These mighty embodiments of kingly power, humble pilgrims to
the Sanctuary of the Lord, will upon their arrival in the Holy Land, first
proceed to the Plain of ‘Akka, there to visit and circumambulate the Qiblih of
the people of Baha, the Point around which circle in adoration the Concourse on
High. They will then make their way to this august and venerated city, and
climb the slopes of Mount Carmel. With the utmost rapture, ardor and devotion,
they will hasten toward this Sacred Spot and, with reverence and
submissiveness, humility and lowliness, ascend these terraces to approach the
luminous precincts of the sanctified and holy Shrine. Reaching the threshold of
the Sanctuary of Grandeur, they will cast their crowns upon the ground,
prostrate themselves to kiss its fragrant earth and, circling around its hallowed
arcade, call out ‘Here am I, here am I, O Thou Who art the Exalted, the Most
Exalted One!’, and recite in tones of fervent supplication the perspicuous
Verses of the Tablet of Carmel.
Thereafter they will walk over the spacious lawns and through the wondrous gardens of this sublime and holy spot, this garden of the Exalted Paradise, will inhale its fragrant scents and taste of its choice and luscious fruits. They will, with tearful eyes and burning hearts, call to mind the pain and suffering, each affliction and calamity, the duress, imprisonment and martyrdom which befell that Wronged One of the world, will behold, with their own eyes, on every hand in this exalted Spot, the glory of Carmel and the evidences of the compelling might and greatness, the invincibility, the all-encompassing dominion of the Conqueror of the worlds, and will praise and glorify the Lord of Carmel.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated Naw-Ruz 108
B.E. to the friends in the East, authorized translation from the Persian; Baha’i
News, October 1990)
