Letters
from the Universal House of Justice Addressed to
Youth
The
Universal House of Justice10 June 1966
To
the Baha'i Youth in every Land
Dear
Baha'i Friends,
In
country after country the achievements of Baha'i youth are increasingly
advancing the work of the Nine Year Plan and arousing the admiration of their
fellow believers. From the very beginning of the Baha’i Era, youth have played a
vital part in the promulgation of God's Revelation. The Bab Himself was but
twenty-five years old when He declared His Mission, while many of the Letters of
the Living were even younger. The Master, as a very young man, was called upon
to shoulder heavy responsibilities in the service of His Father in Iraq and
Turkey; and His brother, the Purest Branch, yielded up his life to God in the
Most Great Prison at the age of twenty-two that the servants of God might "be
quickened, and all that dwell on earth be united. "Shoghi Effendi was a student
at Oxford when called to the throne of his Guardianship, and many of the Knights
of Baha’u’llah, who won imperishable fame during the Ten Year Crusade, were
young people. Let it, therefore, never be imagined that youth must await their
years
of
maturity before they can render invaluable services to the Cause of God. For any person, whether Baha’i or not, his
youthful years are those in which he will make many decisions which will set the
course of his life. In these years he is most likely to choose his life's work,
complete his education, begin to earn his own living, many, and start to raise
his own family. Most important of all, it is during this period that the mind is
most questing and that the spiritual values that will guide the person's future
behavior are adopted. These factors present Baha'i if youth with their greatest
opportunities~-their greatest challenges, and their greatest tests -
opportunities to truly apprehend the teachings of their Faith and to give them
to their contemporaries, challenges to overcome the pressures of the world and
to provide leadership for their and succeeding generations, and tests enabling
them to exemplify in their lives the high moral standards set forth in the
Baha’i writings. Indeed, the Guardian wrote of the Bah6~' f youth that it is
they "who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the
driving force of the life of the Baha'i '(community, and upon whom must depend
the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the
potentialities with which God has endowed it.” Those who now are in their teens
and twenties are faced with a special challenge and can seize an opportunity
that is unique in human history. During the Ten Year Crusade the ninth part of
that majestic process described so vividly by our beloved Guardian - the
community of the Most Great Name spread with the speed of lightning over the
major territories and is-lands of the globe, increased manifold its manpower and
re-sources, saw the beginning of the entry of the peoples by troops into the
Cause of God, and completed the structure of the Administrative Order of
Baha’u’llah. Now, firmly established in the world, the Cause, in the opening
years of the tenth part of that same process, is perceptibly emerging from the
obscurity that has, for the most part, shrouded it since its inception and is
arising to challenge the outworn concepts of a corrupt society and proclaim the
solution for the agonizing problems of a disordered humanity. During the
lifetime of those who are now young the condition of the world, and the place of
the Baha'i Cause in it, will change immeasurably, for we are entering highly
critical phase in this era of transition. Three great fields of service lie open
before young Baha'is, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the
character of human society and preparing themselves for the work they can
undertake later in their lives. First, the foundation of all their other
accomplishments, is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their
lives, and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of
I3ah&u'llTh. As the moral standards of the people around us collapse and
decay, whether of the centuries-old civilizations of the East, the more recent
cultures of Christendom and Islam, or of the rapidly changing tribal societies
of the world, the Baha'is must increasingly stand out as pillars of
righteousness and forbearance. The life of a Baha'i will be characterized by
truthful-ness and decency; he will walk uprightly among his fellowmen, dependent
upon none save God, yet linked by bonds of love and brotherhood with all
mankind; he will be entirely detached from the loose standards, the decadent
theories, the frenetic experimentation, the desperation of present-day society,
will look upon his neighbors with a bright and friendly face, and be a beacon
light and a haven for all those who would emulate his strength of character and
assurance of soul. The second field of service, which is linked intimately with
the first, is teaching the Faith, particularly to their fellow youth, among whom
are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world. Not yet having
acquired all the responsibilities of a family or a long-established home and
job, youth can more easily choose where they will live and study or work. In the
world at large young people travel hither and thither seeking amusement,
education, and experiences. Baha'i youth, bearing the incomparable treasure of
the Word of God for this Day, can harness this immobility into service for
mankind and can choose their places of residence, their areas of travel, and
their types of work with the goal in mind of how they can best serve the Faith.
The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years. It
is the obligation of a Bah6.'i to educate his children; likewise it is the duty
of the children to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a
trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support
their families. This, for a Baha'i youth, is in itself a service to God, a
service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with
pioneering. The Baha'i community will need men and women of many skills and
qualifications; for, as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the
life of society will increase and diversify. Let Baha'i youth, therefore,
consider the best ways in which they can use and develop their native abilities
for the service of mankind and the Cause of God, whether this be as fanners,
teachers, doctors, artisans, musicians, or any one of the multitude of
livelihoods that are open to them. When studying at school or university Baha'i
youth will often find themselves in the unusual and slightly embarrassing
position of having a more profound insight into a subject than
their instructors.
The Teachings of Baha'u'llah throw light on so many aspects of human life and
knowledge that a Baha'i must learn, earlier than most, to weigh the information
that is given to him rather than to accept it blindly. A Baha’i has the
advantage of the Divine Revelation for this age, which shines like a searchlight
on so many problems that baffle modern thinkers; he must therefore develop the
ability to learn everything from those around him,
showing
proper humility before his teachers, but always relating what he hears to the
Baha'i teachings, for they will enable him to sort out the gold from the dross
of human error. Paralleling the growth of his inner life through prayer,
meditation, service, and study of the teachings, Baha'i youth have the
opportunity to learn in practice the very functioning of the Order of
Baha'u'llah. Through taking part in conferences and summer schools as well as
Nineteen Day Feasts, and in service on committees, they can develop the
wonderful skill of Baha’i consultation, thus tracing new paths of human
corporate action. Consultation is no easy skill to learn, requiring as it does
the subjugation of all egotism and unruly passions, the cultivation of frankness
and freedom of thought as well as courtesy, openness of mind, and wholehearted
acquiescence in a majority decision. In this field Baha'i youth may demonstrate
the efficiency, the vigor, the access of unity which arise from true
consultation and, by contrast, demonstrate the futility of partisanship,
lobbying, debate, secret diplomacy, and unilateral action which characterize
modem affairs. Youth also take part in the life of the Baha'i community as a
whole and promote a society in which all generations elderly, middle-aged,
youth, children are fully integrated and make up an organic whole. By refusing
to carry over the antagonisms and mistrust between the generations which perplex
and bedevil modem society, they will again demonstrate the healing and
life-giving nature of their religion.1%The Nine Year Plan has just entered its
third year. The youth have already played a vital part in winning its goals. We
now call upon them, with great love and highest hopes and the assurance of our
fervent prayers, to consider, individually and in consultation, wherever they
live and whatever their circumstances, those steps which they should take now to
deepen themselves in their knowledge of the Divine Message, to develop their
characters after the pattern of the Master, to acquire those skills, trades, and
professions in which they can best serve God and man, to intensify their service
to the Cause of Baha'u'llah, and to radiate its Message to the seekers among
their contemporaries.
