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CHAPTER EIGHT
THE LOOM OF REALITY
786. Verily, if my Lord destine unto me and cause me to taste the
sweetness of the cup of the great martyrdom, my greatest desire will be
fulfilled. Fear not if this Branch be severed from the material earth and cast
aside the leaves -- nay, rather, its leaves will flourish, for this Branch will
grow after it is cut from the earth, will ascend until it shelters the universe,
its foliage will reach the Supreme Apex and bear fruits, imparting fragrance
perfume into the world.
787. As to life, however, it has no beginning, nor will it have any
end. The eternal grace of God has always been the cause of life. It has had no
starting point and it will no approach any end. But concerning the degrees
through which the soul has gone, these degrees are spiritual. Consider all the
advancement of the world of humanity which is at present manifest and known.
This has been realized through the spirit. The manifestation of the divine laws
and disciplines which are essential to the realities of beings; and in the world
of the Kingdom they are ideals which in the appearance of the holy
Manifestations of God are realized.
788. The fruits of the deeds of man, i.e., the harvest of the reward
of man’s conduct, is gathered in the heavenly realm.
789. But as to evolution: it is true of both body and the spirit.
Consider how many sciences, arts, discoveries and achievements have come into
existence since the days of Moses till the present time through the progress of
the human soul in knowledge and perfections. Similarly, how much the soul has
evolved from the moral point of view.
When the body of man is perfected, physical evolution comes to an end,
since nature does not seek to build a higher form than that of man. But the
evolution of spirit continues until reason,
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the mental powers, and the emotional capacities are evolved in it.
These are not produced by entities which pass from body to body, but by the
universal or World Spirit of man. The results of each individual
life-experience go to the general enrichment of humanity. As a hundred lamps may
be lit from a single flame, so the one World Spirit illumines the minds of
countless men. Without this spirit, man’s body, like the lamp, is
lifeless matter.
790. Have full assurance that love is the mystery of the appearance of
God; that love is the divine aspect of God; that love is spiritual grace; that
love is the light of the Kingdom; that love is as the breath of the Holy Spirit
in the spirit of man. Love is the cause of the manifestation of truth in the
material world. Love is the essential bond of union which exists between God
and all things in their ultimate reality. Love is the source of the greatest
happiness of the material and the spiritual worlds. Love is the light by which
man is guided in the midst of darkness. Love is the communication between truth
and man in the realm of consciousness. Love is the means of growth for all who
are enlightened.
Love is the highest law in this great universe of God. Love is the
law of order between simple essences, whereby they are apportioned and united
into compound substances in this world of matter. Love is the essential and
magnetic power that organizes the planets and the stars which shine in infinite
space. Love supplies the impulse to that intense and unceasing meditation which
reveals the hidden mysteries of the universe.
Love is the highest honor for all the nations of men. To that people
in whom God causes love to appear the Supreme Concourse, the angels of heaven,
and the hosts of the kingdom of the Glorious One make salutation. When the
hearts of a people are void of this Divine power -- of the love of God -- they
will descend to the lowest estate of mortals, they will wander in the desert of
error, they will fall into the slough of despair and there is no deliverance for
them. They become like worms which delight in groveling in the earth.
O friends of God! be ye manifestations of the love of God and lamps of
guidance in all horizons, shining by the light of love and harmony.
How beautiful is the shining of this shining!
791. Thou hast written that thou art a student in the progressive
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spiritual school. Happy is thy condition! If the various progressive
schools join themselves to the universal university of the Kingdom, such
knowledge and sciences will be brought into light that man will see the
potentialities of the “Open Tablet” of existence are infinite; will
realize that all the created things are as letters and words; will be instructed
in the lessons of the degrees of significances; will perceive the signs of
oneness in the primordial atoms of the earth; will hear the voice of the Lord of
the Kingdom; will behold the confirmations of the Holy Spirit and will find such
ecstasy and joy that, unable to contain himself in the vast area of existence,
he will prepare himself for the journey toward the Kingdom and will hasten to
the immensity of the Realm of Might. As soon as a bird is fledged, it cannot
keep itself on the ground; nay, rather it soareth up toward the Supreme Apex --
except the birds whose feet are tied, whose wings are clipped, whose feathers
are broken and who are soiled with water and clay.
792. O thou seeker of Truth! The realm of the Kingdom is a unit.
The only difference lies in this: that when the season of spring dawneth, a new
and wonderful motion and rejuvenation is witnessed in all the existing things;
the mountains and meadows are revived; the trees find freshness and delicacy and
are clothed with radiant and bright leaves, blossoms and fruits. In like manner
the preceding Manifestations form an inseparable link with the subsequent
dispensations; nay, rather, they are identical with each other. Since the world
is constantly developing itself, the rays become stronger, the outpouring
becometh greater and the sun appeareth in the meridian orbit.
793. O thou yearner after the Kingdom! Each Manifestation is the
heart of the world and the proficient Physician of every patient. The world of
humanity is sick, but that skilful Physician hath the healing remedy and He
bestoweth Divine teachings, exhortations and advices which are the remedy of
every ailment and the dressing for every wound. Undoubtedly the wise physician
discovereth the needs of the patient at every season and prescribeth suitable
medicine. Therefore, when thou wilt compare the teachings of the Beauty of
‘Abhá with the requisitions and necessities of the present time,
thou wilt conclude that they are to the sick body of the world the swift healing
antidote; nay, rather, they are the remedy producing everlasting health. The
prescription of the proficient physicians of the past and the future will not
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be the same; nay, rather, they will be in accord with the ailment of
the patient. Although the medicine is changed, yet all of these changes are for
the sole purpose of healing the sick. In former dispensations the sick body of
the world could not bear strong and overpowering remedies. That is why His
Holiness the Christ said: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye
cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of the Comforter, who is
sent by the Father, is come, He will guide you unto all truth.”
