Bahai Library Online

Lectures by notable personnages, such as Hands of the Cause and members of the Universal House of Justice. See also Audio lectures, Presentations, and Transcripts.
These documents are not cross-listed under Transcripts as all are, by definition, transcripts.

Talks / presentations by Bahá'í notables

  1. Peter J. Khan. 1995: Four Year Plan (1996-09-29). Talk organized by the US NSA and the LSA of Washington, DC.
  2. Peter J. Khan. 2001: Five Year Plan (2001-06-03). Talk given by Dr. Khan about the Five Year Plan at the City Hall in Hofheim am Taunus, Germany (near the Bahá'í Temple in Langenhein)
  3. Peter J. Khan. Address at Queen's Birthday Weekend Conference, Aukland (2000-06). Addresses a variety of issues facing the Bahá'í community, especially as pertains to New Zealand Bahá'ís.
  4. Amelia Collins. Address to the Bahá'ís of Los Angeles, California (1954-07-12). [needs abstract]
  5. Abdel Karim Effendi Teherani. Anton Haddad, trans. Addresses Delivered before the New York and Chicago Assemblies (1900). Talks to the New York and Chicago assemblies, delivered at Abdu'l-Bahá's request, to deepen the believers following the covenant-breaking of Ibrahim Kheiralla, published as a 100-page booklet.
  6. Peter J. Khan. Aspects of Bahá'í Scholarship, Some (1999).
  7. David S. Ruhe. Bahá'í Horizons in the 21st Century (1993-06-14). Informal notes transcribed from a talk closing a 1993 Conference on Social and Economic Development in Orlando, Florida, offering an overview of Bahá'í activities at the turn of the millennium.
  8. Ethel J. Rosenberg. Bahá'ísm: Its Ethical and Social Teachings (1908). Overview of the Faith, presented as an address to the Congress held at Oxford, September 15-18, 1908.
  9. George Townshend. Baha'u'llah's Ground Plan of World Fellowship (1936). This talk, proposing a practical scheme for addressing the problem of world-fellowship, was delivered at the first World Congress of Faiths conference in London in 1936 — one of the earliest Bahá'í papers to appear in a modern interfaith setting.
  10. Robert C. Henderson. Being a Spiritual Revolutionary: A talk given at the 1988 International Youth Conference (1988).
  11. Horace Holley. Challenge to Chaos: The Mission of the Bahá'í Faith (1954). Summary of the mission of Bahá'u'lláh through the lens of three essential truths: Unity of God, Unity of the Prophets, and Unity of Humankind. Published as a stand-alone pamphlet.
  12. Luiz Gushikan. Challenges of the Construction of a New Morality (1995). Keynote speech at the Bahá'í Conference on Social and Economic Development in Orlando, Florida, on the topic of Bahá'í contributions to morality and ethics.
  13. Various. Collections of Audio and Video Talks: Lists of Speakers and Titles (?-2020). List of talks and presentations in Video or Audio format found at other sites; included here for reference and keyword indexing.
  14. Gustavo Correa. Community and Collective Action (2015/2020-08). On the hopeful efforts of groups of people around the world to build a new kind of community based on the oneness of humankind, and the vision and process guiding these efforts.
  15. Shirley Macias, Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Conqueror of Hearts: Talks by Hand of the Cause of God Abu'l-Qásim Faizí (2002). Biography, and talks by Faizi to the World Congress (1963) and Wilmette House of Worship (1974).
  16. Farzam Arbab. Core Activities of the Five Year Plan and the Movement of Clusters (2004).
  17. Rúhíyyih Khánum. David Merrick, comp. Eagle and Pillar over Shoghi Effendi's resting place, and his visits to Scotland (1981). Transcript of Ruhiyyih Khanum talking about Shoghi Effendi's visits to Scotland and how the pillar and eagle came to be over his resting place
  18. Peter J. Khan. Education, Scholarship, and Global Civilisation (2006-08-13).
  19. Vahid Rafati. Evolving Role of Bahá'í Scholarship, The (2015). Lecture on the evolution of Bahá’í scholarship; ulamás and the Faith; role of the ulamás in Islam; changes instituted by Bahá'u'lláh; abolition of clerical authority; historical legacy of some scholars; present challenges and future scholarship.
