Be natural, be happy…
Baha'i Stories Blog · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
'Akká (today: Acre, Israel)
Wendell [Dodge] and I [William Dodge] were so glad to be
with ‘Abdu’l-Baha [in ‘Akka, in 1901]. At some times we were quite jolly. We
were mere boys of 18 and 21. Our interpreter, Ameen Fareed, told us that we
must be reverent, that when we entered the presence of the Master we must bow
our heads, clasp our hands, avoid smiling. Of course we felt the rebuke. So the
next time we entered the dining room, our heads were bowed, our hands clasped,
and we did not smile. ‘Abdu’l-Baha passed quickly by us. He seemed to ignore
us. We felt further rebuked. Returning to our room we wondered why ‘Abdu’l-Baha
seemed different in His attitude toward us. Well, we decided that we were not
good actors. So when we entered the dining room for the next meal, we smiled. ‘Abdu’l-Baha
smiled. He came over to us, took us in his arms and said: “That’s the way I
want you, boys, to act -- be natural, be happy.” (Excerpt from the transcript of a talk given by William Copeland Dodge relating the account of his pilgrimage to ‘Akka in 1901) (To listen to and read the entire talk please visit Baha’i Talks,Messages and Articles)
Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2013/07/be-natural-be-happy.html).
Discuss this story
For adults
- What stands out about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response in this account?
- What in your own life does this story bring to mind?
- Where do you see devotion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about devotion?
Reflection
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice devotion?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Be natural, be happy…" drawn from?
Where does this story take place?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Cite this story
Various. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2013/07/be-natural-be-happy.html
This story shares quotes with 94 other stories
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Also in
- 1844: A lonely youth’s encounter with Bahá’u’lláh by a roadside in Mazindaran and his amazing recognition of His station— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1848: Baha’u’llah describes the consternation that seized the Bábís when Tahirih suddenly appeared unveiled at the conference of Badasht— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1851 Karbilá, Iraq: A disciple of the Báb becomes the first person to whom Baha'u'llah confided His Divine Mission – as was prophesied by the Báb in 1848— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A funny incident while in the company of the Master— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- …and 89 more
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