Letters to the National Spiritual Assembly of India (part 3)

Collateral with this vital project is the preparation in conjunction with the Australian National Assembly of a suitable pamphlet by your Assembly, and the adoption of energetic measures for its translation into the languages allocated to the Australian and Indian National Assemblies.

While this threefold objective is being assiduously pursued, the process of the multiplication of local Assemblies, of groups and isolated centres must be maintained, nay accelerated, for upon it will depend the early formation of independent

National Spiritual Assemblies in India, Pakistan,

Burma, Ceylon and South-East Asia.

The responsibilities devolving upon your Assembly in the course of the opening stage of the Plan are enormous, sacred and pressing. All Baha'i communities participating in this glorious enterprise must bend every effort, and sacrifice to the utmost of their power to ensure the unqualified success of the great work that lies immediately ahead.

There is no time to lose. The newly launched Plan demands a vigilance, an expenditure of effort and resources on a scale unprecedented in Indian Baha'i history. Baha'i communities in East and West, embarked on a similar Crusade, are vying with one another and with your Assembly in the world-wide field of Baha'i pioneering. The glory of the prizes to be won, the benefits that will accrue to all participants are unimaginable.

I direct my appeal to your Assembly and, through its members, to all communities participating in this unprecedented enterprise, to arise to this great and unique occasion that now presents itself, at this critical hour in the fortunes of mankind and at so significant a stage in the evolution of the

Faith, and to resolve, with inflexible determination, to consummate, at the appointed time, this fate-laden enterprise on which all our hearts are set and upon which the immediate +P160 destinies of the Cause of Baha'u'llah so largely depend.

In my hours of prayer and meditation in the holy Shrines I will supplicate on behalf of your Assembly, as well as on behalf of the communities you represent, that Divine Guidance may direct your steps, that God's sustaining grace may aid you to overcome every obstacle, that His strength may be poured out upon you, that His providence and love may enfold you, and that the inspiration of the Dawn-breakers, who proclaimed the birth of His Cause, may carry you to ultimate and total victory. June 21, 1953 The Most Important Thing is to Serve

The most important thing we know from the Teachings is to serve. In carrying out the Plans of God we are strengthened, blessed and purified; we attract the loving attention of Baha'u'llah; our efforts are confirmed; and we are enabled through His power to achieve great victories for His Faith.

He urges you, one and all, as one soul in many bodies, to consecrate yourselves to fulfilling the objectives of the Ten-Year Plan. He feels sure that when the proper unity and dedication prevail in the National Body, it will be sensed by the mass of the believers, and react upon their efforts. As Abdu'l-Baha said, nothing is impossible if we have faith; and this must always be the standard for all the Baha'is. As we have faith, so are our powers and our blessings.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty enable you to lend a fresh and unprecedented impetus to the onward march of the Faith, revive the spirit of its supporters, enlarge its limits, multiply its local institutions, consolidate its foundations, safeguard its rights, spread abroad its fame, and aid its followers to discharge befittingly their responsibilities, and concentrate on the attainment of the objectives of the Ten-Year Plan, on which the immediate destiny of the entire community depends. December 26, 1955 +P161 Youth [&and] the Ten-Year Crusade

The Guardian urges as many of the Baha'i youth of India, Pakistan and Burma as possible to attend the historic Conference to be held in New Delhi, in October. At that Conference, plans will be made for the carrying of the Message of Baha'u'llah, during the coming ten years, far beyond the borders of their homeland; and it will be the youth who will shoulder a great part of this and the other tasks that will be given to your Community. In fact, the settling of these virgin fields both close to your own lands, and in far-off areas, is the very first responsibility of the believers, in this Ten-Year World Crusade. Therefore, each one of you should think now seriously what you are going to do about it, and start making your plans accordingly. The sooner the virgin fields are settled, the sooner will be witnessed the tremendous power that is released in this day; and the bounties that await those who go forth to pioneer in these lands, are great indeed. May 28, 1953 Translation of Literature

Naturally it will be difficult for the Faith to be established in the new territories or amongst the new tribes if they do not have at least a pamphlet for distribution to the new contacts.

