Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Stanwood Cobb, Memories of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Washington, DC: Avalon Press, 1962, bahai-library.com.
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Memories of
by
STANWOOD COBB
Author of Character, Radiant Living, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, etc.
Memories
of
by
STANWOOD COBB
Author of Character, Radiant Living,
Price $1.00 postpaid
Tomorrow and Tomorrow, etc
AVALON PRESS
P. O. Box 9941
Washington, D.C. 20015
Memories of `Abdu'l-Bahá
By Stanwood Cobb
I first met 'Abdu'1-Baha vicariously, so to speak,
and it was this meeting that brought me into the
Baha'i Faith in the summer of 1906. It happened that
being in the vicinity of Green Acre that summer I
made a pilgrimage there to see what it was all about.
My curiosity had been aroused by weekly articles in
the Boston Transcript. At this time I was studying
for the Unitarian ministry at the Harvard Divinity
School.
It was a warm Sunday afternoon in August. The big
tent on Green Acre's lower level, where the lecture
hall now is located, was filled to capacity to hear
some famous sculptor from New York. I was not great-
ly interested in his lecture. It was not for the sake of
art that I had come, but for the sake of religion.
At the end of the lecture I went up to speak to
Sarah Farmer—who had been presiding in her own
ineffable way, shedding a warm spiritual glow upon
the whole affair. As I had previously met her in Cam-
bridge at the home of Mrs. Ole Bull, I ventured to
recall myself to her.
Miss Farmer took my hand in hers and cordially
held it while she looked into my eyes and asked,
"Have you heard of the Persian Revelation?"
"No," I answered.
"Well, go to that lady in a white headdress and
This was my general frame of mind when Mary
ask her to tell you about it. I know by your eyes that Lucas, the "woman in white" — a singer just back
you are ready for it." from visiting 'Abdu'1-Baha — took me under an apple
What had she seen in my eyes? I do not know. But tree on the sloping lawn and proceeded to unfold to
what she had read there proved true. For within half me the Persian Revelation. Her exposition was very
an hour from that moment I became a confirmed simple. It consisted of only these four words: "Our
Baha'i and have remained so ever since. Lord has come!"*
But it is of 'Abdu'1-Baha that I am writing, and not The moment Mary Lucas uttered those words I
of myself. How did it happen that 'Abdu'1-Baha, seven felt, This is it! How did it happen that I felt that way?
thousand miles away and a prisoner in 'Akka, could at The "woman in white" had not discoursed to me upon
such a distance confirm me with such immediacy into the spiritual character and greatness of 'Abdu'1-Baha,
the Baha'i Faith? nor upon the principles of the Baha'i Faith. How
It happened in this way. The path had been pre- great is the power of speech, when one simple ut-
pared, so to speak. For in reviewing books for the terance could sweep me — mind, heart and soul —
Boston Transcript which dealt with the prevailing and into that Faith!
rapidly increasing flaws in our present civilization, But it was more than these four words that em-
and the need of a better world order, I had begun powered Mary Lucas so to usher me into the Cause.
to debate deeply with myself on this matter of such It was more than speech itself. It was a unique spiritual
great universal concern. vibration which Mary Lucas had brought from 'Akka
It is true, I thought, that a new and better pattern that convinced me. And it was the strange cosmic
oj civilization needs to be devised. But even if such a dynamism with which her words were charged that
pattern — an ideal pattern — were conceived, who moved my soul.
could put it over? Could I, as a clergyman, hope to If 'Abdu'1-Baha Himself had stood under that apple
convert all my congregation to it? Much less could 1 tree and addressed me, I could not have been more
hope to convert the whole country. And no human convinced. For what is distance on the plane of spirit?
being could by any conceivable power of vision and Mary Lucas had brought the spirit of 'Abdu'1-Baha
of personality bring all humanity into such a kingdom with her. I felt it, and I was convinced. Especially
of perfection. as my own soul had already sought out and found
I still vividly remember how I was taking a long the answer to the world's dire needs: Someone must
walk in the beautiful suburb of Chestnut Hill, around appear with more than human authority.
the reservoir, when the solution of this problem flashed II
into my mind. Someone must appear with more than So that was my first meeting with 'Abdu'1-Baha —
human authority, in order to win the allegiance of the •Bahá'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith.
whole world to an ideal pattern for humanity.
strangely vicarious, perhaps predestined. The second large French windows at the farther end. I saw a
meeting — with 'Abdu'1-Baha in person while He was large desk there, but no person sitting at it. Only a
still a prisoner in 'Akka — took place in the following radiance of light. As we approached the end of the
way. In February of 1908 I had the great privilege room, a majestic figure in Oriental garb became evi-
of visiting Him in company with Lua Getsinger, fa- dent to me. It was 'Abdu'1-Baha.
mous in the annals of Baha'i history. Lua Getsinger, with the devotion of a Mary Magda-
I accidentally (or was it by destiny?) ran into Lua lene, fell to her knees and fervently kissed His robe.
on the steps of Shepard Hotel in Cairo, where I had But what was I to do? I am not one who can act
gone for a few days of travel during the midyear insincerely. Should I merely shake hands with Him?
holidays of Robert College (Constantinople), in which As I stood in hesitation 'Abdu'1-Baha, fully realizing
at that time I was teacher of English and Latin. my predicament, saved me from it by taking me in
"What are you doing here?" asked Lua in great His arms and embracing me.
surprise. "You are welcome!" He said.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, in equal Every evening at dinner 'Abdu'1-Baha, who did not
surprise. eat at that time, helped to serve us. He went around
It seems that Lua was on a pilgrimage to 'Akka, from guest to guest, putting more food upon the
and she urged me to leave off my travels in Egypt plates. This is the height of Oriental hospitality, to
and join her. I explained that I had written 'Abdu'l- serve an honored guest with one's own hands.
Baha for permission to visit, but had been answered When the meal was over, 'Abdu'1-Baha would give
that at that time it was not advisable. us a brief talk on spiritual themes. I regret I have
"But I have standing permission to take anyone not a memory sufficient to recall all that He said.
with me," urged Lua. But I do recall two of these messages of spiritual
"But I have arranged a trip up the Nile with my wisdom.
friend Hussein." "It is not enough to wish to do good. The wish
"What is a trip up the Nile compared with the should be followed by action. What would you think of
privilege of visiting the Master?" a mother who said, 'How I love you, my babe!' — yet
Lua's logic was convincing and her ardor compel- did not give it milk? Or of a penniless man, who said,
ling. Twenty-four hours later saw me ensconced in a 'I am going to found a great university!' "
room adjoining 'Abdu'l-Baha's in the historic "prison On another occasion He spoke of the need for loving
of 'Akka," in reality a large compound enclosed within patience in the face of aggravating behavior on the
walls. part of others. "One might say, 'Well, I will endure
My first meeting with 'Abdu'1-Baha was bewilder- such-and-such a person so long as he is endurable.'
ing. We were ushered into a long study, lighted by But Bahá'is must endure people even when
they are unendurable?'
Three extraordinary qualities which characterized overwork at Dartmouth. I had been earning my way
all of 'Abdu'l-Baha's utterances were to be found in through Dartmouth, and also at the Harvard Divinity
these two brief conversations: His supreme logic; School. At times I would feel so depressed that I
His delightful sense of humor; and the inspiring buoy- should have been glad to have found a hole in the
ancy with which He gave forth solemn pronounce- ground, crawled into it, and pulled the hole in after
ments. me. I understood at such times the Hindu craving for
For instance, when He said, "But Baha'is must en- extinction.
dure people even when they are unendurable," He 'Abdu'1-Baha came into my room one morning with-
did not look at us solemnly as if appointing us to an out His translator. He sat beside me and took one of
arduous and difficult task. Rather, He beamed upon us my hands in both of His and held it for a minute or
delightfully, as if to suggest what a joy to us it would two. He had not at any time inquired as to my health.
be to act in this way! He knew. From that moment on I found myself perma-
/ want to emphasize this important point — the joy- nently relieved of these depressive moods. No matter
ousness with which 'Abdu'l-Bahd always depicted the how hard the going, I have always since then been glad
spiritual life as He enjoined it upon us. And why not? to be alive.
