The Dawn of a New Era While the spread of Western ideas have been responsible for material progress, they have also led to a crack between new and traditional ways of life in Southeast Asia. Most Southeast Asians, however, have succeeded in preserving the balance between material and spiritual values and are disturbed by the effects of unpleasant materialism on their societies in recent years. These are the Southeast Asians: steeped in ways of harmonious thinking and collective acting taught to them by the Manifestations of the Divine Being. Their tolerance and compassion towards diverse cultures and religions is a key factor in their spiritual receptivity, in embracing the eternal truth of the oneness of humanity. These are the peoples who welcomed and basked in the fragrant breezes of the paradise of Bahá in their vast and varied lands. And, like links on an ever expanding bridge, the valiant followers of Bahá’u’lláh marched onward, overcoming obstacles and surmounting setbacks, as they unfurled banners of the Glory of His Name in these illumined gardens of the Southeast! | 
