2011
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Arrives in London
‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in London this week in 1911. The following account of His arrival is from Lady Blomfield, who hosted the Master in her home during His visit.
And now at last ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was coming into the Western world, even to us in London!
He arrived, and who shall picture Him?
A silence as of love and awe overcame us, as we looked at Him; the gracious figure, clothed in a simple white garment, over which was a light-coloured Persian `aba ; on His head He wore a low-crowned taj, round which was folded a small, fine-linen turban of purest white; His hair and short beard were of that snowy whiteness which had once been black; His eyes were large, blue-grey with long, black lashes and well-marked eyebrows; His face was a beautiful oval with warm, ivory-coloured skin, a straight, finely-modelled nose, and firm, kind mouth. These are merely outside details by which an attempt is made to convey an idea of His arresting personality.
His figure was of such perfect symmetry, and so full of dignity and grace, that the first impression was that of considerable height. He seemed an incarnation of loving understanding, of compassion and power, of wisdom and authority, of strength, and of a buoyant youthfulness, which somehow defied the burden of His years; and such years!
One saw, as in a clear vision, that He had so wrought all good and mercy that the inner grace of Him had grown greater than all outer sign, and the radiance of this inner glory shone in every glance, and word, and movement as He came with hands outstretched.
“I am very much pleased with you all. Your love has drawn me to London. I waited forty years in prison to bring the Message to you. Are you pleased to receive such a guest?”
I think our souls must have answered, for I am not conscious that anyone uttered an audible word.
(Lady Blomfield, The Chosen Highway, p.149)
Very nice, i suggest webmaster can set up a forum, so that we can talk and communicate.
I love this website.
Thank you for making it.
History of the Faith is so important. It teaches us so many things each time we read them.
Thank you.
Zhinoos
Thank you for the stirring quotes. I feel like I am on the journey with this site and check daily to refresh my spirit and gain inspiration.
Thank you for including Lady Blomfield’s moving description, and thank you for the photo at the end. I think you’re doing an outstanding job of contextualizing this material.
What a wonderful service you have made for us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this so that we can “relive” those precious days when ‘Abdu’l-Baha visited our shores.
Thanks for this, I love reading it
For further details about Lady Blomfield go to http://users.whsmithnet.co.uk/ispalin/heritage/blmem.htm
Thank you for doing this website and also to remind us of this historical trip.
A fabulous site to inspire, reflect and act.