Is man's spiritual life not in reality more joyous than At last, all too soon, the time came to go. The three
any other kind of life that he can lead? days assigned for our visit had come to an end. I
This philosophy of joy was the keynote of all of shall never forget how Lua Getsinger sobbed as if her
'Abdu'l-Bah&'s teaching. "Are you happy?" was His heart would break as she slowly descended the long
frequent greeting to his visitors. "Be happy!" flight of steps, looking back frequently at 'Abdu'1-Baha
Those who were unhappy (and who of us are not at Who stood benignly at the top.
times!) would weep at this. And 'Abdu'1-Baha would And I shall never forget how joyously 'Abdu'1-Baha
smile as if to say, "Yes, weep on. Beyond the tears is smiled at Lua's tears, knowing that they were more
sunshine." precious than pure gold. For they were the complete
And sometimes He would wipe away with His own offering, at that moment, of Lua's heart and soul to
hands the tears from their wet cheeks, and they the Master — the instinctive expression of her great
would leave His presence transfigured. love. 'Abdu'1-Baha knew that these were not tragic
* * * tears. They were like the vernal showers that prel-
ude the rich blossoming of spring.
On the occasion of this visit I had been under a
Needless to say, the ensuing spring at Robert Col-
severe strain at Robert College, due to disciplinary
lege was one of the most glorious periods of my
troubles. That was one of the reasons for my diversion-
life. Never had the birds sung so sweetly, the flowers
ary trip to Egypt. Also I had been slowly recovering
and shrubs bloomed so exquisitely, the golden sun-
in previous years from a nervous depression due to
shine seemed so intoxicating. As for my disciplinary to walk the rest of the way for the sake of exercise.
troubles at the college, they vanished like mist which All of the Persian pilgrims stood in their customary
the sunshine dispels. My pupils, some of whom had reverential attitude, awaiting His approach with bowed
been carrying knives and revolvers, loved me again and heads and arms crossed upon their breasts. I alone,
more than ever. Such was the magic power that I as an American, took the privilege of watching Him
brought from 'Akka. as He approached, enjoying the majesty of His move-
ments and the nobility of His whole appearance. But
Ill
as He neared me I involuntarily also bowed my head.
Again it was my privilege to visit 'Abdu'1-Baha in Some power emanating from Him seemed to obligate
the summer of 1910, and this time at His own in- this attitude. So had Professor E. G. Browne, the
vitation. I was given the privilege of spending a only Occidental ever to visit Baha'uTlah, felt obligated
week there, in the Persian guest house on the slopes to bow his head in the presence of the Prophet.
of Mt. Carmel. 'Abdu'1-Baha at this time was living This power emanating from 'Abdu'1-Baha was not
in Haifa in the home built for Him by Mrs. Jackson, expressed for the purpose of producing submission.
having been freed from His imprisonment by the It was a power which He never expressed to non-
Young Turks in the summer of 1908. The oppressive Baha'is. Let us say, rather, that it was a privilege
and cruel governor who had in vain sought graft He gave us, of seeing a little behind the veil; of
from Him and had threatened to send Him to the experiencing the direct effect of that Cosmic Power
malign dungeons of Tunis, had himself met the fate which in this early period of our development seems
he had designed for 'Abdu'1-Baha — the fate of death, supernormal, however normal it may become to us at
and at the hands of the Young Turks. And 'Abdu'l- some distant future stage of our soul's development.
Baha was enjoying, for the first time since His boy-
No, 'Abdu'1-Baha never put forth any of His spiritual
hood, the luxury of freedom.
power to dazzle, persuade or overawe sceptics or un-
He seemed to me more noble in countenance, more
believers. Of this fact I shall later give a vivid in-
regal in bearing, more potent in the power of His
stance.
presence than ever before. Every evening at sunset
* * *
He met with the pilgrims, assembled in a large room,
and gave a spiritual discourse. On the day I arrived at Haifa I was ill with a
One afternoon I found the pilgrims waiting outside dysentery which I had picked up in the course of my
at the gate for 'Abdu'1-Baha. He had been making travels. 'Abdu'1-Baha sent His own physician to me,
a call upon the Turkish consul and was expected and visited me Himself. He said, "I would that I
soon. After a few moments we saw His carriage stop could take your illness upon Myself." I have never
at the foot of the short hill, where He got out in order forgotten this. I felt, I knew, that in making this
remark 'Abdu'1-Baha was not speaking in mere terms But there is still another cause of illness, 'Abdu'l-
of sympathy. He meant just what He said. Baha went on to say. Illness may be caused by nervous
Such is the great love of the Kingdom, of which factors. Anything that shocks us or affects our nerves
'Abdu'1-Baha spoke so often and so much. This is a may also affect our health.
love which is difficult, almost impossible, for us to
acquire — though we may seek to approximate its per- IV
fection. It is more than sympathy, more than empathy. All that has been written up to this point is a sort of
It is sacrificial love. introduction to the recording of my memories of
Looking back, it seems strange that 'Abdu'1-Baha 'Abdu'1-Baha on the occasion of His visit to this coun-
did not employ His healing power directly upon me, try in 1912. The purpose of this introduction is to show
as He had done on the occasion of my previous visit. what sort of a personage it was that on April 11, 1912,
He left me to the care of His physician and to the landed at the port of New York for an extended visit
prescribed medications. It took three days for me and lecture tour in this country.
to get on my feet again. Here was an Oriental in Oriental garb, a man Who
Why did He not restore me directly to health by had been prisoner most of His life, a character Whose
means of spiritual healing? There is some deep spir- life was for the most part lived on a spiritual plane
itual lesson here. It was not 'Abdu'l-Baha's province so lofty as to be almost beyond our comprehension.
to go about healing physical diseases. It was His How did this Servant of God meet, fit into and adjust
mission to expound the Teachings and express the to the objective, dynamic and materialistic life
spiritual potency of the world's Divine Physician. Phys- of America?
ical events and conditions are of less importance in 'Abdu'1-Baha, upon landing in New York and being
our lives than the development of our spiritual nature. surrounded by alert and inquisitive reporters, was
In regard to health in general, I will quote here a perfectly at home. And why not? Is there any limit
statement which 'Abdu'1-Baha had made to me on to the power of spirit? Was not 'Abdu'l-Baha's univer-
my previous visit: that health is the expression of sal spirit as capable of dealing with the fast-vibrating
equilibrium; that the body is composed of certain technological Occident as it had been in dealing with
elements, and that when these elements are in the the mystic and more spiritual Orient? We shall see, as
right proportion, health results; and that if there is this narrative continues, how He was "all things to
any lack or preponderance in these elements, sickness all men"; protean in His universality; thoroughly at
results. home in every environment.
Thus fifty years ago 'Abdu'1-Baha gave in a simple This majestic figure — in tarboosh, turban and flow-
statement to me all the truths which the new science ing robes — drew the newspaper men into His aura and
of biochemistry is now discovering. immediately won their favor.
