receiving education, the blind are being endowed with sight. He told them -- even though deprived of sight, having *insight* -- they must not sorrow. Sight is only for a time, but insight is divine and discovers the Kingdom, sees the beauty of God. Though deprived of a drop, they possess the ocean, for insight comprehends all the other senses. He closed by saying, "May you not see dust, but purity -- see the beauty of Christ, of Baha'u'llah and all holy souls."

In the evening, many of the friends gathered in the parlor and Abdu'l-Baha told them of his visit to the beach. He likened humanity to a sea, -- at times smooth, at other times in motion. The sea in motion is most like life, even when tempestuous; when in motion, each hour brings results. He said: "Seek to dive in the spiritual sea and bring up pearls; seek to find that sea."

At the conclusion of the talk, he spoke of musical instruments, saying all are imperfect, but that Baha'u'llah brought to earth a heavenly, divine instrument where each soul could find and strike his note and the music would be a heavenly chorus, and eternal. At this gathering there were Persians, Swiss, Hindu, Holland, Canadian, French, English, Japanese and Americans -- all in love and fellowship.

Wednesday, October 16th, Abdul-Baha and party returned from a short visit to the country. To the nine Portland friends, who had arrived, he said, "Be happy, no tears! no tears!" Some of these friends had come at great sacrifice. One little boy said to his mother, "Why do you cry, mother? It is silly to cry here." In the afternoon Abdul-Baha addressed the Century Club on Equality between men and women. He spoke of woman's superiority in kindness and tenderness, and, when necessary, in valor and courage.

The evening of October 16th will never be forgotten, because of the memorable feast, held at the home of Mrs. Goodall, in Oakland. The beautiful rooms were filled with tables, adorned with yellow chrysanthemums and pyramids of fruit. The friends gathered quietly and talked in low but joyous tones. All seemed to feel the evening to be one set apart from all other evenings, for at this feast it was our great privilege to have Abdul-Baha with us. There were one hundred and ten present, friends from the Bay Cities and also from Portland and Seattle.

When all were seated at table, Abdul-Baha requested that we partake of the food so bountifully provided, while he walked about speaking words of wisdom and love, giving us the spiritual food, for which we hungered. Then, from the stairs, he pronounced a benediction upon all assembled, and soon the friends quietly withdrew. It was the most spiritual meeting. Gathered under one roof were people of different nations and various nationalities, the young and old, all meeting in love and fellowship, and in devotion to the Servant of God in this day.

Thursday passed in the usual way, with private interviews and talks. Friday, Abdul-Baha and party, accompanied by several of the friends, left for Los Angeles, returning early the following morning. During the day, friends from Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane arrived, and were welcomed and made very happy.

Tuesday evening, the farewell meeting of the friends was held at the home of Mrs. Goodall in Oakland. This was another especially memorable occasion. All realized that at this meeting would be given final words of exhortation and farewell. There was a reverent hush as Abdul-Baha told of Baha'u'llah and of the two years He passed in solitude. At the close of this narrative, Abdul-Baha arose, and, in no uncertain terms, declared himself to be the Center of the Covenant; and exhorted all believers to firmness, calling upon them to spread the message of the Kingdom both by deed and word. In farewell, he took each one by the hand, giving to each the Greatest Name.

Wednesday and Thursday went all too quickly, filled with the usual interviews and talks. The friends spent as much time as possible at the house of Abdu'l-Baha, realizing that the days of great privilege were swiftly passing. All the public discourses were well received and will bear much fruit; but it was through the more intimate and personal talks that the friends received greatest quickening and instruction.

From the University at Berkeley many of the East Indian students came to visit Abdul-Baha, and to them and to the Japanese friends he showed great favor. It was most interesting and gratifying to witness the beautiful spirit of love and kindness in the friends who gathered to meet Abdul-Baha.

Abdu'l-Baha expressed himself much pleased with San Francisco and greatly enjoyed his visits to Golden Gate Park. He took especial interest in the flowers and would often leave the automobile for a walk along the shore of some one of the small lakes. But even on the drives and during the walks he dispensed blessing -- giving many wonderful lessons to those whose great privilege it was to be with him at those times.

Early Friday morning, the friends gathered at the house to say good-bye. The admonition to be happy was given, the last words were said, the wonderful days were ended. Our cups have been filled to overflowing with blessing and it is for us now to give out to others some of the light and love we have received.

"The Palo Altan"

SW Vol III No. 13, pp. 8-9

Friday, November 1, 1912, The Palo Alton, edited by H. W. Simkins, devoted its entire sheet to a presentation of the visit of Abdu'l-Baha to California. On the first page, under a six-column heading, appears an excellent half-tone portrait of Abdu'l-Baha. An introductory article telling of the visit to Leland Stanford Junior University -- which we reproduce in this issue of the STAR OF THE WEST -- is followed by a sketch of the life of Abdu'l-Baha, under the heading, "Bahaism and Its Prophet." Page two contains an editorial, "The New Evangel," and the Address delivered by Abdu'l-Baha at the University -- published in our last issue. Page three contains the "Message to the Jews." Page four, Address delivered in the Unitarian Church, Palo Alto; also a reproduction of the original Tablet and translation of same to Mr. H. W. Smikins. We quote it as follows:

Tablet to the editor of "The Palo Altan"

To his honor Mr. H. W. Simkins -- Upon him be BAHA-o-LLAH-EL-ABHA!

