and become filled with light. Although the pupil of the eye
is black, it is the source of light. Thou shalt likewise be. The
disposition should be bright, not the appearance. Therefore, with supreme
confidence and certitude, say: "O God! Make me a radiant light, a shining
lamp, and a brilliant star, so that I may illumine the hearts with an
effulgent ray from Thy Kingdom of Abha...."

(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [10]

11: The establishment of a women's assemblage for the promotion of
knowledge is...

The establishment of a women's assemblage for the promotion of knowledge
is entirely acceptable, but discussions must be confined to educational
matters. It should be done in such a way that differences will, day by
day, be entirely wiped out, not that, God forbid, it will end in
argumentation between men and women. As in the question of the veil,
nothing should be done contrary to wisdom. The individual women should,
today, follow a course of action which will be the cause of eternal glory
to all womankind, so that all women will be illumined. And that lieth in
gathering to learn how to teach, in holding meetings to recite the verses,
to offer supplications to the kingdom of the Lord of evident signs, and to
institute education for the girls. Ponder the manner in which
Jinab-i-Tahirih used to teach. She was free from every concern, and for
this reason she was resplendent.

Now the world of women should be a spiritual world, not a political one,
so that it will be radiant. The women of other nations are all immersed in
political matters. Of what benefit is this, and what fruit doth it yield?
To the extent that ye can, ye should busy yourselves with spiritual
matters which will be conducive to the exaltation of the Word of God and
of the diffusion of His fragrances. Your demeanour should lead to harmony
amongst all and to coalescence and the good-pleasure of all....

I am endeavouring, with Baha'u'llah's confirmations and assistance, so to
improve the world of the handmaidens that all will be astonished. This
progress is intended to be in spirituality, in virtues, in human
perfections and in divine knowledge. In America, the cradle of women's
liberation, women are still debarred from political institutions because
they squabble. They are yet to have a member in the House of
Representatives. Also Baha'u'llah hath proclaimed: "O ye men of the House
of Justice." Ye need to be calm and composed, so t