He therefore feels that along with the sending of pioneers into the virgin areas, the translation of literature into the languages assigned to the Indian National Assembly should take place.

The Guardian feels that one of the existing pamphlets would be satisfactory, or a new one, which you may feel it desirable to prepare. At this time it is not necessary to enter into the question of translation of Baha'i books, simply a pamphlet, which can be used for teaching purposes.

The Guardian wishes you to budget the necessary funds to +P162 cover this work, and to see that it is actively pursued, so that the literature will be available at an early date. June 8, 1953 Keynote of the Crusade

Our beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Baha'i world; of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten-Year Crusade.

They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced, that the friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade, must be Action, Action, Action!

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.

The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type of Baha'i service--whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith. So important is it that the National Assembly may delay initiation of steps to fulfill other phases of the Plan, until all these areas are conquered for the Faith. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must be allowed to interfere with the placing of pioneers in each of the 131 goal countries.

In America some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The beloved Guardian fully expects the dear friends in India, Pakistan and Burma to follow this example, and quickly settle the areas allotted to them.

Because of it being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan, and having so many pioneers available, the Guardian has given permission to the United States to send pioneers into any area +P163 of the globe regardless of whom it may be assigned to. Thus pioneers from the United States may ask permission to settle in one of the areas assigned to your Assembly. If this is done, you should assist them in every way possible.

There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:

1. Every individual who has offered to pioneer, must be encouraged in every way by the National Assembly.

2. The National Assembly should assist each pioneer, so they may be placed in their post just as quickly as possible.

3. The handling of each application for pioneering service, must be expedited, and not allowed to be bogged down for any reason, or in the hands of Committees.

4. The National Assembly should make it their first order of business to follow up actively this most important task. They must make it the first order of business at each Assembly meeting, to see that each application is being progressed rapidly. This does not mean the special committees should not handle the details; but it does mean the Assembly itself, must review each application at each meeting; and see that the pioneer gets into the field as soon as possible.

5. A large number of pioneers should not be sent to any one country. One, or even two, will be sufficient for the time being. Later on, if supplementary assistance is needed, that of course can be taken care of. The all important thing now, is to get at least one pioneer in each of the 131 virgin areas.

6. The National Assembly may exercise its prerogatives and suggest to applicants where their services are most needed.

This, of course, applies particularly to pioneers, where a large number wish to go to the same place. +P164

The specific suggestions of the Guardian, are: a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, those which will be difficult. b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Guardian, giving the name, place, and any pertinent information. c. A monthly report of progress is to be sent by your

Assembly to the Secretary-General of the International

Baha'i Council. Special matters of report nature, for the

Guardian, in connection with the plan of settling these

131 areas, should be sent to the Secretary-General of the

Council also.

This does not mean that any administrative matters in connection with the settlement of pioneers should be handled with the council. These should continue to be handled with the Guardian direct. The Council is simply to coordinate reports, consolidate them, keep maps up to date, etc. for the Guardian, and your reports will enable them to do this. d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled, and he would appreciate your early cable advice of such new victories:

Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Goa, Karikal, Mahe, Pondicherry,

Sikkim, as pointed out in his cable to your Assembly of

May 30th, 1953. These have first precedence.

The beloved Guardian feels the friends living in large Baha'i Centres, could easily move into these territories, which are a part of India itself.

As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian will have prepared an illuminated "Roll of Honor" on which will be inscribed the names of the "Knights of Baha'u'llah" who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This "Roll of Honor" will be placed +P165 inside the entrance door of The Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Baha'u'llah.

From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Baha'i World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas and conquer them for Baha'u'llah.

Now is the time for the Baha'is of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord, over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure, that the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and Burma who have served and sacrificed so long for the Faith, will continue their glorious record by winning many new victories for the Faith. June 8, 1953 Message to the Inter Continental Conference, New Delhi

[From the Guardian:]

To the Hands of the Cause, the members of the National

Spiritual Assemblies, the pioneers, the resident believers and visitors attending the Asian Intercontinental Teaching

Conference in New Delhi, India.