The
Universal House of Justice, June 10, 1966
Message
from the World Centre
The
Universal House of Justice
26 June 1968
To
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United
States
WARMLY
ACKNO WLEDGE CONFIDENT JOYOUS MESSAGE FROM BAHA'I YOUTH GATHERED PRECINCTS
MOTHER TEMPLE WEST. MOVED THEIR DETERMINATION SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES SERVE BELOVED
FAITH CALL ON THEM BOLDLY CHALLENGE INVITE CONFUSED CONTEMPORARIES ENTRAPPED
MORASS MATERIALISM TO EXAMINE PARTAKE LIFEGIVING POWER CAUSE JOIN ARMY
BAHA'U'LLAH CONFRONT NEGATIVE FORCES OF A SOCIETY SADLY LACKING SPIRITUAL
VALUES. ASSURE YOUTH ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES GUIDANCE CONFIRMATION THEIR
COURAGEOUS EFFORTS.
Universal
House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice9 October 1968
To
the Baha'i Youth in Every Land
Dear
Baha'i Friends,
In
the two years since we last addressed the youth of the Baha'i world many
remarkable advances have been made in the fortunes of the Faith. Not the least
of these is the enrollment under the banner of Baha'u'llah of a growing army of
young men and women eager to serve His Cause. The zeal, the enthusiasm, the
steadfastness and the devotion of the youth in every land has brought great joy
and assurance to our hearts. During the last days of August and the first days
of September, when nearly two thousand believers from all over the world
gathered in the Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Baha'u'llah's arrival
on these sacred shores, we had an opportunity to ob-serve at first hand those
qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort exemplified
in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to express our
gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example. Many of them
offered to pioneer, but one perplexing question recurred Shall I continue my
education, or should I pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the
mind of every young Baha'i wishing to dedicate his life to the advancement of
the *Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the
beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this
question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Each
individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this decision,
it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:
Upon
becoming a Baha'i one's whole life is, or should become devoted to the progress
of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he possesses is ultimately
committed to this overriding life objective. Within this framework he must
consider, among other things, whether by continuing his education now he can be
a more1 effective pioneer later, or alternatively whether the urgent need for
pioneers, while possibilities for teaching are still open~ outweighs an
anticipated increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since often
times the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more important than one's
academic attainments. One's liability
for military service may be a factor in timing the offer of pioneer
service.
One
may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may be dependent
on him for support.
It
may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing educational
program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility that a pioneering
experience, even though it interrupts the formal educational program, may prove
beneficial in the long run in that studies would later be resumed with a more
mature outlook.
The
urgency of a particular goal which one is especially qualified to fill and for
which there are no other offers.
The
fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with us for many generations
to come, and that therefore there will be many calls in future for pioneering
service.
The
principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation to consult
others, such as one's parents, one's Local and National Assemblies, and the
pioneering committees.
Finally,
bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the unfailing promises
Baha'u'llah ordained for those who arise to serve His Cause, one should pray and
meditate on what his course of action will be. Indeed, it often happens that the
answer will be found in no other way.
We
assure the youth that we are mindful of the many important decisions they must
make as they tread the path of service to Baha'u'llah. We will offer our ardent
supplications at the Holy Threshold that all will be divinely guided and that
they will attract the blessings of the
All-Merciful.
Deepest
Baha'i love, The Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice17 March 1983
To
Baha'i Youth Conferences in Costa Rica and Honduras, 31 March April
1983
KINDLY
CONVEY FOLLOWING TO BAHA'I YOUTH CONFERENCES IN COSTA RICA AND HONDURAS, 31
MARCH -3 APRIL 1983. QUOTE WARMLY WELCOME OCCASION SIMULTANEOUS CONFERENCES
COSTA RICA AND HONDURAS TO GREET VIBRANT BAHA'I YOUTH CENTRAL AMERICA. YOUR
ENTHUSIASTIC EXERTIONS IN SERVICE CAUSE BAHA'U'LLAH AS SHOWN BY SUBSTANTIAL
INCREASE YOUR NUMBERS BRING GLADNESS TO OUR HEARTS AND INSPIRE EXHILARATING
THOUGHT THAT BRIGHT PROSPECTS SUCCESS LIE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE
YOU.
YOU
MEET AT HIGHLY CRITICAL MOMENT HISTORY WHEN TURMOILASSOCIATED WITH THIS ERA OF
TRANSITION INTENSIFIES. WITHIN CAUSE ITSELF CAN BE SEEN ON ONE HAND
UNPRECEDENTED CAMPAIGN PERSECUTION LONG-SUFFERING IRANIAN BRETHREN AND ON OTHER
HAND RESOUNDING TRIUMPHS SEVEN YEAR PLAN INDUCED BY THEIR SACRIFICES AND
SYMBOLIZED BY OCCUPANCY PERMANENT SEAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE. MANKIND
RAPIDLY APPROACHES RECKONING WITH BAH’U'LLAH'S INJUNCTION THAT IT BE UNITED.
FROM FAR AND NEAR ANGUISHED MULTITUDES CRY FOR PEACE BUT BEING LARGELY IGNORANT
HIS LIFE-REDEEMING MESSAGE THEY FEEL NO HOPE. SITUATION THUS PRESENTS BAHA'I
YOUTH WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES INESCAPABLE CHALLENGE TO RESCUE THEIR PEERS FROM
SLOUGH DESPONDENCY POINTING THEM TOWARDS
HOPE-RESTORING
BANNER MOST GREAT NAME. HOW FITTING THEN THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER AT THESE
CONFERENCES BEST MEANS EQUIP YOURSELVES SPIRITUALLY TO FULFIL TEACHING MISSION
PARTICULARLY SUITED TO YOUR CAPACITIES FOR SERVICE, YOUR ABOUNDING ZEAL AND
ENERGY.