10 11
"What do you think of America?" He was asked. He constantly illumined this translation with the dy-
"I like it. Americans are optimistic. If you ask them namic power of His own spiritual personality.
how they are they say 'All right!' If you ask them And when He spoke, the Persian words — so beauti-
how things are going, they say, 'All right!' This cheer- ful and strong — boomed forth almost as musically as
ful attitude is good." in operatic recitatives. While He spoke He was in
And so 'Abdu'1-Baha won reporters' hearts and con- constant and majestic motion. To hear Him was an
tinued to do so throughout His stay in America. He experience unequaled in any other kind of platform
never seemed to them, or was described by them, as delivery. It was a work of art, as well as a spiritual
a strange or exotic personality. He always received service. First would come this spiritual flow of
favorable and constructive notices from the press. thought musically expressed in a foreign tongue. Then,
as the translator set forth its meaning to us, we had the
For eight months 'Abdu'1-Baha traveled over the
added pleasure of watching 'Abdu'1-Baha response to
United States from coast to coast, giving addresses in
the art of the translator. It was, all in all, a highly
churches, universities and lecture halls. Several of
colorful and dramatic procedure.
these addresses I was privileged to attend. As I look
The substance of 'Abdu'l-Baha's talks, here and in
back on these occasions, I recall more vividly His
London and Paris, have been published and are avail-
platform presence than the contents of His addresses,
able for study. One can perceive in all of these ad-
which of course have all been published.
dresses and discussions a peculiar adaptation to the
'Abdu'1-Baha did not, as a lecturer, stand still. His Occidental mentality and way of thinking. They are,
movements were very dynamic. He paced back and to sum it up in one word, supremely logical.
forth on the platform as He gave forth His spiritual It was the Greeks who taught the world how to
utterances. I felt that the general atmosphere and the think in logical terms, and they thereby laid the foun-
effect of His words were enhanced rather than di- dations for all Western thought and science. From the
minished by the presence of a translator. For the tech- Greeks we have learned how to begin at "A" in order
niques of translation gave ' Abdu'1-Baha a certain spirit- to get to "Z" — or as in Greek, from "Alpha" to
ual dignity, such as could not have been attained by "Omega."
a straight address in the language of His hearers. The Orientals do not think in just this way. Their
The situation was as follows: 'Abdu'1-Baha would mentality has never submitted to the Greek dis-
make a statement of a length within the power of the cipline. Their minds are more mystical, more im-
translator to render; then He would stand and smile as mediate in perception. They do not have to begin at
the translation was given, or He would nod His head to "A" in order to comprehend the station of "Z."
affirm important points. In other words, 'Abdu'1-Baha Through spiritual sensitivity, through rapid intuitional
did not stand passive during the period of translation. processes, they can often gain an immediate aware-
12 13
ness or comprehension of the ultimate — of the "Ome- age — an earnestly religious man, devout, spiritual and
ga" itself. prayerful. He was sympathetic to my adherence to
All Oriental seers and prophets speak oracularly. the Baha'i Cause, but he had said, "Son, I am too old
One sentence, one paragraph will contain a wealth to change." While I was in Constantinople, Father had
which a lifetime of thought cannot exhaust. Christ at my request attended some of the Baha'i meetings
spoke this way. Baha'u'llah spoke this way. in Boston; and now he was glad to have this op-
But 'Abdu'1-Baha, for the sake of the Western world, portunity to visit with 'Abdu'1-Baha.
adopted the Greek mode of presentation, carefully But what was my consternation to perceive that
elaborating His theses and developing them from Father was taking the conversation into his own hands.
known and admissible premises. In no place is 'Abdu'l- It was an occurrence which I never shall forget. Fa-
Baha ever obscure or recondite. If He wishes to present ther for some half-hour proceeded to lay down the
a great spiritual truth, He takes it up at an initial law to 'Abdu'1-Baha, or let us say, to enlighten Him
point where its truth will be acknowledged by all, and on spiritual themes. Or to be more exact, let us say
then develops it into a larger presentation such as that Father took this opportunity to express to the
can expand our very minds and souls. loving, listening ear of 'Abdu'1-Baha the spiritual phi-
And so, whatever else 'Abdu'1-Baha was and in the losophy which had guided him in life.
future will be realized to be, it is recognizable even I sat there quite shocked. But I didn't need to be.
today that He was God's special gift to the Occident. 'Abdu'1-Baha plainly was not shocked at this reversal
He translated the oracular teachings of Baha'u'llah of the customary role — He now to be the listener and
into a language and form easily comprehensible to His visitor the discourser. He sat there smiling, saying
the West. So that no one, having available these lucid little, enveloping us with His love. And at the end Fa-
pronouncements of 'Abdu'1-Baha, can say that the ther came away feeling that he had had a wonderful
Baha'i Faith is hard to understand. 'Abdu'1-Baha has interview. What a lesson in humility this was, that
set forth its Teachings with all the lucidity of day- 'Abdu'1-Baha thus exemplified! There are so many
light and the warmth of sunlight. times when we can help others best just by being good
Regarding the countless personal interviews which listeners.
the Master gave to Baha'is and non-Baha'is alike, The last interview I had in this country with 'Abdu'l-
volumes could be written. I will tell here only of the Baha was in Washington. Strange, that I do not recall
interviews which I personally was privileged to have. what He said. My heart was too full to take any notes!
When 'Abdu'1-Baha was in Boston, I seized this op- I only can recall how He embraced me at the end,
portunity to take my father in to see Him, from our kissed me, and said three times: "Be on fire with the
home in the suburb of Newton. Father at that time love of the Kingdom!"
was a venerable Boston artist seventy-five years of What is this "love of the Kingdom"? That is what
14 15
humanity must henceforward spend a few thousand should come first. And why not? The material world, as
years to discover and apply to life. Did 'Abdu'1-Baha the expression of man's spirit, is subordinate to the
mean the love for the Kingdom or the kind of love that spiritual world. Therefore education should begin with
prevails in the Higher Kingdom? Or did He mean both that which is primary and causal; and not with that
these loves? which, as the creation of man, is secondary to his cre-
Here in these nine words 'Abdu'1-Baha summed up ative spirit and to the Creative Spirit of the cosmos.
the gist of all His teaching; which was that love applied 'Abdu'1-Baha kindly invited me to bring Porter Sar-
by means of the Holy Spirit is the one thing that will gent and the pupils to see Him. Mr. Sargent gladly ac-
solve all problems of man, both as an individual and cepted the invitation, and four of the boys did. The
as a collective society. others had excuses, like those people in the Bible who
were invited to the wedding feast but did not go. One
boy had to buy a pair of shoes; another had planned to
The most important interview I had with 'Abdu'l- take afternoon tea at a restaurant where a gypsy or-
Baha was in Paris in the spring of 1913. I was one of chestra furnished music, et cetera. How many of life's
the staff of Porter Sargent's Travel School for Boys. On important opportunities thus pass us by, through our
my first visit He inquired about the school and asked own unperceptiveness or neglect!
me what I taught. I told Him that I taught English, I was deeply interested and concerned to see what
Latin, algebra and geometry. He gazed intently at me impression 'Abdu'1-Baha would make on the owner of
with His luminous eyes and said, "Do you teach the the school. Porter Sargent, ten years my senior, was a
spiritual things?" confirmed and positive atheist. He had been a biologist,
This question embarrassed me. I did not know how and was suffering from that spiritual myopia which so
to explain to 'Abdu'1-Baha that the necessity of prepar- often afflicts this type of scientist. But he was an ideal-
ing the boys for college-entrance exams dominated the ist, a humanitarian, a man of great vision for human-
nature of the curriculum. So I simply answered: "No, ity, and somewhat of a genius.
there is not time for that." In one intimate discussion with me on the nature of
'Abdu'1-Baha made no comment on this answer. But existence, during a long hike we took together on the
He did not need to. Out of my own mouth I had con- sunny island of Capri, he had outlined to me his con-
demned myself and modern education. No time for cept of life and the universe.
spiritual things! That, of course, is just what is wrong "What do you think of it?" he asked me, with some
with our modern materialistic "civilization." It has no eagerness. Perhaps this was the first occasion on which
time to give for spiritual things. he had so fully expounded his philosophy of life.
But 'Abdu'l-Baha's question and His silent response "It is splendid!" I said. "Hut it only covers half of
indicated that from His viewpoint spiritual things existence."
16 17
"What is the other half?" individual, the greater was the revelation of spiritual
"Spirit." potency which 'Abdu'1-Baha displayed.