Well-beloved friends:

With high hopes and a joyful heart I acclaim the convocation, in the leading city of the Indian sub-continent, of the fourth and last of the Intercontinental Teaching Conferences of a memorable Holy Year commemorating the centenary of the birth of the prophetic Mission of Baha'u'llah.

On this historic occasion, when the members of the National

Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of the United States of

America, of the Dominion of Canada, of Central and of

South America, of Persia, of the Indian subcontinent and of

Burma, of Iraq and of Australasia, as well as representatives of the sovereign states and dependencies of the Asiatic +P166 continent, of the Republics of North, Central and South

America, and of Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are assembled, and are to deliberate on the needs and requirements of the recently launched triple Campaign embracing the Asiatic mainland, the Australian continent and the islands of the Pacific Ocean--a campaign which may well be regarded as the most extensive, the most arduous and the most momentous of all the campaigns of a world-girdling

Crusade, and which, in its scope, is unparalleled in the history of the Faith in the entire eastern Hemisphere--my thoughts, on such an occasion, go back to the early dawn of our Faith, to those unforgettable scenes of matchless heroism, of dark tragedy, of imperishable glory which heralded its birth, and accompanied the spread, of its infant

Light, in the heart of the Asiatic continent.

I vividly recall the meteoric rise of the Faith of the Bab in the provinces of Persia and the stirring episodes associated with His cruel incarceration in the mountain-fastnesses of

Adhirbayjan, with the revelation of the laws of His Dispensation, with the proclamation of the independence of His

Faith, with the peerless heroism of His disciples, with the fiendish cruelty of His foes--the Chief Magistrate, the civil authorities, the ecclesiastical dignitaries and the masses of the people, of His native land--with the humiliation, the spoliation, the dispersal, the eventual massacre of a vast number of His followers, and, above all, with His own execution in the City of Tabriz.

With a throb of wonder I call to mind the early and sudden fruition of His Dispensation in the capital city of that land, and the dramatic circumstances attending the birth of

Baha'u'llah's Revelation culminating in His precipitate banishment to Iraq.

I am reminded, moreover, of the initial spread of the light of this Revelation, in consequence of the banishment of

Baha'u'llah, to the adjoining territories of Iraq, and, as far as the western fringes of that continent, to Turkey and the neighbouring territories of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, and, at a later stage, to the Indian sub-continent and China, +P167 situated on the southern and eastern extremities of that continent as well as to the Caucasus and Russian Turkistan.

Nor can I fail to remember the series of alternating crises and victories--each constituting a landmark in the evolution of the Faith--which it has experienced in some of these territories, associated with the distressful withdrawal of its

Author to the mountains of Sulaymaniyyih; with the glorious Declaration of His Mission in Baghdad; with His second and third banishments to Constantinople and

Adrianople; with the grievous rebellion of His half-brother; with the proclamation of His own Mission; with His fourth banishment to the desolate and far-off penal colony of

Akka in Syria; with the revelation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas,

His Most Holy Book; with His ascension in the Holy

Land; with the establishment of His Covenant and the inauguration of the Ministry of Abdu'l-Baha, His son and the

Exemplar and authorized interpreter of His teachings.

These opening stages in the evolution of His Faith in the

Asiatic continent were followed, while the first and Apostolic

Age of His Dispensation was drawing to a close, by the opening of the Islands situated in the Pacific Ocean, Japan in the north, and the Australian continent in the South. To these memorable chapters of Asian Baha'i history another was soon added, on the morrow of the ascension of the

Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant, and during the initial epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, distinguished by the rise of the Administrative Order and the erection of its pillars in the cradle of that Faith, in Iraq, in India,

Pakistan and Burma and in the Antipodes. This memorable episode in its development in that vast continent was succeeded by the initiation, during the second Epoch of that same Age, of a series of Plans in those same territories in support of Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan and as a prelude to the opening of the recently launched world-embracing

Spiritual Crusade.