ARDENTLY SUPPLICATING AT HOLY THRESHOLD ON
YOUR BEHALF THAT IN ADDITION TO PRAYING, ABSORBING HOLY PRINCIPLES AND TEACHING
THE FAITH, YOU WILL BE SO IMBUED BY BELOVED MASTER'S EXAMPLE SERVICE TO HUMANITY
AS TO BE ABLE THROUGH YOUR INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE DEEDSTO DEMONSTRATE
CIVILIZING POWER OUR SACRED CAUSE AND CONVEY VISION ITS SPIRITUAL AND SOCIALLY
CONSTRUCTIVE BENEFITS TO YOUR COMPATRIOTS OF ALL
AGES.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice23 June 1983
To
the Baha’i Youth Throughout the World:
RECENT
MARTYRDOMS COURAGEOUS STEADFAST YOUTH IN SHIRAZ, SCENE INAUGURATION MISSION
MARTYR-PROPHET, REMINISCENT ACTS VALOR YOUTHFUL IMMORTALS HEROIC AGE. CONFIDENT
BAHA'I YOUTH THIS GENERATION WILL NOT ALLOW THIS FRESH BLOOD SHED ON VERY SOIL
WHERE FIRST WAVE PERSECUTION FAITH TOOK PLACE REMAIN UNVINDICATED OR THIS
SUBLIME SACRIFICE UNAVAILING. AT THIS HOUR OF AFFLICTION AND GRIEF, AND AS WE
APPROACH ANNIVERSARY MARTYRDOM BLESSED BAB CALL ON BAHA'IYOUTH TO REDEDICATE
THEMSELVES
TO URGENT NEEDS CAUSE BAHA'U'LLAH. LET THEM RECALL BLESSINGS HE PROMISED THOSE
WHO IN PRIME OF YOUTH WILL ARISE TO ADORN THEIR HEARTS WITH HIS LOVE AND REMAIN
STEADFAST AND FIRM. LET THEM CALL TO MIND EXPECTATIONS MASTER FOR EACH TO BE A
FEARLESS LION, A MUSK-LADEN BREEZE WAFTING OVER MEADS VIRTUE. LET THEM MEDITATE
OVER UNIQUE QUALITIES YOUTH SO GRAPHICALLY MENTIONED IN WRITINGS GUARDIAN WHO
PRAISED THEIR ENTERPRISING AND ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT, THEIRVIGOR, THEIR ALERTNESS,
OPTIMISM AND EAGERNESS, AND THEIR DIVINELY-APPOINTED, HOLY AND ENTHRALLING
TASKS. WE FERVENTLY PRAY AT SACRED THRESHOLD THAT ARMY OF SPIRITUALLY AWAKENED
AND DETERMINED YOUTH MAY IMMEDIATELY ARISE RESPONSE NEEDS PRESENT HOUR DEVOTE IN
EVER GREATER MEASURE THEIR VALUED ENERGIES TO PROMOTE BOTH ON HOMEFRONTS AND IN
FOREIGN FIELDS, CAUSE THEIRALL-WATCHFULAND EXPECTANT LORD. MAY THEY MANIFEST
SAME SPIRIT SO RECENTLY EVINCED THEIR MARTYR BRETHREN CRADLE FAITH, SCALE SUCH
HEIGHTS OF ENDEAVOR AS TO BECOME PRIDE THEIR PEERS CONSOLATION HEARTS PERSIAN
BELIEVERS, AND DEMONSTRATE THAT THE FLAME HIS OMNIPOTENT HAND HAS KINDLED BURNS
EVER BRIGHTER AND THAT ITS LIFE-IMPARTING WARMTH AND RADIANCE SHALL SOON ENVELOP
PERMEATE WHOLE EARTH.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice4 July 1983
To
the European Youth Conference in Innsbruck
Dear
Baha’i Friends,
With
high hopes we greet the representatives of the Baha'i youth of Europe gathered
in conference on Innsbruck. This generation of Baha’i youth enjoys a unique
distinction. You will live your lives in a period when the forces of history are
moving to a climax, when mankind will see the establishment of the Lesser Peace,
and during which the Cause of God will play an increasingly prominent role in
the reconstruction of human society. It is you who will be called upon in the
years to come to stand at the helm of the Cause in face of conditions and
developments which can, as yet, scarcely be
imagined.
European
Baha'i youth in particular face tremendous and challenging tasks in the
immediate future. Can one doubt that the manner in which the governments of
European nations have rallied to the defense of the persecuted Baha’is in Iran
will draw down blessings, from on high upon this continent? And who among the
people of Europe are more likely to be kindled by the challenge and hope of the
Message of Bah~i'u'll6.h than the youth? Now is an opportunity to awaken the
interest, set afire the hearts and enlist the active support of young people of
every nation, class and creed in that continent. The key to success in this
endeavor is, firstly, to deepen your understanding of the Teachings of the Cause
so that you will be able to apply them to the problems of individuals and
society, and explain them to your peers in ways that they will understand and
welcome; secondly, to strive to model your behavior in every way after the high
standards of honesty, trustworthiness, courage, loyalty, forbearance, purity and
spirituality set forth in the Teachings; and, above all, to live in continual
awareness of the presence and all-conquering power of Baha'u'llah, which will
enable you to overcome every temptation and surmount every
obstacle.
A
vibrant band of Baha'i youth on the European continent, committed to the
promotion of the Cause of Baha'u'llah and the upholding of His laws and
principles, determined to work in harmony and unity with their fellow believers
of all ages and classes, can revolutionize the progress of the Cause. With a
rapid increase in the size of the Baha'i communities in Europe, the believers of
that continent, the cradle of Western civilization, will be the better able to
serve as a fountainhead of pioneers, traveling teachers and financial assistance
to the Baha'i communities of the Third World.
When
deciding what course of training to follow, youth can consider acquiring those
skills and professions that will benefit in education, rural development,
agriculture, economics, technology, health, radio and in many other areas of
endeavor that are so urgently needed in the developing countries of the world.
You can devote time in the midst of your studies, or other activities, to travel
teaching and service projects in the Third World.
A
particular challenge to the Baha'i youth of Europe is the vast eastern half of
the continent that is as yet scarcely touched by the light of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah. It is not easy to settle in those lands, but with ingenuity,
determination and reliance upon the confirmations of Baha'u'llah it is certainly
possible both to settle and to persevere in service in goals which demand a
spirit of self-sacrifice, detachment and purity of heart worthy of those who
would emulate the shining example set by the martyrs in Iran, so many of whom
are youth, who have given their lives rather than breathe one word that would be
a betrayal of the trust of God placed upon them.
-
With
love and utmost longing we call upon you to immerse yourselves in the Divine
Teachings, champion the Cause of God and His Law, and arise for the quickening
of mankind.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice13 December 1983
To
Selected National Spiritual Assemblies
The
Universal House of Justice has been consulting upon aspects of youth service in
pioneering throughout the Baha'i world, and has requested that we convey its
views on service in other lands undertaken by Baha'i youth with voluntary
nonsectarian organizations.
In
the past, the policy adopted by some National Assemblies was to discourage young
Baha'is from enrolling to serve in activities sponsored by non-Baha'i voluntary
organizations, as the Assemblies were under the impression that these young
people would not be able to engage in direct teaching, nor participate, for the
most part, in Baha'i activities while serving abroad in such programmes. Perhaps
in some instances the Baha’is involved were not sure how to function as members
of the Baha'i community in order to give each aspect of their lives its proper
due.
In
the light of experience, however, it is now clear that we should have no
misgivings in encouraging young Baha'is to enroll in such voluntary service
organization programmes as the United Nations Volunteers, United States Peace
Corps, Canadian University Service Overseas CUSO and similar Canadian agencies,
the British Volunteer Programme BVP of the United Kingdom, and other voluntary
service organizations. Other countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the
Scandinavian lands are understood to have similar service organizations which
are compatible with Baha'i development goals as now tentatively
envisaged.
Some
of the advantages of such service to the Faith are worth mentioning. Volunteers
will receive thorough orientation and sometimes will be taught basic skills
which will enable them to help the Baha'i community in projects undertaken in
developing countries. Wherever they serve, these volunteers should be able to
participate in Baha'i activities, and contribute to the consolidation of the
Baha’i community. The freedom to teach is to a large extent dependent upon the
local interpretation of the group leader, but even if volunteers do not engage
in direct teaching, being known as Baha'is and showing the Baha'i spirit and
attitude towards work and service should attract favourable attention and may,
in many instances, be instrumental in attracting individuals to the Faith of
Baha'u'llah. And finally, the period of overseas service often produces a taste
for such service, and volunteers may well offer to directly promote the pioneer
work either in the same country or in another developing
country.
It
is well known that a considerable number of Baha'is have already gone abroad to
serve with these agencies and that others have espoused the Faith while serving
in foreign lands with voluntary organizations...
