Japan Will Turn Ablaze! Part 10

8: 'Abdu'l-Baha Meets President Naruse of j.a.pan Women's College By Miss Agnes B. Alexander

In the spring of 1912, in Tokyo, Viscount Shibusawa, an honored banker and financier, together with President Jinzo Naruse, the founder of the first Women's College in j.a.pan, and Dr. Masaharu Anesaki of the Imperial University formed a nucleus of a movement called "Concordia". Its object was to try to find a common ground on which all nations could harmonize.

President Naruse then undertook a journey around the world in the interest of the movement. He carried with him an autograph book in which he collected expressions of good-will from prominent people in the different countries he visited. On his return to j.a.pan these were translated into j.a.panese and published.

In London in 1912, 'Abdu'l-Baha's secretary recorded the following: "A distinguished j.a.panese, the president of the Women's University in Tokyo, who has been in the United States for many months, came to 'Abdu'l-Baha and showed Him an article on the Concordia movement in j.a.pan which appeared in the Oriental Review. 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke to him about the principles of the Baha'i Cause and how we are in need of Divine Power to put these principles into practice. He said, 'Just as the sun is the source of all light in the solar system, so today Baha'u'llah is the Center of unity of the human race and of the peace of the world.'

'Abdu'l-Baha wrote a beautiful prayer in the autograph book and earnestly pleaded with him to go back to j.a.pan and spread these lofty ideals."

The prayer follows: "O G.o.d! The darkness of contention, strife and warfare between the religions, the nations and peoples has beclouded the horizon of Reality and hidden the heaven of Truth. The world is in need of the light of Guidance. Therefore, O G.o.d, confer Thy favor, so that the Sun of Reality may illumine the East and the West."

(December 30, 1912. Translated by Ahmad Sohrab)

9: Excerpt from The Chosen Highway by Lady Blomfield, Concerning 'Abdu'l-Baha and the j.a.panese Diplomat (1912]

The j.a.panese Amba.s.sador to a European capital (Viscount Arakawa-Madrid(22) ) was staying at the Hotel d'Jena. This gentleman and his wife had been told of 'Abdu'l-Baha's presence in Paris, and the latter was anxious to have the privilege of meeting Him.

"I am very sad," said Her Excellency. "I must not go out this evening as my cold is severe, and I leave early in the morning for Spain. If only there were a possibility of seeing Him."

This was told to the Master, Who had just returned after a long, tiring day.

"Tell the lady and her husband that, as she is unable to come to me, I will call upon her."

Accordingly, though the hour was late, through the cold and rain He came, with His smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all, as we awaited Him in the Tapestry Room of the Hotel d'Jena.

'Abdu'l-Baha talked with the Amba.s.sador and his wife of conditions in j.a.pan, of the great international importance of that country, of the vast service to mankind, of the work for the abolition of war, of the need for improving conditions of life for the worker, of the necessity of educating girls and boys equally.

"The religious ideal is the soul of all plans for the good of mankind.

Religion must never be used as a tool by party politicians. G.o.d's politics are mighty, man's politics are feeble."

Speaking of religion and science, the two great wings with which the bird of human kind is able to soar, He said: "Scientific discoveries have increased material civilization. There is in existence a stupendous force, as yet, happily undiscovered by man. Let us supplicate G.o.d, the Beloved, that this force be not discovered by science until spiritual civilization shall dominate the human mind. In the hands of men of lower nature, this power would be able to destroy the whole earth."

PART II: LETTERS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

10: Letters and Cables to Miss Agnes B. Alexander, 19231957

"The beloved Guardian continually sent reinforcements to me in his precious letters which were the joy and strength of my heart," Miss Alexander wrote.

Aside from her own inner conviction, the main source of positive guidance and direction, during her early years in the Orient were Shoghi Effendi's letters.

Of the first personal letter she received from the Guardian (December 2, 1923) she wrote, "The words penned by his hand at the end of the letter so affected me that for several days my heart was filled with joy and inspiration, and a realization came to me of the power with which G.o.d had endowed him."

Following are excerpts from some of the many letters written to Miss Alexander by the Guardian, or on his behalf, which give insights, not only into her role as a "distinguished pioneer", but also into her relationship with the j.a.panese, among whom she lived for so many years and whom she loved so dearly.

My dear sister in G.o.d,

Your letter to our very dear Shoghi Effendi was most encouraging and created in him new hopes for the spread of 'Abdu'l-Baha's great and n.o.ble Message after the painful calamity in j.a.pan(23). It was indeed a miracle that amid a city all shaken to pieces and burned to ashes by the wild flames, the Lord should have kept you so safe and unscathed. We can never doubt that this is a direct proof of the mighty task which the Lord has wanted you to take up and fulfill in that far away East. Shoghi Effendi has always looked forward with great expectations at the progress of the Cause in j.a.pan to which he attaches very great importance.

The j.a.panese are really progressive people and such vital teachings which comprise the principles of the Baha'i religion are sure to seize their attention and arouse a deep interest in them. Your presence in j.a.pan was always a means of comfort to Shoghi Effendi's heart because he fully realized the zeal and ardour with which you had taken up your work there and although j.a.pan might now miss you, he is sure that wherever you are you will strive to your utmost in spreading far and near this Message of Peace to humanity. Furthermore he hopes that you will not give up altogether your interest in that promising country, but as long as you are away you will keep your tender plants all fresh and green with stimulating messages to them. These are Shoghi Effendi's earnest hopes...

(signed by Soheil Afnan)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

With loving greetings and prayers for the success of my dearly-loved sister, Miss A. Alexander.

Shoghi

(December 2, 1923)

[Letter of January 27, 1924]

In October 1923 Miss Alexander and her sister went to Beijing, stopping on their way in Seoul, Korea. In China they joined Miss Martha Root and had an exceedingly fruitful time. After about a three month visit Miss Alexander left to go to her home in Hawaii. After she reached Hawaii she received a letter from the Guardian.

My dear Baha'i sister,

Your letter to Shoghi Effendi was very gladly received and he was most delighted to hear of your activities in the wonderful country of China...

It is very unfortunate that you are forced to leave for the time being your work in (j.a.pan) but Shoghi Effendi earnestly hopes that you will soon return and take up your blessed task.

(signed by Soheil Afnan)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

My dear and esteemed Baha'i sister,

Your glorious services in those remote regions of the earth are never to be forgotten. I ever pray on your behalf and wish you to remember the sacred interests of the Cause in far-away j.a.pan as you are that radiant herald who has raised the Call of Salvation in its very heart and to whom it owes a great debt of grat.i.tude. Fujita is with us happy, active, and extremely helpful. His presence is such a help and support to me in my work. I never, never forget you.

Shoghi

(January 27, 1924)

[Letter of July 16, 1927]