Introduction: 12 Principles of the Baha'i faith

The wonderful essence of Baha'u'llah's Revelation is the oneness of mankind. This Revelation is summed up in 12 basic principles, each represented by a stone in the book of Revelation. "The foundation of the city wall was ornate with precious stones of every sort: the first course of stones was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh hyacinth, and the twelfth amythest" (Rev. 21:19, 20). These represent 12 basic principles which the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, rests (the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven). These are most remarkably correlated to the 12 precious foundation stones of the New Jerusalem of St. John's vision regarding their spiritual significance and their colors, for they are spiritual symbols and not material stones, as 'Abdu'l-Baha has said. The principles of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah should be carefully studied, one by one, until they are realized and understood by mind and heart - so will you become strong followers of the light, truly spiritual, heavenly soldiers of God, acquiring and spreading the true civilization in Persia, in Europe, and in the whole world. This will be the paradise which is to come on earth, when all mankind will be gathered together under the tent of unity in the Kingdom of Glory. (`Abdu'l-Baha: Paris Talks*, Page: 22) These Holy Words and teachings are the remedy for the body politic, the divine prescription and real cure for the disorders which afflict the world. Therefore, we must accept and partake of this healing remedy in order that complete recovery may be assured. Every soul who lives according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah is free from the ailments and indispositions which prevail throughout the world of humanity; otherwise, selfish disorders, intellectual maladies, spiritual sicknesses, imperfections and vices will surround him, and he will not receive the life-giving bounties of God. Baha'u'llah is the real Physician. He has diagnosed human conditions and indicated the necessary treatment. The essential principles of His healing remedies are the knowledge and love of God, severance from all else save God, turning our faces in sincerity toward the Kingdom of God, implicit faith, firmness and fidelity, loving-kindness toward all creatures and the acquisition of the divine virtues indicated for the human world. These are the fundamental principles of progress, civilization, international peace and the unity of mankind. These are the essentials of Baha'u'llah's teachings, the secret of everlasting health, the remedy and healing for man. It is my hope that you may assist in healing the sick body of the world through these teachings so that eternal radiance may illumine all the nations of mankind. (`Abdu'l-Baha: Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Pages: 204-205) In coming days we will post those principles on our website. Courtesy: uhj.net

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