National
Spiritual Assemblies which hold orientation courses for pioneers may benefit
from including the subject of rural development in their programmes, and, as in
the past, from inviting people who have served in voluntary service
organizations to participate in the planning of orientation programmes and in
having them share their experiences as volunteer workers in developing
countries.
The
House of Justice expresses the hope that the information contained in this
letter will dispel the misunderstandings that have in the past surrounded the
question of participation of Baha'i youth in projects sponsored by non-Baha'i
organizations.
Department
of the Secretariat
The
Universal House of Justice3 January 1984
To
the Baha'i Youth of the World
Dear
Baha'i Friends:
The
designation of 1985 by the United Nations as International Youth Year opens new
vistas for the activities in which the young members of our community are
engaged. The hope of the United Nations in thus focusing on youth is to
encourage their conscious participation in the affairs of the world through
their involvement in international development and such other undertakings and
relationships as may aid the realization of their aspirations for a world
without war.
These
expectations reinforce the immediate, vast opportunities begging our attention.
To visualize, however imperfectly, the challenges that engage us now, we have
only to reflect, in the light of our sacred Writings, upon the confluence of
favorable circumstances brought about by the accelerated unfolding of the Divine
Plan over nearly five decades, by the untold potencies of the spiritual drama
being played out in Iran, and by the creative energy stimulated by awareness of
the approaching end of the twentieth century. Undoubtedly, it is within your
power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming
century; youth can move the world.
How
apt, indeed how exciting, that so portentous an occasion should be presented to
you, the young, eager followers of
the
Blessed Beauty, to enlarge the scope of your endeavors in precisely that arena
of action in which you strive so conscientiously to distinguish yourselves! For
in the theme proposed by the United Nations "Participation, Development, Peace"-
can be perceived an affirmation that the goals pursued by you, as Baha'is, are
at heart the very objects of the frenetic searchings of your despairing
contemporaries.
You
are already engaged in the thrust of the Seven Year Plan, which provides the
framework for any further course of action you may now be moved by this new
opportunity to adopt. International Youth Year will fall within the Plan's next
phase; thus the activities you will undertake, and for which you will wish to
prepare even now, cannot but enhance your contributions to the vitality of that
Plan, while at the same time aiding the proceedings for the Youth Year. Let
there be no delay, then, in the vigor of your
response.
A
highlight of this period of the Seven Year Plan has been the phenomenal
proclamation accorded the Faith in the wake of the unabating persecutions in
Iran; a new interest in its Teachings has been aroused on a wide scale.
Simultaneously, more and more people from all strata of society frantically seek
their true identity, which is to say, although they would not so plainly admit
it, the spiritual meaning of their lives; prominent among these seekers are the
young. Not only does this knowledge open fruitful avenues for Bah6'f initiative,
it also indicates to young Baha'is a particular responsibility so to teach the
Cause and live the life as to give vivid expression to those virtues that would
fulfill the spiritual yearning of their peers.
For
the sake of preserving such virtues much innocent blood has been shed in the
past, and much, even today, is being sacrificed in Iran by young and old alike.
Consider, for example, the instances in Shiraz last summer of the six young
women, their ages ranging from 18 to 25 years, whose lives were snuffed out by
the hangman's noose. All faced attempted inducements to recant their Faith; all
refused to deny their Beloved. Look also at the accounts of the astounding
fortitude shown over and over again by children and youth who were subjected to
the interrogations and abuses of teachers and mullahs and were expelled from
school for upholding their beliefs. It, moreover, bears noting that under the
restrictions so cruelly imposed on their community, the youth rendered signal
services, placing their energies at the disposal of Baha'i institutions
throughout the country. No splendor of speech could give more fitting testimony
to their spiritual commitment and fidelity than these pure acts of selflessness
and devotion. In virtually no other place on earth is so great a price for faith
required of the Baha'is. Nor could there be found more willing, more radiant
bearers of the cup of sacrifice than the valiant Baha'i youth of Iran. Might it,
then, not be reasonably expected that you, the youth and young adults living at
such an extraordinary time, witnessing such stirring examples of the valor of
your Iranian fellows, and exercising such freedom of movement, would sally
forth, "unrestrained as the wind," into the field of Baha'i
action?
May
you all persevere in your individual efforts to teach the Faith, but with added
zest, to study the Writings, but with greater earnestness. May you pursue your
education and training for future service to mankind, offering as much of your
free time as possible to activities on behalf of the Cause. May those of you
already bent on your life's work and who may have already founded families,
strive toward becoming the living embodiments of Baha'i ideals, both in the
spiritual nurturing of your families and in your active involvement in the
efforts on the home front or abroad in the pioneering field. May all respond to
the current demands upon the Faith by displaying afresh measure of dedication to
the tasks at hand.
Further
to these aspirations is the need for a mighty mobilization of teaching
activities reflecting regularity in the patterns of service rendered by young
Baha'is. The native urge of youth to move from place to place, combined with
their abounding zeal, indicates that you can become more deliberately and
numerously involved in these activities as traveling teachers. One pattern of
this mobilization could be short-term projects, carried out at home or in other
lands, dedicated to both teaching the Faith and improving the living conditions
of people. Another could be that, while still young and unburdened by family
responsibilities, you give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period,
say, one or two years, to some Baha'i service, on the home front or abroad, in
the teaching or development field. It would accrue to the strength and stability
of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of
youth. Regardless of the modes of service, however, youth must be understood to
be fully engaged, at all times, in all climes and under all conditions. In your
varied pursuits you may rest assured of the loving support and guidance of the
Baha’i institutions operating at every level.
Our
ardent prayers, our unshakable confidence in your ability to succeed, our
imperishable love surround you in all you endeavor to do in the path of service
to the Blessed Perfection.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice23 August 1984
To
the Baha'i Youth Conference in London, Ontario
WE
HAIL WITH JOY AND HOPE THE ENNOBLING PURPOSES OF YOUR CONFERENCE IN LONDON,
ONTARIO. YOU ARE GATHERED AT A MOMENT WHICH RESOUNDS WITH THE SIGNIFICANCES AND
CHALLENGES POSED BY THE WORLDSHAKING EVENTS DE-VELOPING THE COMMUNITY OF THE
GREATEST NAME IN BAHA'U'LLAH'S NATIVE LAND. THE OUTPOURING GRACE PROVIDENTIALLY
VOUCHSAFED THE ONWARD MARCH OF OUR HOLY CAUSE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THESE EVENTS
IS CLEARLY EVIDENT.
OUR
HEARTS LEAP AT THE INNUMERABLE IMMEDIME OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FURTHER UNFOLDMENT
OF THE ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH TO WHICH UNDOUBTEDLY, YOU CAN AND WILL APPLY YOUR
ABUNDANT TALENTS, YOUR ZEST FOR ACTION AND, ABOVE ALL, THE ENTHUSIASM OF YOUR
DEVOTION. SURELY, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE HEROIC DEEDS OF SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF
OUR IRANIAN BRETHREN ARE MATCHED WITH CORRESPONDING EFFORTS ON YOUR PART IN THE
VAST FIELDS OF TEACHING AND SERVICE LYING OPEN BEFORE
YOU.
