Part 30 (1/2)

The first printing of this book was done in 1974. As it contained new material, that is, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha and letters of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, many of which had never been published, and because its theme was j.a.pan, it proved to be a successful addition to the Baha'i literature throughout the Baha'i world. It was translated into j.a.panese and has been one of the standard books in that language.

The Baha'i Publis.h.i.+ng Trust of j.a.pan regularly has requests for the English edition although it has been out of print since the late 1970s.

When the compiler considered a second edition she decided to refer back to the original material for possible changes, to add new material, and also add more details such as the names of translators (when available), thereby hoping to increase the historical value. Very little of the original has been eliminated.

All of the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha to Miss Alexander and to Baha'is in j.a.pan have been included. Only some of the Tablets written to j.a.panese, who, at the time, were living in the United States have been included. It was difficult to choose which of Shoghi Effendi's letters to Miss Aexander should be included.

The Guardian had requested that she write to him often so their correspondence was extensive. She actually received many more letters than are printed here.

Most of Shoghi Effendi's letters (which, of course, also means those written on his behalf) to the early Baha'is of j.a.pan and to the inst.i.tutions of the Faith in j.a.pan are printed here.

It was felt that certain communications from the Universal House of Justice would add to this important subject, hence the expansion to later years.

FOOTNOTES

1 Mr. Mc.n.u.tt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted American Baha'is who tried to help the Faith in j.a.pan as it was 'Abdu'l-Baha's wish.

2 Mr. Struven was designated as Herald of the Kingdom by 'Abdu'l-Baha.

3 Mr. Mc.n.u.tt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted American Baha'is who tried to help the Faith in j.a.pan as it was 'Abdu'l-Baha's wish.

4 Mr. s.h.i.+ros.h.i.+ Nasu, a professor of Tokyo Imperial University, was a friend of Mr. Wilhelm.

5 Mr. Mc.n.u.tt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted American Baha'is who tried to help the Faith in j.a.pan as it was 'Abdu'l-Baha's wish.

6 Mr. Roh, a Korean, had studied in the West. Returning to Korea by way of Palestine, he met some Baha'is on the s.h.i.+p who told him of 'Abdu'l-Baha. He met 'Abdu'l-Baha in Tiberius and was allowed several interviews by Him. Miss Alexander met Mr. Roh in Korea. He was teaching at the Christian College and told some of his students of the Baha'i Faith, but he could not commit himself to the Faith.

7 Baha'i World Vol. III, p. 84.

8 In the early days sometimes spelled Kwanichi.

9 Hyacinth-the flower of knowledge.

10 Comparing those near at hand who disobeyed the command of Baha'u'llah with the recipient of this Tablet, a j.a.panese.

11 Infinite in regard to imagination, for without the mind there would be no imagination.

12 Mr. Kikutaro f.u.kuta

13 Mr. Tokujiro Torii

14 Mr. Daiun Inouye, a Buddhist priest became a Baha'i and gave up the priesthood.

15 Mr. Sensui Saiki, a writer, was greatly attracted to the Faith and a.s.sisted Miss Alexander by translating literature into j.a.panese.

16 The son of Mr. and Mrs. Torii. His name, Akira, means 's.h.i.+ning light' which the mother saw before his birth March 11, 1918.