  20. Kurt Hein. Excerpt from an interview with Raúl Pavón (1988). Excerpt from an interview with Kurt Hein, 5 January 1982, Otavalo, Ecuador.
  21. Lua Getsinger, Edward C. Getsinger, Curtis Kelsey. Explanation of Spiritual Evolution as Taught from the Bahá'í Teachings (1899/1911/1958/1997). Chart "Cycle of Life" allegedly drawn on Abdu'l-Bahá's behalf (1899) to refute reincarnation; accompanying text quoting Lua's pilgrim's notes by Curtis Kelsey (1958); a letter from the Universal House of Justice (1997); and a talk by Lua Getsinger (1911).
  22. Hooper Dunbar. Forces of Our Time, The (1986). Excerpt from a talk presented at the "Prepare for Peace" conference, Long Beach, California, August 1985.
  23. Alain Locke. Christopher Buck, ed, Betty J. Fisher, ed. Four Talks Redefining Democracy, Education, and World Citizenship (2008). The Preservation of the Democratic Ideal; Stretching Our Social Mind; On Becoming World Citizens; Creative Democracy. Includes introduction by Buck and Fisher.
  24. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. From Adrianople to Akka (1968-08). A talk to the Oceanic Conference, Palermo, Sicily, on the exile journeys of Bahá'u'lláh.
  25. Haleh Arbab. Generation of Knowledge and the Advancement of Civilization (2007-08-16).
  26. Ian C. Semple. Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, The (2008). Reflections on the Guardianship and Universal House of Justice by a former House member. Includes an interesting Q&A on topics including women on the House, Shoghi Effendi's personality, infallibility, Bahá'í scholarship, fundamentalism, etc.
  27. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Hidden Words, The: Transcript of a talk by Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizí (1967-12-09). Talk delivered in Wilmette, Illinois.
  28. Douglas Martin. Humanity's Coming Encounter with Baha'u'llah (1992-04-09). Retrospective look at the previous 100 years of Bahá'í history, current shifts of focus and teaching plans, and the prospects for the future which the new Message can bring.
  29. Ian C. Semple. Indispensability of Consultation for Ordering Human Affairs, The (2010). Consultation is not just another word for discussion. It is not just a technique to be learned, but requires a development of the character of the individuals who are involved in it.
  30. Artemus Lamb. Informal Talk before the West Hollywood Bahá'í Community (1953-11-04). [needs abstract]
  31. Peter J. Khan. Institute on Islam (1971). Transcription of tape #7 which deals with prophecies in the Qur'an, and recordings of a one-weekend group class on Islam in Davenport, Iowa.
  32. Farzam Arbab. Intellectual Life of the Bahá'í Community, The (2016). The 34th Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture at the ABS conference in Montreal, on the need for us to have intellectual courage, a lack of elitism, and the harmony of science and religion. Includes video, published version, and an outline of the talk.
  33. Farzam Arbab. Intensive Growth Programs (2001-04-28). Talk delivered as part of a two-day seminar on the Five Year Plan, sponsored by the Youth Activities Committee at the Bahá'í World Centre.
  34. Zena Sorabjee, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India. Inter-religious gathering in New Delhi, and Address to Pope John Paul II (1999-12-12). Brief address by Counsellor Sorabjee to an inter-religious gathering organised by the Roman Catholic Church in New Delhi with with Pope John Paul II, and a short description of the event by the NSA of India, as shared by the House of Justice.