THE
EXHORTATIONS ESPECIALLY ADDRESSED TO YOUTH BY OUR BELOVED MASTER AND THE
GALVANIZING INFLUENCE OF THE GUARDIAN'S GUIDANCE WILL ECHO EVEN MORE LOUDLY IN
YOUR HEARTS NOW. INDEED, WE WILL PRAYARDENTLYAT THE HOLY SHRINES THAT YOU MAY
REALIZE IN YOUR LIVES THE IDEALS THEY SO PERSISTENTLY UPHELD, THAT YOU MAY THUS
"ACQUIRE BOTH INNER AND OUTER PERFECTIONS" AS YOU INCREASE YOUR STUDY OF THE
HEAVENLY WRITINGS, STRIVE TOWARDS EXCELLENCE IN THE SCIENCES AND ARTS AND BECOME
KNOWN FOR YOUR INDEPENDENCE OF SPIRIT, YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR SELF-CONTROL. MAY
YOU, AS 'ABDU'LBAHA WISHED, BE "FIRST AMONG THE PURE, THE FREEAND THE
WISE."
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice
May 8, 1985
To
the Baha'i Youth of the World
Dear
Baha'i Friends,
We
extend our loving greetings and best wishes to all who will meet in youth
conferences yet to be held during International Youth Year. So eager and
resourceful have been the responses of the Baha'i youth in many countries to the
challenges of this special year that we are moved to expressions of delight and
high hope.
We
applaud those youth who, in respect of this period, have already engaged in some
activity within their national and local communities or in collaboration with
their peers in other countries, and call upon them to persevere in their
unyielding efforts to acquire spiritual qualities and useful qualifications. For
if they do so, the influence of their high-minded motivations will exert
itself
upon world developments conducive to a productive, progressive and peaceful
future.
May
the youth activities begun this year be a fitting prelude to and an ongoing,
significant feature throughout the International Year of Peace,
1986.
The
present requirements of a Faith whose responsibilities rapidly increase in
relation to its rise from obscurity impose an inescapable duty on the youth to
ensure that their lives reflect to a marked degree the transforming power of the
new Revelation they have embraced. Otherwise, by what example are the claims of
Baha'u'llah to be judged? How is His healing Message to be acknowledged by a
skeptical humanity if it produces no noticeable effect upon the young, who are
seen to be among the most energetic, the most pliable and promising elements in
any society?
The
dark horizon faced by a world which has failed to recognize the Promised One,
the Source of its salvation, acutely affects the outlook of the younger
generations; their distressing lack of hope and their indulgence in desperate
but futile and even dangerous solutions make a direct claim on the remedial
attention of Baha’i
youth, who, through their knowledge of that Source and bright vision with which they have thus been
endowed,cannot hesitate to impart to their despairing fellow youth the
restorative joy, the constructive hope, the radiant assurances of Baha'u'llah's
stupendous Revelation. The words, the deeds, the attitudes, the lack of
prejudice, the nobility of character, the high sense of service to others-in- a
word, those qualities and actions which distinguish a Bash’s must un-failingly
characterize their inner life and outer behavior, and their interactions with
friend or foe. Rejecting the low sights of mediocrity, let them scale the
as-cending heights of excellence in all they aspire to do. May they resolve to
elevate the very atmosphere in which they move, whether it be in the school
rooms or halls of higher learning, in their work, their recreation, their Baha'i
activity or social service. Indeed, let them welcome with confidence the
challenges awaiting them. Imbued with this excellence and a corresponding
humility, with tenacity and a loving servitude, today's youth must move towards
the front ranks of the professions, trades, arts and crafts which are necessary
to the further progress of humankind- this to ensure that the spirit of the
Cause will cast its illumination on all these important areas of human endeavor.
Moreover, while aiming at mastering the unifying concepts and swiftly advancing
technologies of this era of communications, they can, indeed they must also
guarantee the transmittal to the future of those skills which will preserve the
marvelous, indispensable achievements of the past. The transformation which is
to occur in the functioning of society will certainly depend to a great extent
on the effectiveness of the preparations the youth make for the world they will
inherit. We commend these thoughts to your private contemplation and to the
consultations you conduct about your future. And we offer the assurance of our
prayerful remembrances of you, our trust and confidence.
The
Universal House of Justice
11July 1985
To
the International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio
OUR
HEARTS UPLIFTED HIGH SPIRIT, LOFTY PUR-POSES, MULTIFARIOUS FEATURES, REMARKABLE
IM-PACT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE COLUM-BUS, OHIO, PARTICULARLY
DISTINGUISHED BY IMPRES-SIVE EXAMPLES SELFLESS SERVICE ITS PARTICIPANTS.THEIR
UPRIGHT BEHAVIOR, NOBLE DEEDS, CREATIVEVIGOR HEIGHTENED PRESTIGE OUR GLORIOUS
CAUSEINSPIRED JOY HEARTS BELEAGUERED BRETHRENCRADLE FAITH. OFFERING PRAYERS
THANKSGIVING,BESEECHING BLESSED BEAUTY GUIDE, PROTECT, CON-FIRM YOUTH IN THEIR
EARNEST ENDEAVORS MOVEWORLD TOWARDS UNITY PEACE. The Universal House of
Justice
The
Universal House of Justice13 January 1986To the Baha'i Youth of Australia
ENTRANCE FAITH FOURTH EPOCH FORMATIVE AGEHERALDS ADVENT NEW CHALLENGES
OPPORTUNITIESFRIENDS EVERYWHERE EXEMPLIFY DIVINE QUALITIESFIRMLY ESTABLISH
BAHA'i COMMUNITY AS MODELWORTHY EMULATION PEOPLES WORLD INEVITABLYMOVING TOWARD
TRANSFORMATION HUMAN SOCI-ETYAND LAYING FOUNDATIONS WORLD PEACE. CON-FIDENT
ENERGETIC SPIRIT MEMBERS YOUR GENERA-TION WILL INSPIRE FELLOW BELIEVERS ALL AGES
DIS-CHARGE THEIR SHARE DUTIES OBLIGATIONS DURINGYEAR PEACE AS ALL LABOR UNITEDLY
FOR VICTORYSEVEN YEAR PLAN AND CONTEMPLATE NEW LEVELSACHIEVEMENT COURSE SIX YEAR
PLAN.OFFERING OUR PRAYERS SUPPLICATIONS YOURBEHALF. MAY PROMISED BLESSINGS
CONFIRMATIONSBAHA'U'LLAH SUSTAIN YOU DURING YOUR DELIB ERA-TIONS AND CROWN YOUR
EFFORTS WITH OUTSTAND-ING VICTORIES. The Universal House of Justice The
Universal House of Justice4 August 1987To the Participants of the Youth
Conference in Manchester LOVING GREETINGS TO PARTICIPANTS OF THISCONFERENCE
CONVENED AT TIME WHEN EUROPEAN
BAHKIS
HAVE UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY DEM-ONSTRATE POWER FAITH ERADICATE BARRIERS
INTER-NATIONAL COOPERATION AND INFUSE DYNAMIC OP-TIMISTIC QUALITIES INTO
COMMUNITY WHICH HASALREADY MADE SUCH HISTORIC CONTRIBUTION AD-VANCEMENT
MANKIND.EUROPEAN BAHA'i YOUTH DISTINGUISHED BYENERGY VITALITY AND ENTHUSIASM CAN
MAKE DIS-TINCTIVE CONTRIBUTION EMERGENCE FAITH AS PRI-MARY AGENT PROMOTING WORLD
ORDER AND CIVI-LIZATION.URGE CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS CONSIDERMEANS BY WHICH YOU
CAN SHOW TO PEERS EFFECTOF HIGH MORAL STANDARDS IN PROMOTING TRUE LIB-ERTY
ABIDING HAPPINESS, AND CAN RESTORE TOMANKIND APPRECIATION SPIRITUAL BASIS
PURPOSEHUMAN LIFE.ESSENTIAL THAT YOUTH PROLONGED SYSTEMATICSTUDY WRITINGS
BELOVED GUARDIAN ACQUIRE PRO-FOUND UNDERSTANDING OPERATION OF FORCES OFDECLINE
AND GROWTH CREATING UNIVERSAL FER-MENT IN WORLD TODAY AND LEADING MANKIND
FOR-WARD TO GLORIOUS DESTINYBURGEONING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES EUROPENECESSITATE
GREATER EFFORT BELIEVERS CORRE-LATE TEACHINGS WITH CURRENT THOUGHT ANDNEEDS OF
ALL PEOPLE, THUS SHOWING BAHAA REV-ELATION SOLE REMEDY INNUMERABLE ILLS
AFFLICT-ING PRESENT SOCIETYEUROPEAN BAHA'i COMMUNITY HAS DISTIN-GUISHED RECORD
FORMATIVE AGE DEMONSTRATING
STRENGTH
AND ACTIVITY ITS ADMINISTRATIVE TNS TI-TUTLONS WITH FIDELITY AND PERSEVERANCE
ITS AD-HERENTS. BY FULL PARTICIPATION IN BAHA'i COMMU-NITY LIFE YOUTH CAN
