Words to inspire the heart, mind and soul
Presented below are some books available from the New Zealand Bahá’í Bookshop, interspersed with a selection of quotations about the value of reading and study.
“The most immediate access to the dynamic influence of the sacred Word is through reading.”
— Universal House of Justice, 10 July 1989, To all National Spiritual Assemblies
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Shelter for all Mankind
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Shelter for all Mankind contains:
The Tablet of Visitation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
“The Counsels of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”: excerpt from Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
“‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Twenty-six Prayers”, released 2021 in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing
“‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Nineteen Prayers”, released 2018
“The Station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”: excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and from the words of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice
“Transformation is the essential purpose of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, but it lies in the will and effort of the individual to achieve it in obedience to the Covenant. Necessary to the progress of this life-fulfilling transformation is knowledge of the will and purpose of God through regular reading and study of the Holy Word.”
— Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 1989, To the Bahá’ís of the World
Prescription for Living
A collection of thoughts and advice by our beloved late Hand of the Cause of God, Rúhíyyih Khánum on the virtues, qualities and attributes to get us through this world with effective character and spiritual integrity, enhanced by a challenging examination of moral problems of Western civilisation. First published in 1950, the book’s distinctive approach is in many ways timeless. It is written with ardour and conviction. Like “self-help” books, it deals frankly with many of the practical challenges of life, but on a much higher plane, deeply informed by Bahá’í principles.
“To read the writings of the Faith and to strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation are obligations laid on every one of His followers. All are enjoined to delve into the ocean of His Revelation and to partake, in keeping with their capacities and inclinations, of the pearls of wisdom that lie therein.”
— Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 2010, To the Bahá’ís of the World
Fire & Gold
Fire & Gold is a thoughtfully selected compilation of quotations from the Bahá'í scriptures and other Bahá'í writings on the purpose and source of the tests that may come to us and to our society, and how we can overcome them.
“Study of the Faith itself is a vital element in the soundness of the growth of Bahá’í communities, their consolidation and their protection. This should include systematic study of the Writings of the Faith, its history, its relationship to various systems of thought, and the application of its Teachings to the spiritual and material life of society.”
— Universal House of Justice, 24 June 1993, To the Bahá’ís of the World
Blessed is the Spot
A colourfully illustrated compilation of prayers and quotations in English and te reo Māori from Ruhi Book 3, Grades 1, 2 & 3.