But this other half did not exist for Porter Sargent. Thus Juliet Thompson, who painted 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Idealist that he was, creative-minded, somewhat of a portrait, has testified to the glorious revelations of Him-
poet — I felt sad that not one ray of spirit could pene- self which her Subject at times made to her. In similar
trate the pride of his intellect. vein have testified the Kinneys, with whom 'Abdu'l-
So when this golden opportunity came of an inter- Baha spent several weeks. And May Maxwell once
view with 'Abdu'1-Baha, I had great hopes. Now, in this told me that she had received, upon one sacred oc-
intimate meeting with the Master, I thought, Sargent casion in the presence of 'Abdu'1-Baha, such a revela-
will be forced to realize the existence of spirit. 'Abdu'l- tion of Him that she would never attempt to describe it.
Bahá's spiritual potency will at last penetrate his shell But materially-minded people 'Abdu'1-Baha met
of skepticism. upon their own plane, as He did Porter Sargent. And as
And so, when we came out from the hotel after a I also saw Him do in Washington with the Turkish am-
half-hour conference with 'Abdu'1-Baha, I eagerly bassador, on the occasion of Mrs. Parson's reception.
asked, "Well, what do you think of Him?" This being a social affair, 'Abdu'1-Baha did not play
I have never forgotten my shattering disappointment the part of the Master but the part of a guest amenable
at the answer: "He's a dear, kind, tired old man." to the situation. And anyone who had looked into the
large reception room, as I did, and had seen 'Abdu'l-
I was chagrined. But this experience taught me two
Baha sitting in a corner and exchanging funny stories
spiritual lessons. The first was that skepticism must
with the ambassador, would have seen in 'Abdu'l-Ba-
solve its own problems, in its own way. The second
ha's facial expressions no trace of spiritual power. For
truth, even more important, was that Spirit never He was not here primarily for spiritual purposes, but
forces itself upon the individual. It must be invited. to play a social part.
Theologians have frequently made the observation 'Abdu'1-Baha was indeed "all things to all men." He
that God could easily force us to reverence and stand was protean. If some were prepared only to see Him
in awe of Him, if He wished. But He does not wish to as the Old Man of the Sea, such He was to them. But
win man's reverence and awe and love by any forceful if they were prepared to see Him as more than this,
way. The initiative must come from man himself. the degree of their receptivity was proportionately
And so in the case of 'Abdu'1-Baha, I noticed upon blessed.
many occasions that He never expressed spiritual pow-
er for the purpose of dazzling people, or of winning VI
them to a spiritual allegiance for which they were not In all my interviews with 'Abdu'1-Baha I had an ex-
inwardly prepared. The greater the receptivity of the traordinary feeling of receiving truth from a higher
18 19
plane than that of the mere intellect. Man's intellect is "No, I do not know everything. But when I need to
an organ of discrimination, an instrument for analysis know something, it is pictured before Me."
and attack. As we listen to other people more learned And so 'Abdu'1-Baha, on the occasion of His tour of
than ourselves we are pleased to get information, but the General Electric Works, knew more about electric-
we consciously reserve the right of judgment. Some of ity than did Steinmetz.
the things said to us we accept immediately; some with Shoghi Effendi has said that intuition is a power of
reservations; and some we inwardly oppose. No matter the soul. It was this power that was always available
how wise or how learned the teacher, we reserve the to 'Abdu'1-Baha, and available in its totality. He has
right of our own judgment. spoken many times of this "immediate knowledge"—
But with 'Abdu'1-Baha it was different. I accepted al- this knowledge attained without the means of books or
ways His statements with humility and with total con- other humans, this strange intuitive power which to
viction; not because of any assumption of authority, some degree is available to us all.
but because I always felt in the depths of my soul that And often, in closing an interview after answering
what He said was truth. It always rang true, so to some abstruse question, 'Abdu'1-Baha would say:
speak. Let us say, as it was said of another great leader "Time does not permit of further answer. But meditate
of men, that He spoke "with authority." on this, and truth will come to you."
In the course of His lectures here and abroad And so — although 'Abdu'1-Baha is no longer with
'Abdu'1-Baha discoursed on many subjects. Where did us to answer our questions — the power of the Holy
He get His wide knowledge of things and of affairs? Spirit so strong in Him is still available to us to guide,
He had had but one year of schooling at the age of to fortify, to heal.
seven. He had been a prisoner all His life. He had few
books, no scholarly library, no encyclopedias. VII
Yet at Schenectady, as 'Abdu'1-Baha was being
I have tried to describe 'Abdu'1-Baha as I saw and
shown around the General Electric Works by Stein-
knew Him. But how can anyone give an adequate
metz, this "wizard of electricity" was observed to be
description of this personality that, like St. Paul, was
eagerly absorbing 'Abdu'l-Baha's elucidation of elec-
all things to all men?
tricity. The Rev. Moore, Unitarian clergyman who was
The Persian doctor who attended Him from 1914
present at the time, testified to me: "Steinmetz's jaw
till His death, when recently asked at a meeting in
seemed to drop open as he drank in 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Milwaukee to describe 'Abdu'1-Baha, replied that this
talk."
was very difficult to do; because 'Abdu'1-Baha expressed
* * * Himself differently at different times, meeting every
" 'Abdu'1-Baha, do You know everything?" Saffa occasion as the occasion demanded.
Kinney is said to have asked. If one were asked to describe 'Abdui-Baha in a
single word, that word would be: "Protean." This
unusual adjective is derived from the name of a minor His directives to Baha'is always focussed on the
deity in Greek mythology who had the magic power to need of Divine aid—the aid of Spirit—in order to
assume any form he wished. And so 'Abdu'1-Baha exemplify and propagate the Baha'i Faith and lay the
could be on one occasion all love; on another occasion foundations for that New World Order laid down by
supreme wisdom; and on other rare occasions, ex- Bahau'llah for the establishment of a spiritually
pressing a power that seemed cosmic. motivated world civilization.
And since love, wisdom, and power are the three VIII
principles upon which the Cosmos is run; and since
'Abdu'1-Baha was designated as our exemplar, it To those who would like to pursue further the
follows that these qualities should be developed in us marvelous details of 'Abdu'l-Baha's life we recom-
all, as we grow spiritually toward the attainment of mend "Portals to Freedom" by Howard Ives,* a
our full stature as citizens of that Kingdom of God Unitarian clergyman prior to his conversion to Bahai.
destined to be the consumation of our planetary We had the pleasure of meeting Ives in New York in
existence. 1910 when he was at the beginning of his search for
What was the secret of 'Abdu'l-Baha's power? He spiritual reality.
suggests the answer in His own words. "Cobb, I'd like you to meet a young clergyman who
"The human body is in need of material force, but is becoming interested in Baha'i," said my friend Mont-
the spirit has need of the Holy Spirit. — If it is aided fort Mills to me one day. "Can you have lunch with
by the bounty of the Holy Spirit it will attain great us tomorrow?"
power; it will discover realities; it will be informed of I was glad to accept this invitation and to meet an
the mysteries. The power of the Holy Spirit is here for earnest seeker. I do not recall our conversation at the
all. The captive of the Holy Spirit is exempt from lunch table. But it was evident that Ives was seriously
every captivity. searching.
"The teachings of His Holiness Bahau'llah are the This meeting with Ives resulted on my part in a
breaths of the Holy Spirit which create man anew." memorable friendship with a man who was destined
Whatever was and still is the reality of 'Abdu'1-Baha, ultimately to celebrate the personality and teachings
it is evident from the events of His life that He was of one who in 1912 became his Teacher and Master.
endowed with a cosmic power for the fulfillment of In his vivid narrative Howard Ives reports many
His mission. Every unexpected circumstance, every loving meetings and interviews with 'Abdu'1-Baha. The
event in the midst of the Occidental civilization so impression of this spiritual leader which remained a
foreign to His own background, He met not only constant in Ive's recollections is expressed by him in
successfully but also with a power that won all hearts. the following words: "What 'Abdu'1-Baha said im-
•Bahá'i Publishing Trust. 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, 111.
pressed me with the force of the impact of Divine
Truth. There was not a question in my mind of the
authority with which He spoke."