The hour has now struck for this continent, on whose soil, more than a century ago, so much sacred blood was shed, +P168 in whose very heart deeds of such tragic heroism were performed, and in many of whose territories such brilliant victories have been won, to contribute, in association with its sister continents, to the progress and ultimate triumph of this global Crusade, in a manner befitting its unrivalled position in the entire Baha'i world.

The various Baha'i Communities dwelling within the borders of this continent and those situated to the south of its shores in the Antipodes, which include the oldest and most venerable among all the communities of the Baha'i world, and whose members in their aggregate constitute the overwhelming majority of the followers of Baha'u'llah, are called upon, in close association with four other Baha'i communities in the Western Hemisphere, to undertake in the course of the coming decade: First, the construction of the first

Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in Baha'u'llah's native land, in the

City of Tihran, surnamed by Baha'u'llah "Mother of the

World". Second, the purchase of land for the future construction of three Mashriqu'l-Adhkars, one in the city of

Baghdad, enshrining the "Most Great House", the third holiest city of the Baha'i world, one in New Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub-continent, and the third in Sydney, the oldest and foremost Baha'i Centre in the Antipodes.

Third, the formation of no less than eleven National Spiritual

Assemblies, one each in Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and Burma; one in Turkey and one in Afghanistan, under the aegis of the National Spiritual

Assembly of the Baha'is of Persia; one in Japan, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the

United States of America; one in New Zealand, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand, as well as four regional

National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the Arabian Peninsula, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the

Baha'is of Persia; one in South-East Asia, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India,

Pakistan and Burma; a third in the South Pacific, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of +P169 the United States of America; and a fourth in the Near

East, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is in Iraq. Fourth, the opening of the following forty-one virgin territories and islands: Andaman Islands,

Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Goa, Karikal, Mahe, Mariana Islands,

Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, Sikkim, assigned to the

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and Burma; Caroline Islands, Dutch New Guinea,

Hainan Island, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin Island,

Tibet, Tonga Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual

Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America;

Brunei, Chagos Archipelago, Krigizia, Mongolia, Solomon

Islands, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, assigned to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Persia; Admiralty

Islands, Cocos Island, Loyalty Islands, Mentawei Islands,

New Hebrides Islands, Portuguese Timor, Society Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand; Gilbert and Ellice Islands,

Marshall Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, assigned to the

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Central

America; Hadhramaut, Kuria-Muria Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iraq;

Marquesas Islands, Samoa Islands, assigned to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada; Cook

Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the

Baha'is of South America. Fifth, the translation and publication of Baha'i literature in the following forty languages, to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and Burma, in association with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of

Australia and New Zealand: Abor Miri, Aneityum, Annamese,

Balochi, Bentuni, Binandere, Cheremiss, Chungchia,

Georgian, Houailou, Javanese, Kado, Kaili, Kopu, Kusaie,

Lepcha, Lifu, Manchu, Manipuri, Manus Island, Marquesas,

Mentawei, Mongolian, Mordoff, Mwala, Na-Hsi, Nicobarese,

Niue, Ossete, Ostiak, Pali, Panjabi, Pashto, Perm, Petats,

Samoan, Tho, Tibetan, Tonga, Vogul. Sixth, the consolidation of Aden Protectorate, Adhirbayjan, Afghanistan, Ahsa,

Armenia, Bahrayn Island, Georgia, Hijaz, Saudi-Arabia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Yemen, allocated to the National +P170

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Persia; of Baluchistan,

Borneo, Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaya,

Nepal, Pakistan, Sarawak, Siam, allocated to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and

Burma; of China, Formosa, Japan, Korea, Manchuria,

Philippine Islands, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America; of

Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Trucial Sheikhs,

Umman, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iraq; of Bismarck Archipelago, Fiji, New

Caledonia, Australian New Guinea, allocated to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and

New Zealand; of Hong Kong, allocated to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles.

Seventh, the incorporation of the eleven above-mentioned

National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as those of Persia and

Iraq. Eighth, the establishment by these above-mentioned eleven National Spiritual Assemblies of national Baha'i endowments.

