t.

Membership for Baha'is should be based on their understanding the station
of the Bab, Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Guardian and the function of
the Administrative Order. To do this it is not necessary for people to
first read the Will and Testament and the Dispensation. The essentials can
be explained to them, and the rest is a question of faith; if they
believe, they can be accepted as Baha'is. It is premature now to say any
"laws" of the Aqdas must be followed. But the Baha'is should be encouraged
to keep the Fast, use an obligatory prayer, obtain the consent of parents
for marriage, and live up to the Teachings in general.

He certainly feels one of your first duties is to deepen the understanding
of the Faith in the minds of the believers there.

You should certainly try to make new contacts but until you have a nucleus
of active believers there he feels a lot of publicity is premature.

As to translations, this is certainly very important, but he would not
suggest that at present with the limited facilities at your disposal, that
you translate whole books. Make selections of subjects that will interest
the Japanese; some prayers, some of the chapters from "Some Answered
Questions" on things of general interest rather than the purely Christian
topics; some of the excerpts from "Gleanings". In other words try and get
together a selection from our Teachings that covers a wide range of
subjects and is representative of our beliefs, and translate these at
first. Whole books can be undertaken in the future.

He feels the teaching and translating work can go hand in hand as you
teach with new material translated.

Your services are very deeply valued by our beloved Guardian, and he
assures you he will pray for you and all the Japanese Baha'is in the Holy
Shrines.

(signed by R. Rabbani)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

The zeal, devotion and courage which you exhibit in your activities in the
service of the Cause in Japan are truly meritorious and evoke my deepest
admiration. Your mission is indeed historic, and your pioneer achievements
an example to the rising generation. Persevere in your high endeavors, and
rest assured that the Beloved will bless your exertions and will aid you
to fulfil your heart's desire.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

(January 21, 1948)

[Letter of October 16, 1948]

He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in
Japan, and feels gre