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Memories of
by
STANWOOD COBB
Author of Character, Radiant Living, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, etc.
Memories
of
by
STANWOOD COBB
Author of Character, Radiant Living,
Price $1.00 postpaid
Tomorrow and Tomorrow, etc
AVALON PRESS
P. O. Box 9941
Washington, D.C. 20015
Memories of `Abdu'l-Bahá
By Stanwood Cobb
I first met 'Abdu'1-Baha vicariously, so to speak,
and it was this meeting that brought me into the
Baha'i Faith in the summer of 1906. It happened that
being in the vicinity of Green Acre that summer I
made a pilgrimage there to see what it was all about.
My curiosity had been aroused by weekly articles in
the Boston Transcript. At this time I was studying
for the Unitarian ministry at the Harvard Divinity
School.
It was a warm Sunday afternoon in August. The big
tent on Green Acre's lower level, where the lecture
hall now is located, was filled to capacity to hear
some famous sculptor from New York. I was not great-
ly interested in his lecture. It was not for the sake of
art that I had come, but for the sake of religion.
At the end of the lecture I went up to speak to
Sarah Farmer—who had been presiding in her own
ineffable way, shedding a warm spiritual glow upon
the whole affair. As I had previously met her in Cam-
bridge at the home of Mrs. Ole Bull, I ventured to
recall myself to her.
Miss Farmer took my hand in hers and cordially
held it while she looked into my eyes and asked,
"Have you heard of the Persian Revelation?"
"No," I answered.
"Well, go to that lady in a white headdress and
This was my general frame of mind when Mary
ask her to tell you about it. I know by your eyes that Lucas, the "woman in white" — a singer just back
you are ready for it." from visiting 'Abdu'1-Baha — took me under an apple
What had she seen in my eyes? I do not know. But tree on the sloping lawn and proceeded to unfold to
what she had read there proved true. For within half me the Persian Revelation. Her exposition was very
an hour from that moment I became a confirmed simple. It consisted of only these four words: "Our
Baha'i and have remained so ever since. Lord has come!"*
But it is of 'Abdu'1-Baha that I am writing, and not The moment Mary Lucas uttered those words I
of myself. How did it happen that 'Abdu'1-Baha, seven felt, This is it! How did it happen that I felt that way?
thousand miles away and a prisoner in 'Akka, could at The "woman in white" had not discoursed to me upon
such a distance confirm me with such immediacy into the spiritual character and greatness of 'Abdu'1-Baha,
the Baha'i Faith? nor upon the principles of the Baha'i Faith. How
It happened in this way. The path had been pre- great is the power of speech, when one simple ut-
pared, so to speak. For in reviewing books for the terance could sweep me — mind, heart and soul —
Boston Transcript which dealt with the prevailing and into that Faith!
rapidly increasing flaws in our present civilization, But it was more than these four words that em-
and the need of a better world order, I had begun powered Mary Lucas so to usher me into the Cause.
to debate deeply with myself on this matter of such It was more than speech itself. It was a unique spiritual
great universal concern. vibration which Mary Lucas had brought from 'Akka
It is true, I thought, that a new and better pattern that convinced me. And it was the strange cosmic
oj civilization needs to be devised. But even if such a dynamism with which her words were charged that
pattern — an ideal pattern — were conceived, who moved my soul.
could put it over? Could I, as a clergyman, hope to If 'Abdu'1-Baha Himself had stood under that apple
convert all my congregation to it? Much less could 1 tree and addressed me, I could not have been more
hope to convert the whole country. And no human convinced. For what is distance on the plane of spirit?
being could by any conceivable power of vision and Mary Lucas had brought the spirit of 'Abdu'1-Baha
of personality bring all humanity into such a kingdom with her. I felt it, and I was convinced. Especially
of perfection. as my own soul had already sought out and found
I still vividly remember how I was taking a long the answer to the world's dire needs: Someone must
walk in the beautiful suburb of Chestnut Hill, around appear with more than human authority.
the reservoir, when the solution of this problem flashed II
into my mind. Someone must appear with more than So that was my first meeting with 'Abdu'1-Baha —
human authority, in order to win the allegiance of the •Bahá'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith.
whole world to an ideal pattern for humanity.
strangely vicarious, perhaps predestined. The second large French windows at the farther end. I saw a
meeting — with 'Abdu'1-Baha in person while He was large desk there, but no person sitting at it. Only a
still a prisoner in 'Akka — took place in the following radiance of light. As we approached the end of the
way. In February of 1908 I had the great privilege room, a majestic figure in Oriental garb became evi-
of visiting Him in company with Lua Getsinger, fa- dent to me. It was 'Abdu'1-Baha.
mous in the annals of Baha'i history. Lua Getsinger, with the devotion of a Mary Magda-
I accidentally (or was it by destiny?) ran into Lua lene, fell to her knees and fervently kissed His robe.
on the steps of Shepard Hotel in Cairo, where I had But what was I to do? I am not one who can act
gone for a few days of travel during the midyear insincerely. Should I merely shake hands with Him?
holidays of Robert College (Constantinople), in which As I stood in hesitation 'Abdu'1-Baha, fully realizing
at that time I was teacher of English and Latin. my predicament, saved me from it by taking me in
"What are you doing here?" asked Lua in great His arms and embracing me.
surprise. "You are welcome!" He said.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, in equal Every evening at dinner 'Abdu'1-Baha, who did not
surprise. eat at that time, helped to serve us. He went around
It seems that Lua was on a pilgrimage to 'Akka, from guest to guest, putting more food upon the
and she urged me to leave off my travels in Egypt plates. This is the height of Oriental hospitality, to
and join her. I explained that I had written 'Abdu'l- serve an honored guest with one's own hands.
Baha for permission to visit, but had been answered When the meal was over, 'Abdu'1-Baha would give
that at that time it was not advisable. us a brief talk on spiritual themes. I regret I have
"But I have standing permission to take anyone not a memory sufficient to recall all that He said.
with me," urged Lua. But I do recall two of these messages of spiritual
"But I have arranged a trip up the Nile with my wisdom.
friend Hussein." "It is not enough to wish to do good. The wish
"What is a trip up the Nile compared with the should be followed by action. What would you think of
privilege of visiting the Master?" a mother who said, 'How I love you, my babe!' — yet
Lua's logic was convincing and her ardor compel- did not give it milk? Or of a penniless man, who said,
ling. Twenty-four hours later saw me ensconced in a 'I am going to found a great university!' "
room adjoining 'Abdu'l-Baha's in the historic "prison On another occasion He spoke of the need for loving
of 'Akka," in reality a large compound enclosed within patience in the face of aggravating behavior on the
walls. part of others. "One might say, 'Well, I will endure
My first meeting with 'Abdu'1-Baha was bewilder- such-and-such a person so long as he is endurable.'
ing. We were ushered into a long study, lighted by But Bahá'is must endure people even when
they are unendurable?'
Three extraordinary qualities which characterized overwork at Dartmouth. I had been earning my way
all of 'Abdu'l-Baha's utterances were to be found in through Dartmouth, and also at the Harvard Divinity
these two brief conversations: His supreme logic; School. At times I would feel so depressed that I
His delightful sense of humor; and the inspiring buoy- should have been glad to have found a hole in the
ancy with which He gave forth solemn pronounce- ground, crawled into it, and pulled the hole in after
ments. me. I understood at such times the Hindu craving for
For instance, when He said, "But Baha'is must en- extinction.
dure people even when they are unendurable," He 'Abdu'1-Baha came into my room one morning with-
did not look at us solemnly as if appointing us to an out His translator. He sat beside me and took one of
arduous and difficult task. Rather, He beamed upon us my hands in both of His and held it for a minute or
delightfully, as if to suggest what a joy to us it would two. He had not at any time inquired as to my health.
be to act in this way! He knew. From that moment on I found myself perma-
/ want to emphasize this important point — the joy- nently relieved of these depressive moods. No matter
ousness with which 'Abdu'l-Bahd always depicted the how hard the going, I have always since then been glad
spiritual life as He enjoined it upon us. And why not? to be alive.