  35. Ian C. Semple. Interpretation and the Guardianship (2005-05). Two versions of a talk presented at a seminar in Haifa, 1984, on differences between personal interpretation, authoritative interpretation, divinely guided legislation, and the role of the Guardian as interpreter
  36. Asadu'llah Fadil Mazandarani (published as Jinab-i-Fadil Mazandarani). Omeed Rameshni, comp. Jináb-i-Fádil Mazandarání in the United States (2009). Digitization of a number of stenographic records which were held by the US National office from Jinab-i-Fadil’s trips to the US in the 1920s.
  37. Layli Miller-Muro. Justice and Equality – a basis for change in our troubled world (2004-07-17). Transcript of the talk given at the 5th annual Margaret Stevenson Memorial Dinner and Lecture, July 17 2004.
  38. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Kitab-i-Aqdas commentary (1973). Talk delivered in the United States (place not specified).
  39. Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl Gulpáygání. Knowing God Through Love and Farewell Address of Mirza Abul Fazl (1904). 16-page pamphlet containing Gulyaygani's address given at Green Acre, July 27 1904, and his farewell words to the American Bahá'ís at a reception given in his honor by Arthur Dodge in New York, November 29 1904.
  40. Paul Lample. Learning and the Unfoldment of the Bahá'í Community (2008-08-29). Two slightly different versions of the Plenary Address to the ABS conference.
  41. Penelope Walker (published as Penny Walker). Learning Process (2002-02-12). Talk on the Five-Year Plan, growth, and training institutes, given by a Counselor of the International Teaching Center in Houston, Texas, on February 12, 2002.
  42. Ali Nakhjavani. Long Obligatory Prayer, The (2000-03). Notable talk from March 2000 by Ali Nakhjavani, who served on the Universal House of Justice from 1963 to 2003, about various aspects of the long obligatory prayer (link to audio, off-site).
  43. Hossain Danesh. Marriage and Sexuality (1991-04-13). Transcript of a talk at a private home in Springfield, Virginia, recorded and distributed for teaching and deepening.
  44. Peter J. Khan. Mental Tests (1995-09-17). An address by Dr. Khan, of the Universal House of Justice, in Australia. Needs proofreading.
  45. Farzam Arbab. Moral Education (n.d.). Transcription of a talk in English, date and place unknown. Includes Persian translation.
  46. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Morning of Your Lives, The: Talk given at a Hawaiian Youth Conference (1975-04). A very short published talk.
  47. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí, Alí-Akbar Furútan. Graham Hassall, ed. Mr Faizi and Mr Furútan in Australia: The Yerrinbool tapes (2000). Lengthy talks of Hands of the Cause A.Q. Faizi and A.A. Furútan in Australia at the Yerrinbool summer school.
  48. Peter J. Khan. Nature and Challenge of Tests, The (1995-09-23). An address by Dr. Khan, of the Universal House of Justice, at the Bahá'í House of Worship at Wilmette.
  49. Reinee Pasarow. Near Death Experience (1993). Video talk by a person who had a life-changing near death experience as a teenager, became a seeker and Bahá'í, and did talks about her experience which also gave her the opportunity to teach about the Bahá'í Faith.
  50. David S. Ruhe. New Evolution, A: Religious Bonding for World Unity (1995). America's spiritual destiny; world forces conducive to the unity of humankind; post-Darwinian evolution; bonding of humankind for a golden age; Bahá’ís as authentic saviors of the world.
  51. Lee Brown. North American Indian Prophecies (1986). Talked delivered at the 1986 Continental Indigenous Council, Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, Fairbanks, Alaska.
  52. Lottie Lindfoot. Notes from the 1933 Convention (1933). Summaries of talks by Horace Holley, Allen McDaniel, Paul Haney, Peter Kahn, Mr. Taylor, May Maxwell, Florence Lorol Schopflocher, Curtis Kelsey, Leroy Ioas, Bishop Brown, Philip Sprague, Doris McKay, et al.
