hicago as well. The Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar in I_sh_qabad is almost
completed. It is centrally located, nine avenues leading into it, nine
gardens, nine fountains; all the arrangement and construction is according
to the principle and proportion of the number nine. It is like a beautiful
bouquet. Imagine a very lofty, imposing edifice surrounded completely by
gardens of variegated flowers, with nine avenues leading through them,
nine fountains and pools of water. Such is its matchless, beautiful
design. Now they are building a hospital, a school for orphans, a home for
cripples, a hospice and a large dispensary. God willing, when it is fully
completed, it will be a paradise.

I hope the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar in Chicago will be like this. Endeavor to
have the grounds circular in shape. If possible, adjust and exchange the
plots in order to make the dimensions and boundaries circular. The
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar cannot be triangular in shape. It must be in the
form of a circle.

2 May 1912
Talk at Hotel Plaza
Chicago, Illinois

Notes by Joseph H. Hannen

In this Cause consultation is of vital importance, but spiritual
conference and not the mere voicing of personal views is intended. In
France I was present at a session of the senate, but the experience was
not impressive. Parliamentary procedure should have for its object the
attainment of the light of truth upon questions presented and not furnish
a battleground for opposition and self-opinion. Antagonism and
contradiction are unfortunate and always destructive to truth. In the
parliamentary meeting mentioned, altercation and useless quibbling were
frequent; the result, mostly confusion and turmoil; even in one instance a
physical encounter took place between two members. It was not consultation
but comedy.

The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for
its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should
not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to
the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when
two opinions coincide. A spark is produced when flint and steel come
together. Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness
and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully
consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a
previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it
immediately and not