Part 23 (1/2)

[Letter of April 14, 1952]

Your gracious letter of March 20th, conveying Naw-Ruz greetings to the beloved Guardian has been received, and gave the Guardian the utmost of happiness. It revealed anew the power of Baha'u'llah, that in that far off land, the banner of His Grace has been raised so effectively, and the friends have been quickened by the new spirit of unity which is sweeping the world.

The Guardian will pray at the Holy Shrines that the powers of the Holy Spirit will inspire and sustain you in your labors for the spread of the true teachings of brotherhood, and the spiritual elevation of the people of j.a.pan.

Today, the head corner-stone of service to the Faith of Baha'u'llah is teaching. It is the source of divine blessings. The beloved Guardian feels your consecration to this most important of all Baha'i activities will achieve new goals and win many victories for the Faith.

He sends his loving greetings to each one of you, who will ever be in his heart.

(signed by Leroy Ioas)

(April 14, 1952)

[Letter of August 30, 1952]

It always brings joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian to receive news from you, as he is so happy over the remarkable growth of the Faith in j.a.pan since the end of the war. He has instructed me to answer on his behalf your letter of July 12.

Plans for future works in j.a.pan will certainly form part of the general plan for Asia, which will be discussed at the New Delhi Conference in October 1953. He would be very happy if some of the friends from j.a.pan could attend this historic gathering.

He was delighted to hear that your a.s.sembly is undertaking extension teaching work in other j.a.panese cities; as Tokyo is the mother a.s.sembly, her responsibility is great. He was particularly glad to hear teaching will be done in Hiros.h.i.+ma, where the people suffered so mercilessly during the war; they have a special right-the people of that city-to hear of Baha'u'llah's Message of peace and brotherhood.

The a.s.sembly of Tokyo, until such time as other local a.s.semblies are formed, can receive the applications for enrollment from people living elsewhere. Anyone living outside the civic limits of Tokyo, however, cannot be a voting member of that community, but of course, may attend meetings and Feasts until a local nucleus is established.

The Guardian was particularly happy to note that there are so many j.a.panese Baha'is; although the American friends have rendered a great service in j.a.pan, the object of all teachings is to establish firmly the Faith of G.o.d in the hearts and lives of the people of the country. He hopes that special efforts will be made to teach the j.a.panese, and to provide them with Baha'i literature in their own language, and to conduct meetings in j.a.panese, and also to encourage them to understand the Administration and take an active, constructive part in its workings.

Without a proper understanding of the Administrative Order, extensive plans cannot be undertaken and harmony will not prevail within the community.

He (the Guardian) will remember you in all his prayers, and is most pleased with your progress and your devoted spirit.

(signed by R. Rabbani)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

May the Almighty bless your high and persistent endeavours, guide every step you take in the path of service, and enable you to extend continually the range of your splendid activities, and win great and memorable victories for His Cause.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

(August 30, 1952)

[Letter of July 24, 1953]

The beloved Guardian has said that the future of j.a.pan from every standpoint is very bright indeed. The Faith will spread rapidly in j.a.pan, once the public become acquainted with its universal principles, and its dynamic spirit.