  53. Rúhíyyih Khánum. Notes of Address in Ottawa, Ontario (1960-05-27). [needs abstract]
  54. Douglas Martin. Notes on the Twentieth Century (2001-09). Multiple transcriptions of talks given in Atlanta, New York, and Massachusetts in September and October, 2001, largely based on the document Century of Light.
  55. Tarazu'llah Samandari. Notes Taken from a Visit to the Bahá'is at Hawthorne California (n.d.). [needs abstract]
  56. Leroy Ioas. B. Buckley, ed. Notes to a talk given by Hand of the Cause Ioas in Pasadena California (1960-06).
  57. Ian C. Semple. Obedience (1991-07-26). Obedience in relation to freedom of thought, and the importance of obedience both to the individual's spiritual development and to society as a whole.
  58. Horace Holley. Our Covenant with Abdu'l-Bahá (1949-03). Every Bahá'í has a mission to do their part in the quickening of souls. Bahá'ís meet in the spirit of consultation and action, inspired by the creative nature of the Faith, to deliver God's message and renew our personal covenant.
  59. Rúhíyyih Khánum. Personal Remarks to the Friends (1953). [needs abstract]
  60. Farzam Arbab. Principles and Practices of Curriculum Design and Development (2004).
  61. William Sears. Progressive Revelation and Oneness of Religion (1972 (?) / 2018). A videotaped talk (possibly from 1972), along with a shorter animated 2018 presentation prepared by a graphic designer for the Bahá'í Journeys website.
  62. Rúhíyyih Khánum. Public Address of Ruhiyyih Khanum to the 1953 Conference in Wilmette (1953). [needs abstract]
  63. George Townshend. Questions about the Second Coming (1953). Answers by Townshend to questions asked by the Bahá’ís of Kampala, Uganda about the return of Christ, the Bible, false prophets, the day of judgment, and the trinity.
  64. Matthew Weinberg (published as Matt Weinberg). Reflections on "Questions" and Bahá'í Studies, Some (2005-04-01).
  65. Peter J. Khan. Reflections on the Ridvan 2009 Message (2009-07-03). The concept of change in religion and in the Bahá’í Faith, and the importance of wholehearted obedience to the Covenant.
  66. Paul Lample. Reflections, at the centenary of the Tablets of the Divine Plan (2016-05-20). Lengthy discussions on who we are and what we're doing, morality in a the contemporary world, processes of integration and disintegration, and the Faith's future growth, helping place the work of the 2016-2021 Five-Year Plan in historical context.
  67. Horace Holley. Religion for Mankind (1956/1966). Twenty-two essays and talks selected from a half-century's work of one of the most distinguished Bahá’í authors, most written during the period 1921-1957.
  68. Glenford Mitchell. Remembering Shoghi Effendi as Interpreter (1997-07). Scholarly talk on the nature of interpretation and the Covenant, given at Foundation Hall of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
  69. Farzam Arbab. Role of Education in Building Material and Spiritual Civilization, The (2004).
  70. Rúhíyyih Khánum. David Merrick, ed. Ruhiyyih Khanum's Tribute to Shoghi Effendi at the Kampala Conference (Uganda) 26 Jan 1958 (1958). Notes of the moving tribute by Ruhiyyih Khanum to Shoghi Effendi immediately after his passing, given at the Kampala International Conference (Uganda), 26 January 1958
  71. George Townshend, Swami Vivekananda, Dalai Lama, et al.. Anjam Khursheed, comp. Selected Talks and Statements on Interfaith Issues by Religious Leaders and Scholars (1999). Compilation of addresses to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore; also includes talks by Jonathan Sacks, Abdullah Yusof Ali, Robert Runcie, and Pope John Paul II.
  72. Asadu'llah Fadil Mazandarani (published as Jinab-i-Fadil Mazandarani). Seven Cities in the Spiritual Journey to God: Gems of Divine Mystersies (Javáhiru'l-Asrár) and Seven Valleys (1923-02). Address given to an American audience in 1923, probably translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, who accompanied Fadl's second tour of the USA and Canada.
