One day, behind the hot stone walls of the prison city of 'Akká, Bahá'u'lláh said,
"I have not gazed on verdure for nine years." It had been nine years since He had rested His eyes on green and growing
things. 'Abdu'l-Baha knew how much His Father longed for the countryside. He
was determined to gain for Him His heart's desire.
First, it seemed
impossible to get permission for a prisoner to leave the city. However, Bahá'u'lláh
had lived among the inhabitants of 'Akká for nine years. He had already won them
over with His love and good will. Even the governor, longed to see Bahá'u'lláh happy
and comfortable. Eventually, he said that Baha'u'liah was free to pass beyond the
prison walls whenever He wished. He could find a home in the countryside nearby.
The best wishes of the people of' Aká were in hand. 'Abdu'l-Bahá
set to work immediately to find a suitable place. First. He was able to arrange
for the Blessed Beauty to live at Mazra'ih, a lovely home surrounded by vegetable
gardens and orange groves. But by 1879, two years later, that beautiful house was
no longer big enough. Bahá'u'lláh’s family was large, and there were many
pilgrims. 'Abdu'l-Bahá set out to find a bigger home. He discovered Bahjí, the beautiful
palace that Bahá'u'lláh called the Lofty Mansion. At Bahjí, Bahá'u'lláh met
with the believers and revealed His Writings. ‘Abdu'l-Bahá continued to live in
'Akktá. There He met with the many city officials and countless other people. He
made sure that no one interfered with His Father's Revelation. No one was allowed
to disrupt His peace and comfort. 'Abdu'l-Bahá was ever His Father's Shield.
Bahá'u'lláh often said,"It is the Master who is able to endure all of these
demands and still see to the comfort of the believers."
One day Bahá'u'lláh made plans to visit the Garden of Junaynih
on the plain north of ‘Akká. All the pilgrims and the Baha'is living at Bahjí were
invited to go along. Naturally, they rushed to accept the invitation. A picnic in
the garden in the presence of the Blessed Beauty was the greatest of all delights.
At dawn, the pilgrims faced the room where Bahá'u'lláh waited.
They began their prayers and devotions. At sunrise they gathered outside the gate
of the Mansion. Within the hour, His steps could be heard on the stairs. At
once He appeared, blessing them with the gift of His presence.
A gentle white donkey earned the Lord of the Age along the road
to the garden, while His followers walked beside Him. Hájí Khávar was a tall man.
Thus he won the privilege of holding the umbrella over the Blessed Beauty, This
way he could protect Him from the savage desert sun.
Even the heat of the desert sun can be defeated under the trees
in a garden planted for the love of Cod. Here the air was fresh. Birdsongs and
the perfume of flowers rode the air currents. The music of flowing water could also
be heard. Soon the lovely picnic was spread before the believers. Soon the Heavenly
Words poured into their hearts.
But something was missing. Something more was needed to complete
their perfect day. They watched and waited. Suddenly the Blessed Beauty stopped
His words. He turned towards the plain of 'Akká. "The Master," He
said. "The Master is coming. Go and welcome Him. Hasten. Hasten to attend Him."
The pilgrims scrambled to obey. Sure enough, they saw Him walking,
walking the road from ‘Akká to His Father. 'Abdu'l-Bahá refused to ride into
the presence of the King of Kings. Strongly and steadily He approached. He was
tall and straight as an arrow. His shoulders were broad and powerful. In a moment
He was upon them, greeting the pilgrims. He clasped their hands in His. He smiled
warmly upon them. Always, always, He continued His forward movement along the path
to His Beloved.
Once in His Father's presence, He bowed His beautiful head.
His deep blue eyes blazed with a fierce love, a complete understanding, an unbounded
joy.
"Now," said the Blessed Beauty. "Now this garden
has become truly most delightful."
(by Jean Gould; Core Curriculum for
Spiritual Education – Stories)