FURTHER ENHANCE THIS ENVI-ABLE RECORD. FROM SEEDS SOWN DURING MANYDECADES
DEVOTED EFFORTS TEACHING FAITH,YOUTH CAN NOW GATHER BOUNTIFUL HARVEST.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice
28 October 1992
Department
of the Secretariat
Dear
Baha’i Friends,
The
Universal House of Justice has considered the concerns expressed in your letter
of 15 September 1992 regarding the manner of appealing to the youth and of
involving them in Baha’i'activities, particularly with respect to the youth year
of service, and we have been directed to convey the following. The House of
Justice sympathizes with your view that undue pressure should not be put on the
youth to induce them to en-gage in activities of a youth year of service, and it
certainly would not be in accord with the purpose of the Faith to require youth
to abandon their academic training so as to teach or otherwise serve the Faith.
Many factors hear on the various points you have raised; these must be
understood by both youth and parents, and of course by members of Baha'i
institutions. For example, every Baha’i, whether youth or adult, has spiritual
duties and obligations in common; among these is the duty prescribed by
Baha'u'llah to the individual to teach His Faith, a duty which He describes as
the "meritorious of all deeds" and in which He urges us to be "unrestrained as
the wind.” Even so, the youth must be knowledgeable of the emphasis which
Bah~i'u'll6.h places on the education and the acquisition of skills, and they
should regard the pursuit of these objectives as a service to God. Particular
challenges must be met by the youth, parents, and the Bahai'i institutions in
relation to their respective responsibilities. For instance:* The youth face the
pressing obligation of completing their education so as to acquire a profession
or trade while at the same time observing the other spiritual obligations and
duties to God.* Parents have the responsibility of ensuring that their children
are educated and, to the extent possible, must provide the material support for
their academic or vocational training up through their youthful years; parents
also continue during this period to offer them moral and practical guidance as
befit their parental duties and with respect to the spiritual obligation which
they share in common with their Bahrain children. The Baha'i institutions have
not only to administer the affairs of the community and protect its interests
but also to stimulate and exhort the friends to fulfill their spiritual duties
and obligations. These same institutions, while encouraging the friends tot each
the Cause of God and to make sacrifices in so doing, also have the clear
responsibility laid upon them by Baha'u'llah to promote education of the human
race, both spiritual and academic. So fundamental are these duties and
obligations that to some degree all entities - youth, parents, Bah6N
institutions - share in them, acting in accordance with their respective
functions and responsibilities. There is a sphere in which each must make
independent judgments and take independent action. A youth must decide on what
professional training to pursue and keep a balance between such pursuit and his
spiritual obligations; the parents must assist the youth, through material
support and moral guidance, to achieve his goal, and must also encourage the
youth in the observance of his spiritual obligations; the institutions must
promote the Cause of God, endeavor to stimulate action on the part of individual
believers in the teaching and consolidation of the Faith, with the full
realization that if such action is neglected there can be no hope for the peace
of mankind and the future growth of civilization. The institutions cannot,
therefore, fail to urge the friends to service and to call their attention to
the critical situation of the times and to point out the crucial importance of
the action of the individual to the fortunes of the Faith and humanity as a
whole. Along with all these considerations is the factor of the special role
which the youth, with their particular qualities of enthusiasm and idealism,
play in the development of the Cause. This has been evident from the earliest
days of the Faith and is indispensable to its ultimate triumph. A cursory review
of Bahraini history provides many examples of the heroic deeds of youth, and
today’s Baha’i youth cannot help but be inspired by such hero-ism to also play
their part in their own time before they become burdened with the cares of adult
life. In some circumstances, however much a youth may wish to respond to a call
to Baja’s service of a particular kind, he may not be able to do so because he
may be in the midst of important academic training that cannot and should not be
postponed, he may be dependent on parents who cannot afford to assist him
materially both to take time out to engage in a year of service and to return to
his academic pursuits later on, or there may be other obstacles. Then there are
circumstances in which a youth may find that by postponing his academic training
for a time, he is better able to determine exactly what to do with his life, if
during this time he can make some useful contribution to the teaching of the
Faith or to society. There are numerous examples of such circumstances among
Baha'i youth who have found that by engaging in activities of the youth year of
service, they were able not only to make valuable contributions to the teaching
of the Faith or to development projects, but were also able to make up their
minds about their life's work. There are also many youth who prefer to complete
their education before offering special services to the Faith, and this is
entirely in order. The preeminent point drawn from your letter is the importance
of balance in judgment and action. The members of Baha'i institutions cannot
escape their duty to urge and stimulate the friends, adult and youth, to serve
the Cause, especially in the field of teaching, and in this they are inevitably
enthusiastic. Of course, individuals differ in their approach and may in some
cases be injudicious in their speech; this is to be regretted and dealt with as
instances arise. But those who hear such persons, however much they may be
stimulated by them, do also have the individual obligation to make judgments
based upon their understanding of the Teachings, of the particular challenge at
the moment, and of their circumstances, and should make their decisions
accordingly. As important as it is for parents to exercise their moral authority
in assisting the youth not to make unwise decisions, it is also incumbent on the
parents as Baha'is to give due consideration to the significance of the
spiritual impact of the Faith upon the youth and recognize that the youth must
have some latitude to respond to the stirring of their hearts and souls, since
they, beginning at the age of 15, must assume serious spiritual obligations and
duties and are themselves alone ultimately responsible to God for the progress
of their own souls. The capacity for mature thinking on the part of youth
differs from one to the other and according to age; some attain this ability
earlier than others; for some it is delayed. Parents are generally in a position
to judge these matters more accurately than others and must consider them in
their attempt to guide the youth in their families, but the parents must strive
to do so in such a way as not to stifle their children’s sense of spiritual
responsibility. The House of Justice has written numerous letters to the youth
which aim at guiding them to achieve a proper balance in their plans and
activities. One of these, which was addressed to theBali~4'f youth in every land
on 10 June 1966, may be of particular interest to you and is enclosed herewith.