Is man's spiritual life not in reality more joyous than At last, all too soon, the time came to go. The three
any other kind of life that he can lead? days assigned for our visit had come to an end. I
This philosophy of joy was the keynote of all of shall never forget how Lua Getsinger sobbed as if her
'Abdu'l-Bah&'s teaching. "Are you happy?" was His heart would break as she slowly descended the long
frequent greeting to his visitors. "Be happy!" flight of steps, looking back frequently at 'Abdu'1-Baha
Those who were unhappy (and who of us are not at Who stood benignly at the top.
times!) would weep at this. And 'Abdu'1-Baha would And I shall never forget how joyously 'Abdu'1-Baha
smile as if to say, "Yes, weep on. Beyond the tears is smiled at Lua's tears, knowing that they were more
sunshine." precious than pure gold. For they were the complete
And sometimes He would wipe away with His own offering, at that moment, of Lua's heart and soul to
hands the tears from their wet cheeks, and they the Master — the instinctive expression of her great
would leave His presence transfigured. love. 'Abdu'1-Baha knew that these were not tragic
* * * tears. They were like the vernal showers that prel-
ude the rich blossoming of spring.
On the occasion of this visit I had been under a
Needless to say, the ensuing spring at Robert Col-
severe strain at Robert College, due to disciplinary
lege was one of the most glorious periods of my
troubles. That was one of the reasons for my diversion-
life. Never had the birds sung so sweetly, the flowers
ary trip to Egypt. Also I had been slowly recovering
and shrubs bloomed so exquisitely, the golden sun-
in previous years from a nervous depression due to
shine seemed so intoxicating. As for my disciplinary to walk the rest of the way for the sake of exercise.
troubles at the college, they vanished like mist which All of the Persian pilgrims stood in their customary
the sunshine dispels. My pupils, some of whom had reverential attitude, awaiting His approach with bowed
been carrying knives and revolvers, loved me again and heads and arms crossed upon their breasts. I alone,
more than ever. Such was the magic power that I as an American, took the privilege of watching Him
brought from 'Akka. as He approached, enjoying the majesty of His move-
ments and the nobility of His whole appearance. But
Ill
as He neared me I involuntarily also bowed my head.
Again it was my privilege to visit 'Abdu'1-Baha in Some power emanating from Him seemed to obligate
the summer of 1910, and this time at His own in- this attitude. So had Professor E. G. Browne, the
vitation. I was given the privilege of spending a only Occidental ever to visit Baha'uTlah, felt obligated
week there, in the Persian guest house on the slopes to bow his head in the presence of the Prophet.
of Mt. Carmel. 'Abdu'1-Baha at this time was living This power emanating from 'Abdu'1-Baha was not
in Haifa in the home built for Him by Mrs. Jackson, expressed for the purpose of producing submission.
having been freed from His imprisonment by the It was a power which He never expressed to non-
Young Turks in the summer of 1908. The oppressive Baha'is. Let us say, rather, that it was a privilege
and cruel governor who had in vain sought graft He gave us, of seeing a little behind the veil; of
from Him and had threatened to send Him to the experiencing the direct effect of that Cosmic Power
malign dungeons of Tunis, had himself met the fate which in this early period of our development seems
he had designed for 'Abdu'1-Baha — the fate of death, supernormal, however normal it may become to us at
and at the hands of the Young Turks. And 'Abdu'l- some distant future stage of our soul's development.
Baha was enjoying, for the first time since His boy-
No, 'Abdu'1-Baha never put forth any of His spiritual
hood, the luxury of freedom.
power to dazzle, persuade or overawe sceptics or un-
He seemed to me more noble in countenance, more
believers. Of this fact I shall later give a vivid in-
regal in bearing, more potent in the power of His
stance.
presence than ever before. Every evening at sunset
* * *
He met with the pilgrims, assembled in a large room,
and gave a spiritual discourse. On the day I arrived at Haifa I was ill with a
One afternoon I found the pilgrims waiting outside dysentery which I had picked up in the course of my
at the gate for 'Abdu'1-Baha. He had been making travels. 'Abdu'1-Baha sent His own physician to me,
a call upon the Turkish consul and was expected and visited me Himself. He said, "I would that I
soon. After a few moments we saw His carriage stop could take your illness upon Myself." I have never
at the foot of the short hill, where He got out in order forgotten this. I felt, I knew, that in making this
remark 'Abdu'1-Baha was not speaking in mere terms But there is still another cause of illness, 'Abdu'l-
of sympathy. He meant just what He said. Baha went on to say. Illness may be caused by nervous
Such is the great love of the Kingdom, of which factors. Anything that shocks us or affects our nerves
'Abdu'1-Baha spoke so often and so much. This is a may also affect our health.
love which is difficult, almost impossible, for us to
acquire — though we may seek to approximate its per- IV
fection. It is more than sympathy, more than empathy. All that has been written up to this point is a sort of
It is sacrificial love. introduction to the recording of my memories of
Looking back, it seems strange that 'Abdu'1-Baha 'Abdu'1-Baha on the occasion of His visit to this coun-
did not employ His healing power directly upon me, try in 1912. The purpose of this introduction is to show
as He had done on the occasion of my previous visit. what sort of a personage it was that on April 11, 1912,
He left me to the care of His physician and to the landed at the port of New York for an extended visit
prescribed medications. It took three days for me and lecture tour in this country.
to get on my feet again. Here was an Oriental in Oriental garb, a man Who
Why did He not restore me directly to health by had been prisoner most of His life, a character Whose
means of spiritual healing? There is some deep spir- life was for the most part lived on a spiritual plane
itual lesson here. It was not 'Abdu'l-Baha's province so lofty as to be almost beyond our comprehension.
to go about healing physical diseases. It was His How did this Servant of God meet, fit into and adjust
mission to expound the Teachings and express the to the objective, dynamic and materialistic life
spiritual potency of the world's Divine Physician. Phys- of America?
ical events and conditions are of less importance in 'Abdu'1-Baha, upon landing in New York and being
our lives than the development of our spiritual nature. surrounded by alert and inquisitive reporters, was
In regard to health in general, I will quote here a perfectly at home. And why not? Is there any limit
statement which 'Abdu'1-Baha had made to me on to the power of spirit? Was not 'Abdu'l-Baha's univer-
my previous visit: that health is the expression of sal spirit as capable of dealing with the fast-vibrating
equilibrium; that the body is composed of certain technological Occident as it had been in dealing with
elements, and that when these elements are in the the mystic and more spiritual Orient? We shall see, as
right proportion, health results; and that if there is this narrative continues, how He was "all things to
any lack or preponderance in these elements, sickness all men"; protean in His universality; thoroughly at
results. home in every environment.
Thus fifty years ago 'Abdu'1-Baha gave in a simple This majestic figure — in tarboosh, turban and flow-
statement to me all the truths which the new science ing robes — drew the newspaper men into His aura and
of biochemistry is now discovering. immediately won their favor.