  73. Suheil Badi Bushrui. Spiritual Foundation of Human Rights, The: A Bahá'í Perspective (1997-11-15).
  74. Horace Holley. Spiritual Spring (1956-03-20). A talk on divine renewal, given at the temple foundation hall, Wilmette, Naw Ruz 1956.
  75. Curtis Kelsey. Stories of 'Abdul-Baha and the Guardian (1957-1963(?)). Kelsey was serving in Haifa when 'Abdu'l-Bahá passed away. These are his recollections and stories of his time with Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.
  76. Martha L. Root. Táhirih's Message to the Modern World (1941). Transcript of a radio address from Sunday April 21, 1940, telling the story of Ṭáhirih, describing her as the foremost woman of her generation known across Persia for her beauty, intelligence, and courage, who gave her life for the emancipation of women.
  77. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Talk given by Hand of the Cause of God A.Q. Faizi, Australia (1969-11-21). Discussion of "Standards and Values, "Explanations from the Writings of the Báb," and "How to Study the Book of Íqán"
  78. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Shirley Macias, ed. Teaching Seminar conducted by Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizí in Hawaii (1967). Lengthy notes from five sessions of talks, including question-and-answer periods.
  79. Ali Nakhjavani. Thoughts on the Lesser Peace, Some (1984-12-28). Lengthy talk given at the World Centre for the Ihtifál (celebration) programme on general guidelines on peace and world unity, and statements from the Writings that appear to be contradictory.
  80. Ali Nakhjavani, Violette Nakhjavani. Three Talks in Africa (2001). Three talks given in East London, South Africa circa August-September 2001, on personal reminiscences of Ruhiyyih Khanum and Enoch Olinga, some history of the Faith in Africa, and stages of spiritual growth and teaching.
  81. Glenford Mitchell. Time of Peril, Prospects for Peace (2001-10-11). Talk at the Bahá'í Unity Center in Atlanta.
  82. Ann Boyles. To Build in the World of Things a Safe Home for the Children of Men (2009-08-16).
  83. Ali Nakhjavani. Towards World Order (2004/2007). Transcripts of six talks given at a week-long course on the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, sponsored by the NSA of Italy. Document includes compilation and outline.
  84. Farzam Arbab. Training Institute and the Main Sequence of Courses, The (2004).
  85. Amelia Collins. Tribute to Shoghi Effendi, A (1958-07-25). Address delivered at the Intercontinental Bahá'í Conference held in Germany, July 1958, which Collins attended as the chosen representative of Shoghi Effendi.
  86. Robert Rubenstein. Triple Bottom Line Reporting (2001-10-26). Triple bottom line (investing) is looking at a company in a holistic way, including its social impact, social performance, and environmental performance. Does not mention the Bahá'í Faith.
  87. Peter J. Khan. Unique Features of Bahá'í Service (2006-08-02). On spiritual forces in the universe, the nature of Huququ'llah, the concept of sanctification, and developing a culture of learning to explore the power of the Creative Word.
  88. John Robarts. Value of Prayer, The (1974-03-20). Talk at the House of Worship in Wilmette by a Hand of the Cause.
  89. Richard Thomas. Vision of Shoghi Effendi as Reflected in The Advent of Divine Justice (1984-11).
  90. Glenford Mitchell. Whatever happened to the Double Crusade? (1996-10-05). Lengthy commentary on the progress of teaching and the Four Year Plan, delivered at Foundation Hall in Wilmette. Includes discussion of the travels and teaching work of Leonora Armstrong.
  91. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. Wonder Lamp, The (1972). A children's story, and performance / storytelling piece, published as a 45-page booklet and also in audio recording.
  92. Peter J. Khan. World's Equilibrium, The (1998-08-22). Short, partial notes of a talk delivered at Baruch College, New York, August 22, 1998.
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