At the time I met you and felt the susceptibilities of your conscience my heart and soul became greatly attached to that dear friend (i. e. yourself) and the utmost love was produced, and the spiritual emotions were obtained. Your visit gave me the utmost happiness. The address delivered in Stanford University and published completely in your paper was observed today -- and on account of it I became both pleased and grateful. In order to express my pleasure and appreciation for this service of yours I am writing you this epistle.

I shall never forget your cordiality, and as long as life lasts I shall remember you. I beg of God, that that dear friend (yourself) may become like unto a shining star in the horizon of Reality, and become the cause of bestowing spiritual life upon the world of humanity.

The address delivered at the Jewish temple establishing the validity of His Holiness Jesus Christ and inviting the Jews to believe in Him is enclosed herein. From its powerful contents you will realize that though there were many conservative Jews in the audience, yet the most dauntless manner the validity of Christ was proven. After reading its contents should you think it best you may print it fully without abbreviation in the columns of your paper that others of the Jews may read ... Perchance this may prove an impetus for their respect for, and belief in Christ, that this strife and contention that has lasted between the two nations for two thousand years may disappear and the oneness of the world of humanity be unveiled.

Upon thee be greeting and praise!

ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS

On behalf of the Baha'is in America, the STAR OF THE WEST not only congratulates the editor of The Palo Alton in that he became the recipient of such words of commendation from Abdul-Baha, but that he was assisted to render such excellent service through the medium of his newspaper -- a service that shall be effective in these great days and remembered throughout the coming years. We take pleasure in reproducing his editorial herewith:

Editorial from "The Palo Altan."

THE NEW EVANGEL.

Wednesday morning at the University assembly and in the evening at the Unitarian Church in Palo Alto appeared and spoke the leader in a world movement for unity in religion, international peace and universal brotherhood. This is Abdu'l-Baha, a native of Persia, who has devoted his life to the mission handed down to him by his father. This mantle of inspired evangelism was consecrated by the persecution of forty years of imprisonment imposed by the Sultan of Turkey upon Baha'u'llah, the elder.

As the stone that was rejected may become the head of the corner, or like the prophet's dream expand until it fills up the whole world, so may be the mantle of the wise men of the east, who rediscover a glorified star shining over the birth of a world movement toward idealism.

This idealism is the further perfection of the ideals of all the great religions of the world. In the science of photography there is a process by which any number of images of different faces may be composited together to produce the dominant type. What is truly representative leaves its impress upon the final result. What is vague and non-intrinsic surpluses into the shadow and disappears. Such a scientific process to arrive at the true composite of religious truth may be likened to the aim of the Baha’i movement. It seeks the true common denominator of all religions, rejecting nothing which is good and afraid of nothing which is true.

The spiritual kingdom is full of clashes and contradictions, just as the political and industrial worlds are full of contention and strife. And just as in the latter fields volunteers are spending their lives to pave a better way, so in the spiritual kingdom we have the dawning of a more perfect light. This light will shed its peaceful rays over all contentious factions and will show them the form and substance of truth, which may have been obscured by the dust of strife.

To build a structure by taking a plank from here and plank from there and a stone from hither and a stone from yonder, as some vague fancy might dictate, would result in an architectural monstrosity that would violate al1 the rules of unity and proportion. In no such way is the temple of true light to be founded. It is to be brought together in one focus of rays forming an image of al1 the elements which stand the searching test. This temple may be surrounded on al1 sides by the images of those beautiful non-essentials which have not gained entrance to the inner structure, but which the true spirit within may yet see as outer landscapes unfolding before the temple windows.

This is the task of the Baha'i. It is a true ideal. Truly catholic and universal, it provides a meeting ground for Christian, Jew, Moslem and Buddhist. There is one God who is the God of all religions. His will is the law of all harmony and good. He stands revealed in the last analysis of universal truth. His truth is a gospel of love which surrounds and comprehends all things. In this there is no room for strife and discord, no place for darkness or deceit, and no beginning for bitterness and woe.

Whenever science discovers any great truth, that truth is not the property of science but it is the heritage of the whole world. We do not refer all the marvels of electricity to Edison nor worship his laboratory at Menlo Park. We use the blessing and pass it along. It matters little, in the long run, who made the discovery. If the founders of Baha'i arose from the ancient plains of Persia and sent out the true message, it matters little whether Persia is of the east or of the west. From the cradle of the human race and the oldest nation of the world comes a voice reaching down the centuries, to bring a message of peace to the strong young giant of the west, bidding America to usher in the dawn.

-H. W. Simkins.