Paris Talks

by Abdu'l-Bahá

Despite old age and poor health, Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha'u'llah, set out from Palestine in 1911 on a momentous series of journeys to Europe and the United States. The purpose of his trip was to share the teachings and vision of the Baha'i Faith with the people of the West. Paris Talks presents his historic public addresses delivered in Paris in 1911. Topics include the nature of humankind, the soul, the Prophets of God, the purpose of religion, the eventual establishment of world peace, prejudice, the equality of men and women, science and religion, and more. Abdu'l-Baha spoke in a profound yet simple manner that transcended all barriers.

Genres: Baha I, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Spirituality, Theology, Self Help

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith.

Reviews

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great talks by Abdu'l-Baha in Paris about subjects like unity, peace, economics, rich and poor, etc.

[Ulises Ormeño · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un privilegio para aquellas personas que pudieron estar presentes durante esa presentación, entiendo que varias de las enseñanzas de Abdul´l-Bahá son un llamado a la unidad de la humanidad, en un tiempo previo a las guerras mundiales y a la gran guerra imperialista en Occidente, considero que fue muy valiente en proclamar la paz. Si tuviera que resumir lo que más me dejo pensativo en esta primera lectura, fue que el servicio es una oración, si hacer lo mejor y no procurar ser el mejor en cualquier área que te desempeñes, ya es una alabanza a Dios. La religión Baha´í me enseño que la vida es como una planta, crece lo que debe crecer y mientras sucede lo importante es que las raíces se fortalezcan. Cada quien en la medida de lo que pueda.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

pros:
+ had some progressive beliefs in a time those kind of beliefs were most likely less widespread than they are now (gender equality, acceptance of different religions, world peace etc.)
+ who doesn't love a (relatively) new religion to come onto the scene, and do well (especially one which isn't actually a cult or quite bigoted in some way! (looking at you, scientology))

cons:
- the audiobook reader is honestly the worst i've ever heard on an audiobook; he mispronounces things, mumbles, but worst of all, he just sounds incredibly bored- the most dull monotone voice in audiobooks
- although the material was likely quite novel and radical for the time, reading it in 2022, it reads as very obvious, very dull, very basic, a yawnfest basically. I don't want to poo poo on Baha, because obviously he's important to a lot of people, but I didn't really get anything out of reading this. The most charitable interpretation I can have is that it's a case of Seinfeld is Unfunny , though likely not a direct effect of people copying Baha, but just sorta the culture changing a lot post WWII and 1960s

★☆☆☆☆ - meh - didn't get much of anything out of this, wouldn't return to

[Eddie Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn about the Bahá'í Faith, start here.

[Robin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

These talks, given in private homes, churches and public venues, are so relevant to today. We wonder 'how can things change', what will end this gridlock? Worse yet, we take credit for any improvement made today and historically because we can't see the Hand of Providence at work.


THE world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.
Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye 119 may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause—a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it—verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures.
Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: Through it the poor have been enriched, the learned enlightened, and the seekers enabled to ascend unto the presence of God. Beware, lest ye make it a cause of dissension amongst you. Be ye as firmly settled as the immovable mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Mighty, the Loving.

[Daniel Tol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m really started to doubt the supposedly deep wisdom of the Bahai books.
There are some good passages if you give them some thought (comparing diversity as a good thing like a garden that has charm because of the different flowers is inspired) but for the most part a lot of it feels naive, like Captain Obvious, repetitive or I flat out disagree.

Things like that we should “just put aside our differences and love each other” and a whole of that we should all put our faith and trust into God.

Like I said, I’m not saying there aren’t some good lessons and the friend that introduced me to the faith gently reminded me this is also written more than a hundred years ago where the idea that Muslims and Christians living in the same country or women being allowed to vote were seen as impossibilities. But after reading Everyday Ubuntu, which gives such great real life stories and research to prove the point and make Christian notions of forgiveness and kindness accessible without the “Believe in God and everything will work” kind of hippie dippie sounding sales pitch?

Reading this book is a tough sell, especially since this is supposed to come from the son of a prophet as great as Moses, Jesus and Mohammed.

[Szymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another delightful compilation of talks by 'Abdu'l-Baha given in different locations, mostly in Paris but some in London, at the beginning of the XX century. In my perception, the ideas rendered about the unity of the human race and the destructive power of division were open-minded. Sadly, the historical record reveals that disunity is the cause of human strife, yet, how often we, our politicians, and our religion - based beliefs continue to uphold the view that "we are right and all others are wrong". 'Abdu'l-Baha said, "If religion is only to be a cause of disunion it had better not exist". This book contains many more teachings relevant to today. Non-Bahai or non-religious readers will perceive Abdu'l-Baha's talks as sound common sense. Worth reading if you are an earnest seeker after the truth in metaphysics.

[Alexandre CABON · Rating 5 out of 5]

The master and perfect example

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful..very thought provoking and inspiring

[David Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Bahá'í work. It serves as an excellent introduction to the tenets of the faith and provides a solid plan for living a good and virtuous life. Abdu'l-Baha's series of short talks (59 over 235 pages) are written in a very accessible style, and can be enjoyed singly or in groups. The truths contained within are profound and should resonate with most followers of any of the major world religions. I expect to revisit this on a regular basis over the coming years.

[Margaret Grant Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

When learning about the Baha'i faith I used this book so much. Because you can 'hear' 'Abdu'l Baha talking to you through the topics and pages of this book. It brings him closer.
I love the prophecies in this book too, about how world peace will be achieved through the emancipation of women, education and the coming of equality and justice to the world.
Although we are in turmoil at the moment as the old ways of doing things crumble around us, it is refreshing to think that there are spiritually minded people all working for the goal of world unity, knowing that humanity has a great calling and a dazzling future.

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abdul Baha brings the ideals of the Bahai Faith to the western world in these series of talks at various institutions in Paris France during the early 1900's. He presents the principles of the Faith and encourages all attendees to investigate the Faith and learn of the life of Bahaullah. It is a very interesting and easy read.

[Sheida · Rating 5 out of 5]

very very good book, i feel like it was more of a spiritual book because it had "tablets" which is another word for verses or passages. I really enjoyed this book and the fact that it was written 105 years ago made it even more interesting

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, simple talks, we are enlightened with words of true wisdom in quote-worthy phrases. This deals with the real issues in the world like equality and peace, and is actually a very easy read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and completely accurate

[John White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Everything that comes from the pen of Abdu'l-Baha is beautiful.

[Martin Genet · Rating 5 out of 5]

All his writings are impressive. They all speak to the heart.