Ninth, the establishment of a national Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital cities of each of the countries where

National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, as well as one in Suva, one in Jakarta, one in Bahrayn and one in Beirut. Tenth, the establishment of a national Baha'i

Court in the capital cities of Persia, of Iraq, of Pakistan and of Afghanistan--the leading Muslim centres in the Asiatic continent. Eleventh, the establishment of two National

Baha'i Publishing Trusts, one in Tihran and one in New

Delhi. Twelfth, the formation of Israel Branches of the

National Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of Persia, of

Iraq and Australia; authorized to hold on behalf of their parent institutions property dedicated to the holy Shrines at the World Centre of the Faith in the State of Israel. Thirteenth, the appointment, during Ridvan 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in Asia and in Australia of an auxiliary Board of nine members who will, in conjunction with the eight

National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the Asiatic and Australian campaigns, assist, through periodic and systematic visits to Baha'i centres, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the teaching campaigns in the continent of Asia +P171 and in the Antipodes.

The Asiatic continent, the cradle of the principal religions of mankind; the home of so many of the oldest and mightiest civilizations which have flourished on this planet; the crossways of so many kindreds and races; the battleground of so many peoples and nations; above whose horizon, in modern times, the suns of two independent Revelations --the promise and consummation of a six thousand-year-old religious Cycle--have successively arisen; where the Authors of both of these Revelations suffered banishment and died; within whose confines the Centre of a divinely-appointed Covenant was born, endured a forty-year incarceration and passed away; on whose Western extremity the Qiblih of the Baha'i world has been definitely established; in whose heart the City proclaimed by Baha'u'llah as the

"Mother of the World" is enshrined; within whose borders another City regarded as the "cynosure of an adoring world" and the scene of the greatest and most glorious Revelation the world has witnessed is embosomed; on whose soil so many saints, heroes and martyrs, associated with both of these Revelations, have lived, struggled and died--such a continent, so privileged among its sister continents and yet so long and so sadly tormented, now stands, at the hour of the launching of a world-encompassing Crusade, on the threshold of an era that may well recall, in its glory and ultimate repercussions, the great periods of spiritual revival which, from the dawn of recorded history have, at various stages in the revelation of God's purpose for mankind, illuminated the path of the human race.

May this Crusade, launched simultaneously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbouring islands and the Antipodes, under the direction of eight National Spiritual Assemblies, and through the operation of eight systematic Teaching Plans, and the concerted efforts of Baha'i communities in both the East and the West, provide, as it unfolds, an effective antidote to the baneful forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism and materialism that are tearing at the vitals of this turbulent continent, and may it re-enact those scenes of +P172 spiritual heroism which, more than any of the secular revolutions which have agitated its face, have left their everlasting imprint on the fortunes of the peoples and nations dwelling within its borders. --SHOGHI October, 1953 Consultation of Delegates

It should be pointed out to the delegates that the function of consultation of the delegates takes place only when they are in session at the Annual Convention. They do not have any consultative status prior to the Convention or after the Convention. In other words, they are elected to serve as electors of the new National Assembly during the Convention, and to consult on all matters properly coming before the Convention during the Convention period, not before and not after. April 27, 1956 Concentrate on Home Front

The Guardian has been greatly pleased with the results of the expansion of the Faith in the new centers during the past year, and the establishment of new Assemblies. He urges the National Assemblies to concentrate on this type of teaching work, and particularly on the home front. The Ten-Year Crusade is making most remarkable progress in all fields except the teaching on the home front. If the Baha'is remaining "at home" would arise with the same spirit of devotion and fervor as animates the pioneers, there is no question of the remarkable results that would be achieved. May 6, 1956 Increase Number of Assemblies

The Guardian was very happy to note the intensive manner in which your Assembly is taking hold of the very important +P173 matter of increasing the number of Baha'is, isolated Centers, Groups and particularly Assemblies in the territories under your jurisdiction, particularly those where National Assemblies are to be elected.

He feels every effort should be made to bring as many groups up to Assembly status during this critical year as possible. The Assemblies formed at Ridvan 1957, cannot take part in the election of the National Assemblies elected during that same Ridvan period; but they do make a much stronger base on which the National Assembly can be formed.

