Collins Gate
(leads to the portico entrance of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.)

Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh
(entrance is on the other side)

Bahji pilgrim house

      Coaches took us to Bahji, while our guides pointed out various sights and then suggested that those not understanding Arabic could follow the tablet of visitation in their own prayer books. After a walk round the gardens, during which an introduction was given, we entered the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the tablet of visitation was chanted in Arabic. I did follow the English translation in my prayer book and found that to be a good idea. Since we were approaching the most holy place on earth, I should not have been surprised to find it even more spectacular than the other two Shrines, but I was surprised; you have to see it to understand. 

      At leisure we were able to read prayers silently, have refreshments in the Bahji pilgrim house, and take photographs in the gardens. 

      In the afternoon we went to the reception hall in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice; we were served tea and biscuits and then were introduced to the 6 members of the Universal House of Justice who were available at that time. Having been welcomed by one of them (they rotate this duty), we all stood, staff quickly removed the chairs we had been sitting on, then the 6 members walked between the rows and each shook hands with all of us.