With deep empathy for you as parents challenged with the onerous task of raising
your children in a world beset with unprecedented problems and difficulties, the
House of Justice assures you of its ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines on your
behalf. with loving Baha'is greetings For Department of the Secretariat
Enclosure cc: International Teaching centre with enclosure The Universal House
of Justice7 December 1992To the European Baha’i Youth Council The Universal
House of Justice received a copy of your letter of 31 October 1992 addressed to
selected Baha'is in Europe seeking their input on the development of a vision
for the activities of the European Baha'i Youth in the Three Year Plan.
Ac-companying this letter was a very interesting analysis of the cur-rent
situation of the European Baha'i youth community. The House of Justice notes
that you have shared this correspondence with all the European Counsellors. It
feels that it would also be of considerable interest to the National Spiritual
Assemblies and suggests that you send copies to them, if you have not already
done so. There is one comment that the Universal House of Justice has asked us
to make in relation to a number of points made in the analysis, since this may
assist in overcoming the problem of the bewildering range of alternatives that
lie before youth in these days. This is the importance of conveying to the youth
the awareness that every aspect of a person's life is an element of his or her
service to Baha'u'llah: the love and respect one has for one's parents; the
pursuit of one's education; the nurturing of good health; the acquiring of a
trade or profession; one's behavior towards others and the upholding of a high
moral standard; one's marriage and the bringing up of one's children; one’s
activities in teaching the Faith and the building up the strength of the Baha'i
community, whether this be in such simple matters as attending the Nineteen Day
Feast or the observance of Bah6'i Holy Days, or in more demanding tasks required
by service in the administration of the Faith; and, not least, to take time each
day to read the Writings and say the Obligatory Prayer, which are the source of
growing spiritual strength, understanding, and attachment to God. The concept of
the Youth Year of Service should be viewed in this context, as a special service
that the youth can devote to the Cause, and which should prove to be a highly
valuable element in their own spiritual and intellectual development. It is not
an alternative to, or in conflict with, the carrying out of the other vital
tasks enumerated above, but rather a unique service and privilege which should
be combined with them in the way that is best suited to each individual case.
The House of Justice hopes that the discussion you have launched will produce
highly significant insights into the current situation and provide you with
potent ideas for the activities of the youth in the Three Year
Plan.
The
Universal House of Justice
17 May 1994
To
the youth gathered at the five Regional Baha'i Youth Conferences in Barcelona,
Berlin, Bucharest,St. Petersburg &
Wolverhampton
During
this past year, with the encouragement of the European Baha'i Youth Council, a
new movement among this generation of Baha'i youth has been gathering momentum
through-out the continent. Like the swelling of a tide, some waves maybe but
wavelets yet, but the time for such an upsurge is here. Surely the successive
impulses of training seminars, of the Conference of the National Baha’i Youth
Committees held in April, and now of these five continent-wide conferences, will
rein-force the eagerness of the youth to rise and seize the challenge to play
their part in reshaping the life of the peoples of the European continent. It is
but a century and a half since two young men sat in an upper room of the city of
Shiraz; one the Manifestation of God revealing the first Words of God for this
era, the other His first disciple. Within the space of six years, both had laid
down their lives so that this outpouring of Divine Revelation might quicken all
humankind. By that time, hundreds and thousands of eager hearts, men and women,
old and young, rich and poor, learned and illiterate, had arisen to welcome the
breaking of the Dawn of Divine Guidance and champion the truth before the world.
Now we see that the world has become another world. AsBah~i'u'1l~h has written:
"Mankind s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this
unique, this wondrous Sys-tem - the like of which mortal eyes have never
witnessed.” You have come together from lands which are troubled by many
different ills: ecological, economic, political, social, intellectual and, above
all, moral and spiritual. You are aware that some of your peers are desperately
seeking solutions and, too often alas, are driven to violent means to combat
those immediate evils which fill their vision. Others turn aside, despairingly
or cynically from any thought that a remedy is possible. You know the solution,
you have the vision, you have the guidance and you are the recipients of the
spiritual power which can enable you to triumph over all the adversities and
bring new life to the youth of Europe. To be young is not easy. There are so
many calls on one's time and energy because, not only are you summoned to
perform the duties of the day, but also to prepare yourselves for the tasks
which will be yours during the remainder of your lives. In weighing how to
apportion your time and energy to such a multitude of activities you can call
upon the power of consultation with your parents, your friends, and the divinely
created institutions of the Baha'i (administration. Those of you who are at a
point in your studies or careers where you can devote a special period of
service to the Cause of God, may be able to respond to the call of the Youth
Council for an army of youth-year-of-service volunteers to go out after these
conferences to accelerate the winning of the goals of the Three Year Plan in
Europe. Those who cannot serve in this way, have other avenues of service in
their own countries and abroad. For all of you there is the opportunity and the
need to present the Teachings of Bahau'llah to all whom you meet, through your
character, your behavior, your unity, your deeds and your words, and to win
their allegiance to the Faith. May the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse rush to
your aid, and may Baha’u’llah bless and guide every step you take for the
advancement of His Cause. We shall remember you all in our prayers in the Holy
Shrines.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice
22 December 1994
To
the National Youth Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
We
are thrilled that you have gathered in Phoenix to rein-force your efforts during
a rising tide of youth activities across your country. The news of the numerous
Army of Light projects and Baha’i Youth Workshops fills us with delight and high
expectations. May this conference generate a further mobilization of your
energies, such as to break the past records of your individual and collective
endeavours to spread the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and to conform your lives to
His divine purpose. So desired an outcome is necessary if the youth are to
contribute decisively to the victory of the Three Year Plan not only in your
country but throughout the world in the precious, short time remaining to it.
Relevant also to this necessity is the fact that the period of youth is a
fleeting moment; in this brief span, much of what is decided and done by each
generation profoundly influences the future of society. Hence, there is no time
like now, when the idealism, zeal and enthusiasm which are particular
characteristics of youth can be employed to far-reaching benefit. Do not tarry,
then, in the steps you must take to shape your future; the current state of
humanity imposes too many challenges and opportunities for you to hesitate. The
urgency to act is further increased by a looming reality: the youth of today
will inherit the responsibilities of the rapidly approaching twenty-first
century with all the hopeful prospects foreshadowed in our Writings for the near
future. The foundation of your preparation to meet the many un-foreseeable
changes that will come about rests with your determination and ability to
internalize and act upon the divine principles expounded in the literature of
our Faith principles which
direct
one's inner development and private character, and which guide one's active life
of teaching and service. These make for a righteous life - the wellspring of
progress for the individual and society as a whole, the harbinger of the very
triumph of the Cause of God. By righteous life is not meant an excessive
puritanism, but rather a sensible habit of living which, as guided by the
Teachings and by the example of 'Abdu'1-Bah~i, offers a sure path to attaining
the noble purpose for which human beings were created by the Almighty. At this
time of trouble and confusion, who can offer a greater demonstration than the
Baha' i youth of the power of righteous living to restore hope to the hopeless
and confidence to the fearful among their disillusioned peers?” Cleave unto
righteousness, 0 people of Bah~!" is Baha'u'llah's resounding exhortation.
