‘The Japanese Ambassador to a European capital (Viscount Arawaka Madrid) was…
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When in Bahá'í history
Paris (today: Paris, France)
‘The Japanese Ambassador to a European capital (Viscount Arawaka Madrid) was staying at the Hotel d’Jena (in Paris). This gentleman and his wife had been told of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence in Paris, and the latter was anxious to have the privilege of meeting Him. ‘”I am very sad,” said Her Excellency. “I must not go out this evening as my cold is severe, and I leave early in the morning for Spain. If only there were a possibility of seeing Him.” ‘This was told to the Master, Who had just returned after a long, tiring day. ‘”Tell the lady and her husband that, as she is unable to come to me, I will call upon her.” ‘Accordingly, though the hour was late, through the cold and the rain He came, with His smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all, as we awaited Him in the Tapestry Room of the Hotel d’Jena.
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 138
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: exhaustion).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do you see joy appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
- How does this story complicate or deepen your understanding of exhaustion?
- Where do joy and justice meet in this story?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about joy?
Reflection
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
- How does joy show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "‘The Japanese Ambassador to a European capital (Viscount Arawaka Madrid) was…" 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?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/exhaustion
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