“O thou young, incomparable tree of the Rose-garden...”
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, (1909) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
O thou young, incomparable tree of the Rose-garden of the Love of God!
Thank thou God that thou art planted beside this heavenly stream, has been favored with the inexhaustible outpouring, hast been trained and developed by the rain of the cloud of the Kingdom of God and hast brought forth fruit under the care of the Divine Gardener. Now it is the time to cast the shade and produce delicious fruits and impart sweetness to the palate of the spiritual ones. Exert [thyself] with heart and soul. Do not rest one moment, neither do thou seek after composure. Give thou to others the glad-tidings of the Kingdom and announce to them the manifestation of the signs of the Realm of Might! This is from the bounty of God. He bestoweth to whomsoever He willeth. Verily God is the Possessor of great gifts!
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas (1909). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19312.
Discuss this story
For adults
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- If you were to share this story aloud at a devotional gathering, which sentence would you read first?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about love?
Reflection
- How does love show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "“O thou young, incomparable tree of the Rose-garden...”" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1909). *Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19312/pg19312-images.html
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