10 11
"What do you think of America?" He was asked. He constantly illumined this translation with the dy-
"I like it. Americans are optimistic. If you ask them namic power of His own spiritual personality.
how they are they say 'All right!' If you ask them And when He spoke, the Persian words — so beauti-
how things are going, they say, 'All right!' This cheer- ful and strong — boomed forth almost as musically as
ful attitude is good." in operatic recitatives. While He spoke He was in
And so 'Abdu'1-Baha won reporters' hearts and con- constant and majestic motion. To hear Him was an
tinued to do so throughout His stay in America. He experience unequaled in any other kind of platform
never seemed to them, or was described by them, as delivery. It was a work of art, as well as a spiritual
a strange or exotic personality. He always received service. First would come this spiritual flow of
favorable and constructive notices from the press. thought musically expressed in a foreign tongue. Then,
as the translator set forth its meaning to us, we had the
For eight months 'Abdu'1-Baha traveled over the
added pleasure of watching 'Abdu'1-Baha response to
United States from coast to coast, giving addresses in
the art of the translator. It was, all in all, a highly
churches, universities and lecture halls. Several of
colorful and dramatic procedure.
these addresses I was privileged to attend. As I look
The substance of 'Abdu'l-Baha's talks, here and in
back on these occasions, I recall more vividly His
London and Paris, have been published and are avail-
platform presence than the contents of His addresses,
able for study. One can perceive in all of these ad-
which of course have all been published.
dresses and discussions a peculiar adaptation to the
'Abdu'1-Baha did not, as a lecturer, stand still. His Occidental mentality and way of thinking. They are,
movements were very dynamic. He paced back and to sum it up in one word, supremely logical.
forth on the platform as He gave forth His spiritual It was the Greeks who taught the world how to
utterances. I felt that the general atmosphere and the think in logical terms, and they thereby laid the foun-
effect of His words were enhanced rather than di- dations for all Western thought and science. From the
minished by the presence of a translator. For the tech- Greeks we have learned how to begin at "A" in order
niques of translation gave ' Abdu'1-Baha a certain spirit- to get to "Z" — or as in Greek, from "Alpha" to
ual dignity, such as could not have been attained by "Omega."
a straight address in the language of His hearers. The Orientals do not think in just this way. Their
The situation was as follows: 'Abdu'1-Baha would mentality has never submitted to the Greek dis-
make a statement of a length within the power of the cipline. Their minds are more mystical, more im-
translator to render; then He would stand and smile as mediate in perception. They do not have to begin at
the translation was given, or He would nod His head to "A" in order to comprehend the station of "Z."
affirm important points. In other words, 'Abdu'1-Baha Through spiritual sensitivity, through rapid intuitional
did not stand passive during the period of translation. processes, they can often gain an immediate aware-
12 13
ness or comprehension of the ultimate — of the "Ome- age — an earnestly religious man, devout, spiritual and
ga" itself. prayerful. He was sympathetic to my adherence to
All Oriental seers and prophets speak oracularly. the Baha'i Cause, but he had said, "Son, I am too old
One sentence, one paragraph will contain a wealth to change." While I was in Constantinople, Father had
which a lifetime of thought cannot exhaust. Christ at my request attended some of the Baha'i meetings
spoke this way. Baha'u'llah spoke this way. in Boston; and now he was glad to have this op-
But 'Abdu'1-Baha, for the sake of the Western world, portunity to visit with 'Abdu'1-Baha.
adopted the Greek mode of presentation, carefully But what was my consternation to perceive that
elaborating His theses and developing them from Father was taking the conversation into his own hands.
known and admissible premises. In no place is 'Abdu'l- It was an occurrence which I never shall forget. Fa-
Baha ever obscure or recondite. If He wishes to present ther for some half-hour proceeded to lay down the
a great spiritual truth, He takes it up at an initial law to 'Abdu'1-Baha, or let us say, to enlighten Him
point where its truth will be acknowledged by all, and on spiritual themes. Or to be more exact, let us say
then develops it into a larger presentation such as that Father took this opportunity to express to the
can expand our very minds and souls. loving, listening ear of 'Abdu'1-Baha the spiritual phi-
And so, whatever else 'Abdu'1-Baha was and in the losophy which had guided him in life.
future will be realized to be, it is recognizable even I sat there quite shocked. But I didn't need to be.
today that He was God's special gift to the Occident. 'Abdu'1-Baha plainly was not shocked at this reversal
He translated the oracular teachings of Baha'u'llah of the customary role — He now to be the listener and
into a language and form easily comprehensible to His visitor the discourser. He sat there smiling, saying
the West. So that no one, having available these lucid little, enveloping us with His love. And at the end Fa-
pronouncements of 'Abdu'1-Baha, can say that the ther came away feeling that he had had a wonderful
Baha'i Faith is hard to understand. 'Abdu'1-Baha has interview. What a lesson in humility this was, that
set forth its Teachings with all the lucidity of day- 'Abdu'1-Baha thus exemplified! There are so many
light and the warmth of sunlight. times when we can help others best just by being good
Regarding the countless personal interviews which listeners.
the Master gave to Baha'is and non-Baha'is alike, The last interview I had in this country with 'Abdu'l-
volumes could be written. I will tell here only of the Baha was in Washington. Strange, that I do not recall
interviews which I personally was privileged to have. what He said. My heart was too full to take any notes!
When 'Abdu'1-Baha was in Boston, I seized this op- I only can recall how He embraced me at the end,
portunity to take my father in to see Him, from our kissed me, and said three times: "Be on fire with the
home in the suburb of Newton. Father at that time love of the Kingdom!"
was a venerable Boston artist seventy-five years of What is this "love of the Kingdom"? That is what
14 15
humanity must henceforward spend a few thousand should come first. And why not? The material world, as
years to discover and apply to life. Did 'Abdu'1-Baha the expression of man's spirit, is subordinate to the
mean the love for the Kingdom or the kind of love that spiritual world. Therefore education should begin with
prevails in the Higher Kingdom? Or did He mean both that which is primary and causal; and not with that
these loves? which, as the creation of man, is secondary to his cre-
Here in these nine words 'Abdu'1-Baha summed up ative spirit and to the Creative Spirit of the cosmos.
the gist of all His teaching; which was that love applied 'Abdu'1-Baha kindly invited me to bring Porter Sar-
by means of the Holy Spirit is the one thing that will gent and the pupils to see Him. Mr. Sargent gladly ac-
solve all problems of man, both as an individual and cepted the invitation, and four of the boys did. The
as a collective society. others had excuses, like those people in the Bible who
were invited to the wedding feast but did not go. One
boy had to buy a pair of shoes; another had planned to
The most important interview I had with 'Abdu'l- take afternoon tea at a restaurant where a gypsy or-
Baha was in Paris in the spring of 1913. I was one of chestra furnished music, et cetera. How many of life's
the staff of Porter Sargent's Travel School for Boys. On important opportunities thus pass us by, through our
my first visit He inquired about the school and asked own unperceptiveness or neglect!
me what I taught. I told Him that I taught English, I was deeply interested and concerned to see what
Latin, algebra and geometry. He gazed intently at me impression 'Abdu'1-Baha would make on the owner of
with His luminous eyes and said, "Do you teach the the school. Porter Sargent, ten years my senior, was a
spiritual things?" confirmed and positive atheist. He had been a biologist,
This question embarrassed me. I did not know how and was suffering from that spiritual myopia which so
to explain to 'Abdu'1-Baha that the necessity of prepar- often afflicts this type of scientist. But he was an ideal-
ing the boys for college-entrance exams dominated the ist, a humanitarian, a man of great vision for human-
nature of the curriculum. So I simply answered: "No, ity, and somewhat of a genius.
there is not time for that." In one intimate discussion with me on the nature of
'Abdu'1-Baha made no comment on this answer. But existence, during a long hike we took together on the
He did not need to. Out of my own mouth I had con- sunny island of Capri, he had outlined to me his con-
demned myself and modern education. No time for cept of life and the universe.
spiritual things! That, of course, is just what is wrong "What do you think of it?" he asked me, with some
with our modern materialistic "civilization." It has no eagerness. Perhaps this was the first occasion on which
time to give for spiritual things. he had so fully expounded his philosophy of life.
But 'Abdu'l-Baha's question and His silent response "It is splendid!" I said. "Hut it only covers half of
indicated that from His viewpoint spiritual things existence."
16 17
"What is the other half?" individual, the greater was the revelation of spiritual
"Spirit." potency which 'Abdu'1-Baha displayed.