"This, "He affirms, "is the commandment which this Wronged One hath given unto
you, and the first choice of His unrestrained Will for every one of you.” The
Blessed Beauty's promises in this regard are clear and compelling: "Valiant acts
will ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce
its power” Have no fears or doubts. Your opportunities are great, the
confirmations of God abundant. Sally forth then, therefore, to seize your
moment, to make your mark on the destiny of humankind. Our hopes and prayers
surround you.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice
22 December 1994
To the National Youth Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
We are thrilled that you have gathered in Phoenix to rein-force your efforts during a rising tide of youth activities across your country. The news of the numerous Army of Light projects and Baha’i Youth Workshops fills us with delight and high expectations. May this conference generate a further mobilization of your energies, such as to break the past records of your individual and collective endeavours to spread the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and to conform your lives to His divine purpose. So desired an outcome is necessary if the youth are to contribute decisively to the victory of the Three Year Plan not only in your country but throughout the world in the precious, short time remaining to it. Relevant also to this necessity is the fact that the period of youth is a fleeting moment; in this brief span, much of what is decided and done by each generation profoundly influences the future of society. Hence, there is no time like now, when the idealism, zeal and enthusiasm which are particular characteristics of youth can be employed to far-reaching benefit. Do not tarry, then, in the steps you must take to shape your future; the current state of humanity imposes too many challenges and opportunities for you to hesitate. The urgency to act is further increased by a looming reality: the youth of today will inherit the responsibilities of the rapidly approaching twenty-first century with all the hopeful prospects foreshadowed in our Writings for the near future. The foundation of your preparation to meet the many un-foreseeable changes that will come about rests with your determination and ability to internalize and act upon the divine principles expounded in the literature of our Faith principles which
direct
one's inner development and private character, and which guide one's active life
of teaching and service. These make for a righteous life - the wellspring of
progress for the individual and society as a whole, the harbinger of the very
triumph of the Cause of God. By righteous life is not meant an excessive
puritanism, but rather a sensible habit of living which, as guided by the
Teachings and by the example of 'Abdu'1-Bah~i, offers a sure path to attaining
the noble purpose for which human beings were created by the Almighty. At this
time of trouble and confusion, who can offer a greater demonstration than the
Baha' i youth of the power of righteous
living to restore hope to the hopeless and confidence to the fearful among their
disillusioned peers?” Cleave unto righteousness, 0 people of Bah~!" is
Balui'u'lhih's resounding exhortation. "This, "He affirms, "is the commandment
which this Wronged One hath given unto you, and the first choice of His
unrestrained Will for every one of you.” The Blessed Beauty's promises in this
regard are clear and compelling: "Valiant acts will ensure the triumph of this
Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power” Have no fears or
doubts. Your opportunities are great, the confirmations of God abundant. Sally
forth then, therefore, to seize your moment, to make your mark on the destiny of
humankind. Our hopes and prayers surround you.
The
Universal House of Justice
The
Universal House of Justice
6 January 1998
To
the friends gathered in the Latin-American Youth Congress in Chile
Dear
Friends,
As
the Cause of God advances resistlessly along the path traced for it by its
Divine Founder, each stage of the process opens up to a new generation of Baha'i
youth challenges unique to the historical moment. Building on the
accomplishments of the generation before, youth must devise ways to take
advantage of the opportunities presented to them. A discourse in consonance with
the requirements of the time has to be refined, and activities aimed at
transforming society have to be pursued with vigour.To accomplish such tasks
during the brief span of time afforded youth requires resolve, spiritual
discipline, energy, reliance on the power of divine assistance, and constant
immersion in the Word of God. These efforts, which constitute an integral part
of the growth process of the Baha'i Community itself, nevertheless possess
characteristics distinctly their own. In recent years, and in many parts of the
world, Baha'i youth have referred to their collective endeavours as a "youth
movement," a reminder that the energy being generated will not only bring new
recruits from among their peers, but will move an entire generation one step
closer to the World Order of Baha'u'llah.Over the next few days you will be
contemplating the special opportunities which the Hand of Providence has laid
before you. An essential component of any strategy you devise is training. In
all your countries, this question is being enthusiastically addressed as
institutes learn to operate with increasing effective-ness. You yourselves are
participating, as students and as teachers, in building capacity in your
communities to train thousands and thousands of believers, many of whom will be
young people. With this vision in mind, you should devise actions,
characteristic of your youth movement, in which your swelling numbers will
engage. How will you teach the Cause and advance the process of entry by troops?
How will you contribute to the establishment of a distinctly Baha'i life? And
how will you accelerate the transformation of Latin American society to achieve
its high des-tiny? As you contemplate these questions, be assured that our
prayers will surround you.[signed the Universal House of Justice]The Universal
House of Justice5 January 2000To the Friends gathered at the Youth Congress in
Paraguay. Dear Friends, You have come together to examine the progress of a
youth movement which embraces larger and larger numbers of participants from
generation to generation. As you deliberate on the issues before you, you can
take pride in the accomplishments of the community of the Greatest Name in your
continent. Youth have played a key role in the impressive unfoldment of the Four
Year Plan throughout Latin America, and you can look forward with confidence to
the harvest you are des-tined to reap. As we recently stated, advancing the
process of entry by troops will remain the focus of the global Plans that will
carry theBaha'i community to the end of the first century of the Formative Age.
You and those who will be attracted to the Faith through your teaching efforts
will bring about signal developments that will mark this twenty-one year period.
As a result of recent endevours to consolidate the work of institutes, your
communities are now endowed with the capacity to address the training needs of
your rapidly growing ranks. This training will help you exploit the
opportunities offered you at this crucial moment in history. In the face of
these opportunities, you need to examine and shape the discourse in which you
will engage. At the end of the twentieth century, the majority of the population
of Latin America is under the age of 30. As this generation of youth assumes the
responsibilities of conducting the affairs of society, it will encounter a
landscape of bewildering contrast. On the one hand, the region can justly boast
brilliant achievements in the intellectual, technological and economic spheres.
On the other, it has failed to reduce widespread poverty or to avoid a rising
sea of violence that threatens to sub-merge its peoples. Why - and the question
needs to be asked plainly - has this society been impotent, despite its great
wealth, to remove the injustices that are tearing its fiber apart? The answer to
this question, as amply evidenced by decades of contentious history, cannot be
found in political passion, conflicting expressions of class interest, or
technical recipes. What miscalled for is a spiritual revival, as a prerequisite
to the successful application of political, economic and technological
instruments. But there is a need for a catalyst. Be assured that, in spite of
your small numbers, you are the channels through which such a catalyst can be
provided. Be not dismayed if your endeavors are dismissed as utopian by the
voices that would oppose any suggestion of fundamental change. Trust in the
capacity of this generation to disentangle itself from the embroilments of a
divided society. To discharge your responsibilities, you will have to show forth
courage, the courage of those who cling to standards of rectitude, whose lives
are characterized by purity of thought and action, and whose purpose is directed
by love and indomitable faith. As you dedicate yourselves to healing the wounds
with which your peoples have been afflicted, you will become invincible
champions of justice. We assure you of our loving prayers for the success of
your deliberations.
The
Universal House of Justice
cc:
International Teaching centre Board of Counsellors in the Americas by fax
National Assembly of Paraguay by fax