In other words, answering directly your question, the Guardian advises the practice prevalent now throughout the world that a local Assembly may not participate in the election of a National Assembly, until a year after its coming into being, must continue, and be applicable in the areas referred to by you. September 11, 1956 Translation of Baha'i Books into Russian

With regard to the translations into the languages of the countries of the Russian Zones--the Guardian feels you should under no circumstances contact Universities in Russia. He feels this might create great difficulty for the Faith, particularly during these troublesome times.

If there are Universities in India, or Great Britain where the translations can be made, there is no objection to utilizing such sources, but no University or institution in Russia. Perhaps the British NSA can be helpful--or the Italo-Swiss NSA, as there are many Russian refugees in Switzerland. November 12, 1956 Many Victories Won

He is quite distressed that some of the hard won goals have +P174 become virgin again. He requests that your Assembly study the matter carefully, to see if you cannot send pioneers into these areas that have fallen back. He is thinking particularly of Nepal, Bhutan, and Goa. Also, he is very anxious indeed that some assistance be given our lone pioneer in Tibet. That noble soul is holding the difficult post, without any aid, and the Guardian hopes you will be able to send a pioneer into that land to cooperate in establishing the Faith.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf so you may quickly regain the lost ground in these virgin areas, and go forward to new victories.

The fact of the matter is, in some countries, they have been able to add new areas to the Crusade--in other words, they have established the Faith in areas, where the Faith has not existed, and which were not included in the Crusade.

In other areas, many other victories have been won, not contemplated in the Crusade. The Guardian has set up a new map, showing the supplementary goals won, so far,--outside the Crusade goals. It would be wonderful if India could add some objectives to this supplementary map. December 27, 1956 Pioneering to Ceram

The Guardian feels it is most important the teaching work in the areas mentioned by Abdu'l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, be carried forward with intensive activity....

It has been over 40 years since the Master wrote the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and only now has this center mentioned by him, been settled. Surely the Master will watch over his devoted servant who is labouring so diligently in this center, and guide and protect him; as well as to confirm his work. January 19, 1957 +P175 Baha'i Literature in Native Tongues

He was very happy to receive these reports, which indicate that the work of translating is actively in hand. He feels this is a very important aspect of our teaching work, as it is impossible, or at least, most difficult to teach natives, without some of the literature being translated into their languages. Thus he hopes you will follow up the matter quite actively. January 19, 1957 Pioneers in Sikkim

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the wonderful news that he has received of the fact that there are now ten Baha'is in Sikkim.

The pioneers there have been very successful and have been able to win souls to the Cause of God. This is a distinct victory for the Faith, and all are to be congratulated. The Guardian wishes them to know how much he values their services.

The most difficult goals, and the most arduous duties win the greatest spiritual rewards. Thus, he hopes that the friends in Sikkim, who naturally are looking forward to their Spiritual Assembly this coming Ridvan, will realise how great would be their reward, if they were able now to reinforce the work in Tibet. There is only one pioneer there, and perhaps some of the new Baha'is could enter Tibet to assist in the work there. Great would be their reward if they could do so.

Should others be able to go to Nepal and Bhutan, that would be most helpful. In other words, the Guardian feels that more important than an Assembly in Sikkim, would be the reinforcing of the pioneers and teaching work, first in Tibet, and then in Bhutan and Nepal. January 26, 1957 +P176 Pioneers to be Sent to Maldive Islands

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write to your Assembly with regard to the Maldive Islands.

He attaches great importance to these Islands, and hopes they can be settled by one or more pioneers at an early date. The Light of Divine Guidance should shine in that area, and if one of the friends will arise to pioneer there, he is sure they will win many signal victories for the Cause of God. February 17, 1957 Historic and Heart-Stirring

The beloved Guardian has been very pleased with the teaching work which has been done in the Virgin Areas of the Ten-Year Crusade. Indeed, all the pioneers have rendered historic and heart-stirring service to the Cause of God. Now, the banner of the Faith is firmly established over the entire face of the Globe. Blessed and happy is everyone who has been able to join in this, the Greatest Spiritual Crusade of all times. March 6, 1957 +P177