Travel

Topics[edit]

Benefits[edit]

Benefits of systematic travel[edit]

"...when a man travels in an orderly and methodical manner through many different countries and regions, this will most certainly be the means of acquiring perfections, for he will see at first hand various sites, scenes, and regions; learn about the affairs and circumstances of other nations; become familiar with the geography of other lands; acquaint himself with their arts and wonders; become informed of the customs, conduct, and character of their inhabitants; witness the civilization and the advancements of the time; and be apprised of the manner of government, the capacity, and the receptivity of each country."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 52, par. 2)

A man living his entire life in one city cannot gain a knowledge of the whole world; he must visit other cities, see and travel through nature, in order to gain this knowledge[edit]

"It is evident, therefore, that man is in need of divine education and inspiration, that the spirit and bounties of God are essential to his development. That is to say, the teachings of Christ and the Prophets are necessary for his education and guidance. Why? Because They are the divine Gardeners Who till the earth of human hearts and minds. They educate man, uproot the weeds, burn the thorns and remodel the waste places into gardens and orchards where fruitful trees grow. The wisdom and purpose of Their training is that man must pass from degree to degree of progressive unfoldment until perfection is attained. For instance, if a man should live his entire life in one city, he cannot gain a knowledge of the whole world. To become perfectly informed he must visit other cities, see the mountains and valleys, cross the rivers and traverse the plains. In other words, without progressive and universal education perfection will not be attained."

(Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 295)

Travel can open one's eyes and broaden their horizon--seeing how godly civilizations prosper while ungodly ones disappear[edit]

Traveling.—Traveling is a very good thing. It opens the eyes and broadens the horizon.

In the East one may behold vast and desert places where once lay peopled towns; this shows the Hand of Almighty God. History shows us how every nation which was against the of God has eventually been quite destroyed; and, accordingly, each nation which has listened to the Voice of God has prospered. When traveling one makes discoveries of strange things, i. e., the Emperors of Rome ruled over many thousands of people and were famous and powerful, but now the Emperors are dead and their power has vanished. Whereas the Christians began by being a small band of eleven disciples following Christ and living after His teaching, now there are many Christians all over the world and Christ's influence shall never die.

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. 2, issue 16, p. 4)

Capability of being faithful to wife during long absence[edit]

"A man of noble character and strong willpower, could certainly remain faithful to his wife during a long absence!"

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Light of Divine Guidance, vol. 2, p. 71)

To-dos for this page[edit]

Note on obligatory prayer being applicable unless unsafe, journeys of 'Abdu'l-Baha in the West, benefits of pioneering for mingling of peoples, etc.