1844-1921, Iranian Baha'i Leader
Compassion / Empathy / Kindness Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines. Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha , 1978
Differentiation / Division / Separation The earth has one surface … Man has set up and established these imaginary lines, giving to each restricted area a name and the limitation of a native land or nationhood. By this division and separation into groups and branches of mankind, prejudice is engendered which becomes a fruitful source of war and strife. The Promulgation of Universal Peace , 1982
Diversity / Multiplicity If all the flowers in a garden were of the same color, the effect would be monotonous and wearying to the eye … Let all associate, therefore, in this great human garden even as flowers grow and blend together side by side without discord or disagreement between them. Ibid.Diversity of hues, form and shape enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof. In like manner, when divers shades of thought, temperament and character, are brought together under the power and influence of one central agency, the beauty and glory of human perfection will be revealed and made manifest. in Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah: Selected Letters , 1974
Health / Healing Illnesses which occur because of physical causes should be treated by doctors with medical remedies; those which are due to spiritual causes disappear through spiritual means. Thus an illness caused by affliction, fear, nervous impressions, will be healed more effectively by spiritual rather than by physical treatment. Hence, both kinds of treatment should be followed; they are not contradictory. Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha , No. 133, 1978
Impermanence These few brief days shall pass away, this present life shall vanish from our sight; the roses of this world shall be fresh and fair no more, the garden of this earth's triumphs and delights shall droop and fade. The spring season of life shall turn into the autumn of death, the bright joy of palace halls give way to moonless dark within the tomb. And therefore is none of this worth loving at all, and to this the wise will not anchor his heart. Ibid.
Liberation / Liberty / Freedom When one is released from the prison of the self, that indeed is freedom! For self is the greatest prison. in Sara Louisa Blomfield, The Chosen Highway , 1967
Meditation While you meditate you are speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers: the light breaks forth and the reality is revealed. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by 'Abdu'l-Baha in Paris in 1911-1912 , 1979
Suffering Just as the plough furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at a state of complete detachment … Man is, so to speak, unripe; the heat of the fire of suffering will mature him. Ibid.