But this other half did not exist for Porter Sargent. Thus Juliet Thompson, who painted 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Idealist that he was, creative-minded, somewhat of a portrait, has testified to the glorious revelations of Him-
poet — I felt sad that not one ray of spirit could pene- self which her Subject at times made to her. In similar
trate the pride of his intellect. vein have testified the Kinneys, with whom 'Abdu'l-
So when this golden opportunity came of an inter- Baha spent several weeks. And May Maxwell once
view with 'Abdu'1-Baha, I had great hopes. Now, in this told me that she had received, upon one sacred oc-
intimate meeting with the Master, I thought, Sargent casion in the presence of 'Abdu'1-Baha, such a revela-
will be forced to realize the existence of spirit. 'Abdu'l- tion of Him that she would never attempt to describe it.
Bahá's spiritual potency will at last penetrate his shell But materially-minded people 'Abdu'1-Baha met
of skepticism. upon their own plane, as He did Porter Sargent. And as
And so, when we came out from the hotel after a I also saw Him do in Washington with the Turkish am-
half-hour conference with 'Abdu'1-Baha, I eagerly bassador, on the occasion of Mrs. Parson's reception.
asked, "Well, what do you think of Him?" This being a social affair, 'Abdu'1-Baha did not play
I have never forgotten my shattering disappointment the part of the Master but the part of a guest amenable
at the answer: "He's a dear, kind, tired old man." to the situation. And anyone who had looked into the
large reception room, as I did, and had seen 'Abdu'l-
I was chagrined. But this experience taught me two
Baha sitting in a corner and exchanging funny stories
spiritual lessons. The first was that skepticism must
with the ambassador, would have seen in 'Abdu'l-Ba-
solve its own problems, in its own way. The second
ha's facial expressions no trace of spiritual power. For
truth, even more important, was that Spirit never He was not here primarily for spiritual purposes, but
forces itself upon the individual. It must be invited. to play a social part.
Theologians have frequently made the observation 'Abdu'1-Baha was indeed "all things to all men." He
that God could easily force us to reverence and stand was protean. If some were prepared only to see Him
in awe of Him, if He wished. But He does not wish to as the Old Man of the Sea, such He was to them. But
win man's reverence and awe and love by any forceful if they were prepared to see Him as more than this,
way. The initiative must come from man himself. the degree of their receptivity was proportionately
And so in the case of 'Abdu'1-Baha, I noticed upon blessed.
many occasions that He never expressed spiritual pow-
er for the purpose of dazzling people, or of winning VI
them to a spiritual allegiance for which they were not In all my interviews with 'Abdu'1-Baha I had an ex-
inwardly prepared. The greater the receptivity of the traordinary feeling of receiving truth from a higher
18 19
plane than that of the mere intellect. Man's intellect is "No, I do not know everything. But when I need to
an organ of discrimination, an instrument for analysis know something, it is pictured before Me."
and attack. As we listen to other people more learned And so 'Abdu'1-Baha, on the occasion of His tour of
than ourselves we are pleased to get information, but the General Electric Works, knew more about electric-
we consciously reserve the right of judgment. Some of ity than did Steinmetz.
the things said to us we accept immediately; some with Shoghi Effendi has said that intuition is a power of
reservations; and some we inwardly oppose. No matter the soul. It was this power that was always available
how wise or how learned the teacher, we reserve the to 'Abdu'1-Baha, and available in its totality. He has
right of our own judgment. spoken many times of this "immediate knowledge"—
But with 'Abdu'1-Baha it was different. I accepted al- this knowledge attained without the means of books or
ways His statements with humility and with total con- other humans, this strange intuitive power which to
viction; not because of any assumption of authority, some degree is available to us all.
but because I always felt in the depths of my soul that And often, in closing an interview after answering
what He said was truth. It always rang true, so to some abstruse question, 'Abdu'1-Baha would say:
speak. Let us say, as it was said of another great leader "Time does not permit of further answer. But meditate
of men, that He spoke "with authority." on this, and truth will come to you."
In the course of His lectures here and abroad And so — although 'Abdu'1-Baha is no longer with
'Abdu'1-Baha discoursed on many subjects. Where did us to answer our questions — the power of the Holy
He get His wide knowledge of things and of affairs? Spirit so strong in Him is still available to us to guide,
He had had but one year of schooling at the age of to fortify, to heal.
seven. He had been a prisoner all His life. He had few
books, no scholarly library, no encyclopedias. VII
Yet at Schenectady, as 'Abdu'1-Baha was being
I have tried to describe 'Abdu'1-Baha as I saw and
shown around the General Electric Works by Stein-
knew Him. But how can anyone give an adequate
metz, this "wizard of electricity" was observed to be
description of this personality that, like St. Paul, was
eagerly absorbing 'Abdu'l-Baha's elucidation of elec-
all things to all men?
tricity. The Rev. Moore, Unitarian clergyman who was
The Persian doctor who attended Him from 1914
present at the time, testified to me: "Steinmetz's jaw
till His death, when recently asked at a meeting in
seemed to drop open as he drank in 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Milwaukee to describe 'Abdu'1-Baha, replied that this
talk."
was very difficult to do; because 'Abdu'1-Baha expressed
* * * Himself differently at different times, meeting every
" 'Abdu'1-Baha, do You know everything?" Saffa occasion as the occasion demanded.
Kinney is said to have asked. If one were asked to describe 'Abdui-Baha in a
single word, that word would be: "Protean." This
unusual adjective is derived from the name of a minor His directives to Baha'is always focussed on the
deity in Greek mythology who had the magic power to need of Divine aid—the aid of Spirit—in order to
assume any form he wished. And so 'Abdu'1-Baha exemplify and propagate the Baha'i Faith and lay the
could be on one occasion all love; on another occasion foundations for that New World Order laid down by
supreme wisdom; and on other rare occasions, ex- Bahau'llah for the establishment of a spiritually
pressing a power that seemed cosmic. motivated world civilization.
And since love, wisdom, and power are the three VIII
principles upon which the Cosmos is run; and since
'Abdu'1-Baha was designated as our exemplar, it To those who would like to pursue further the
follows that these qualities should be developed in us marvelous details of 'Abdu'l-Baha's life we recom-
all, as we grow spiritually toward the attainment of mend "Portals to Freedom" by Howard Ives,* a
our full stature as citizens of that Kingdom of God Unitarian clergyman prior to his conversion to Bahai.
destined to be the consumation of our planetary We had the pleasure of meeting Ives in New York in
existence. 1910 when he was at the beginning of his search for
What was the secret of 'Abdu'l-Baha's power? He spiritual reality.
suggests the answer in His own words. "Cobb, I'd like you to meet a young clergyman who
"The human body is in need of material force, but is becoming interested in Baha'i," said my friend Mont-
the spirit has need of the Holy Spirit. — If it is aided fort Mills to me one day. "Can you have lunch with
by the bounty of the Holy Spirit it will attain great us tomorrow?"
power; it will discover realities; it will be informed of I was glad to accept this invitation and to meet an
the mysteries. The power of the Holy Spirit is here for earnest seeker. I do not recall our conversation at the
all. The captive of the Holy Spirit is exempt from lunch table. But it was evident that Ives was seriously
every captivity. searching.
"The teachings of His Holiness Bahau'llah are the This meeting with Ives resulted on my part in a
breaths of the Holy Spirit which create man anew." memorable friendship with a man who was destined
Whatever was and still is the reality of 'Abdu'1-Baha, ultimately to celebrate the personality and teachings
it is evident from the events of His life that He was of one who in 1912 became his Teacher and Master.
endowed with a cosmic power for the fulfillment of In his vivid narrative Howard Ives reports many
His mission. Every unexpected circumstance, every loving meetings and interviews with 'Abdu'1-Baha. The
event in the midst of the Occidental civilization so impression of this spiritual leader which remained a
foreign to His own background, He met not only constant in Ive's recollections is expressed by him in
successfully but also with a power that won all hearts. the following words: "What 'Abdu'1-Baha said im-
•Bahá'i Publishing Trust. 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, 111.
pressed me with the force of the impact of Divine
Truth. There was not a question in my mind of the
authority with which He spoke."
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