Part 23 (2/2)

What is necessary at this time is for the Baha'is to adhere firmly to the teachings of the Faith, and to become a clear channel through which the power of the Holy Spirit might disseminate itself throughout the country.

So far as the Ananai-kyo Movement is concerned, and their desire for affiliation:

The Baha'is may a.s.sociate with Movements such as this, without becoming supporters and active workers therein; the object being to make friendly contacts which can be developed into firm Baha'is.

So far as non-Baha'is affiliating with the Baha'i Faith is concerned, either a person becomes a Baha'i and accepts Baha'u'llah as the divine Manifestation for this day or he does not. The tenets of the Baha'i Faith are simple as outlined by the Guardian, but they do not permit any variations. In other words, if any members of the Ananai-kyo Movement wish to become Baha'is; they will be most welcome; but they can only become Baha'is on the basis of accepting Baha'u'llah as a divine Manifestation, and of course, with this goes the acceptance of the Bab as the Fore-runner, and 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Center of the Covenant, and the present Administrative Order.

When a person has reached the sea of immortality, it is idle to keep seeking elsewhere; and when the members of the Ananai-kyo Movement reach Baha'u'llah in their search for a world teacher, they have reached the goal, and not another step along the path.

I presume you have received by this time full details concerning the Ten Year Crusade, and the Plan which the Guardian has enunciated for the American National a.s.sembly to a.s.sist in the development of the Faith in j.a.pan, so that ultimately there may be a National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is in j.a.pan itself.

The American National Spiritual a.s.sembly has appointed a special committee for the Asian countries, and I am quite sure you will find the very closest possible cooperation from them in the development of the work.

You will find, as the Extension Teaching work in j.a.pan moves forward, there will have to be constant and continuous consultation with this important committee.

You can appreciate it will be entirely impossible for the International Council or the staff of the Guardian himself, to undertake the supervision of the teaching work in any one part of the world; furthermore it would be contrary to the general principle of Baha'i administration. Under Baha'i administration, Local a.s.semblies, and the development of teaching work are placed in the hands of National a.s.semblies. The National a.s.semblies themselves report directly to Haifa-to the Universal House of Justice, when it is established; and until that time, to the Guardian himself.

At the instruction of the Guardian, I am communicating with the American National Spiritual a.s.sembly, to ask them to set up a program, whereby there will be the closest possible collaboration between their Asia Teaching Committee and your own a.s.sembly. I hope this will be the means of all data reaching you very promptly.

The beloved Guardian asked me to convey to you his deep love. He appreciates and values very highly your devoted services to the Faith. He will pray at the Holy Shrines, for your guidance and confirmation. It is his hope that heavenly blessings may be with you at all times, and every obstacle in the path of your efforts to continually spread the Message in j.a.pan may be removed, so that you may ultimately gain complete victory.

(signed by Leroy Ioas)

(July 24, 1953)

[Letter of November 26, 1953]

The Guardian is hopeful that some day it may be possible for the Baha'is of Tokyo to establish their Hazira; and of course if this were done, some day it will become the National Hazira, because when the National Spiritual a.s.sembly is formed in j.a.pan, Tokyo will no doubt be the seat of the National a.s.sembly.

Shoghi Effendi feels that the time has now come when the Faith will spread rapidly in j.a.pan. The j.a.panese people have great vision and spirituality, and the difficulties of the last war have prepared many of them for the Divine Guidance. He therefore urges each and every one of you to treble your efforts, so that the Cause may grow and develop rapidly.

He sends his loving greetings to you, and a.s.sures you all of his prayers in your behalf.

(signed by Leroy Ioas)

(November 26, 1953)

[Letter of March 2, 1954]

The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each and every one of the friends in j.a.pan. He greatly values their devotion and sacrifice for the Faith, and the n.o.ble manner in which they are arising to spread the Teachings in that land.

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