...The Guardian would suggest that you study very carefully
the statements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in connection with the question of visions,
dreams, etc., as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has very fully explained this delicate subject.
You will find references to this in “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” 'Some
Answered Questions' and the Books of Tablets. The Guardian likewise has
commented on this matter.
Briefly, there is no question that visions occasionally do
come to individuals, which are true and have significance. On the other hand,
this comes to an individual through the grace of God, and not through the
exercise of any of the human faculties. It is not a thing which a person should
try to develop. When a person endeavours to develop faculties so that they
might enjoy visions, dreams etc., actually what they are doing is weakening
certain of their spiritual capacities; and thus under such circumstances,
dreams and visions have no reality, and ultimately lead to the destruction of
the character of the person.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated May 6, 1952, written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Spiritualism, Reincarnation and
Related Subjects’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House
of Justice, published in ‘Baha’i Institutions’ a compilation by India
Publishing Trust, 1973)
