The following excerpts are from letters to pioneers to j.a.pan and Korea, 19481957
[Letter of January 21, 1948]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) notices in your last letter that you sound discouraged.
But he feels you should look on the bright side of the work in j.a.pan, and realize that, after so many, many years of complete inertia, the old Baha"is have been found-at least some of them-and contacts reestablished.
You are able to serve there, new people are hearing of the Faith, and the prospects for the future work there are promising. It is a great pity that a pioneer effort, organized and financed, cannot be carried out there. But the present Seven Year Plan takes all the American Baha"i resources, and at present j.a.pan must depend on volunteer teachers like your dear self, who of course are not as free as a full time pioneer would be.
In regard to the various questions in your last letter; because of the difficult conditions under which you are serving there and the state of the country and immaturity of the believers you should not be too rigid.
You should try and meet on the proper Feast day, but if it is not possible meet as close to the date as you can. Likewise, it would be desirable to observe the Ascension of Baha"u"llah and the Master, etc., at the correct times, but it is not essential to do so. With such a small group of Baha"is who have no proper literature except the Esslemont book, and need to deepen in the Teachings, you should be very patient and not ask them to do things before they see the wisdom of it.
Membership for Baha"is should be based on their understanding the station of the Bab, Baha"u"llah, "Abdu"l-Baha, the Guardian and the function of the Administrative Order. To do this it is not necessary for people to first read the Will and Testament and the Dispensation. The essentials can be explained to them, and the rest is a question of faith; if they believe, they can be accepted as Baha"is. It is premature now to say any "laws" of the Aqdas must be followed. But the Baha"is should be encouraged to keep the Fast, use an obligatory prayer, obtain the consent of parents for marriage, and live up to the Teachings in general.
He certainly feels one of your first duties is to deepen the understanding of the Faith in the minds of the believers there.
You should certainly try to make new contacts but until you have a nucleus of active believers there he feels a lot of publicity is premature.
As to translations, this is certainly very important, but he would not suggest that at present with the limited facilities at your disposal, that you translate whole books. Make selections of subjects that will interest the j.a.panese; some prayers, some of the chapters from "Some Answered Questions" on things of general interest rather than the purely Christian topics; some of the excerpts from "Gleanings". In other words try and get together a selection from our Teachings that covers a wide range of subjects and is representative of our beliefs, and translate these at first. Whole books can be undertaken in the future.
He feels the teaching and translating work can go hand in hand as you teach with new material translated.
Your services are very deeply valued by our beloved Guardian, and he a.s.sures you he will pray for you and all the j.a.panese Baha"is in the Holy Shrines.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian"s handwriting)
The zeal, devotion and courage which you exhibit in your activities in the service of the Cause in j.a.pan are truly meritorious and evoke my deepest admiration. Your mission is indeed historic, and your pioneer achievements an example to the rising generation. Persevere in your high endeavors, and rest a.s.sured that the Beloved will bless your exertions and will aid you to fulfil your heart"s desire.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(January 21, 1948)
[Letter of October 16, 1948]
He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in j.a.pan, and feels greatly attracted to the j.a.panese believers, who show a spirit of sincerity and faith which augurs well for the future development of the work there.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian"s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your outstanding pioneer services are indeed worthy of the highest praise, and I am deeply grateful to you for the work you have accomplished. The firm establishment of a spiritual a.s.sembly in j.a.pan and its consolidation, as well as the formation of small groups and isolated centers, will no doubt act as a magnet that will draw the inestimable blessings of Baha"u"llah. Persevere in your historic task and rest a.s.sured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(October 16, 1948)
[Letter of December 20, 1949]
To Mrs. Barbara Davenport
He (the Guardian) urges you to encourage the friends (in j.a.pan) to observe our Baha"i laws and ordinances, deepen themselves in the administration, and realize they are followers of a Faith-not a mere movement.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 20, 1949)
[Letter of September 17, 1950]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) is so pleased to have dear Miss Alexander there. Her devotion and loyalty, her love and knowledge of the teachings will be a comfort and inspiration to the believers there (in j.a.pan).
The Guardian was also very happy to see eight j.a.panese names on the Tokyo a.s.sembly. Although the help and advice of American believers is of great importance, it is excellent that the majority are j.a.panese and are a.s.suming responsibility for the affairs of the Cause in their native land.
He feels great strides forward have been made, and trusts still greater progress lies ahead. He was delighted to hear the j.a.panese friends and particularly the women, are actively teaching and giving lectures.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian"s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering the Faith in j.a.pan are indeed remarkable and unforgettable. I am filled with admiration for the spirit that animates you and for your splendid accomplishments. Persevere in your historic tasks, and rest a.s.sured that the Beloved is well pleased with you. I will continue to supplicate in your behalf the Master"s richest blessings, that He may fulfill your heart"s desire in His service.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(September 17, 1950)
[Letter of February 27, 1951]