Therefore, in this age of lights, specific teachings have become universal, in
order that the outpouring of the Merciful One environ both the East and the
West, the oneness of the Kingdom of humanity become manifest and the luminosity
of truth enlighten the world of consciousness. The descent of the New Jerusalem
is the heavenly religion which secures the prosperity of the human world and is
the effulgence of the illumination of the realm of God. In reality Emmanuel was
the forerunner of the second coming of His Highness the Christ and the herald of
the path of the Kingdom.
This is self-evident, that the letter is an organic member of the
word. This membership denoted subordination; that is, that the letter draws its
life from the word and hath spiritual relationship with it and is accounted a
part of it. The apostles were the Letters and His Highness Christ the Essence
of the Word; and the significance of the Word, which is the Everlasting
Outpouring, casts a splendor upon those Letters. Since a letter is a part of
the word itself, it is intrinsically identical with the word.
I hope that thou shalt arise to perform all that which His Highness
Emmanuel hath predicted. Know thou this of a certainty, that thou shalt become
assisted. The confirmations of the Holy Spirit are descending uninterruptedly.
The power of the Word shall penetrate in such wise that the Letter will become
the reflective mirror of the Sun of the Word, and the radiation of the lights of
the Word shall illuminate the whole earth. But the heavenly Jerusalem, which is
established upon the apex of the world and the Holy of Holies of the Almighty,
which hath hoisted its banner, comprehendeth and includeth in it all the
perfections and teachings of the former dispensations. Likewise, it is the
herald of the oneness of the world of humanity, the ensign of universal peace,
the spirit of eternal life, the lights of divine perfections, the surrounding
bestowal of the realm of existence,
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the adornment and grandeur of the world of creation, and the cause of
the tranquillity of humankind.
794. Turn thy attention toward the holy Tablets.* Read and
reflect upon the Tablets of Ishraqát,
Tajallíyát, the Words of Paradise, the Glad Tidings,
Tarazát and the Book of Aqdas. These divine teachings in this day are
the remedy of the ailments of the world of man, and the dressing of the wounded
body of existence; they are the spirit of life, the ark of salvation, the magnet
of the everlasting glory, and the penetrative power in the reality of man!
795. The beloved of God must be the cause of spreading the Heavenly
Love. They must impart spiritual concord; deal with all men in the utmost
sincerity and kindness in accord with the commands and exhortations of the
Merciful One. And they must treat all with benevolence. They must render
devoted service to the friends, wish prosperity for enemies, show kindness to
the bad tempered, and be affectionate toward the unjust. They must become a
salutary water to thirsty ones, a swift healing to sick persons, a remedy to the
ailing; comfort the minds of those afflicted with calamities; become the light
of guidance to the erring, an affectionate guide to the wandering, a seeing eye
to the blind, a hearing ear to the deaf, an eternal life to the dead, and an
everlasting joy to the dispirited.
796. Prayer and supplication are two wings whereby man soars toward
the heavenly mansion of the True One. However, verbal repetition of prayer does
not suffice. One must live in a perennial attitude of prayer. When man is
spiritually free his mind becomes the altar and his heart the sanctuary of
prayer. Then the meaning of the verse “He will lift up from before his
eyes the veil” will become fulfilled in man.
797. People think religion is confined to an edifice, to be worshipped
at an altar. In reality it is an attitude toward divinity which is reflected
through life. The confirmations of the Spirit come to that man or woman who
accepts his life with radiant acquiescence. Release comes by making of the will
a door through
F1 For quotations from the Tablets referred to here, see Contents.
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which the confirmations of the Spirit come. By religion we mean those
necessary bonds which unify the world of humanity. This has ever been the
essence of religion, for this object have all the Manifestations come to the
world. Alas! that the leaders of religion afterwards have abandoned this solid
foundation and have fabricated a set of blind dogmas and rituals which are at
complete variance with the foundation of divine religion.
798. Indifference breeds deterioration. Silence is the cause of
retrogression. Thoughtlessness leads to forgetfulness. Passivity, inaction,
produce oblivion. Consequently do ye not seek one moment of rest by day or by
night. Nay, rather strive after composure of heart in the heaven of Unity. Do
ye not for one moment obey the instinct of the worldly consciousness for ease.
Seek ye divine happiness through the hardships and sorrows of this physical
world, and behold spiritual well-being in the struggles of this fleeting
existence. Distill sugar and honey from the bitter poison of suffering.
Recognize the caress of divine favor in the arrows of misfortune. Consider the
lowest degree of humiliation in the path of the Blessed Perfection as the
highest station of Glory. Know descent to be identical with ascent, and
consider death itself the essence of life.
799. The Word of God is the storehouse of all good, all power and all
wisdom. The illiterate fisherman and savage Arabs through it were enabled to
solve such problems as were puzzles to eminent sages from the beginning of time.
It awakens within us that brilliant intuition which makes us independent of all
tuition, and endows us with an all-embracing power of spiritual understanding.
Many a soul after fruitless struggles in the ark of philosophy was drowned in
the sea of conflicting theories of cause and effect, while those on board the
craft of simplicity reached the shore of the Universal Cause, aided by favorable
winds blowing from the point of divine knowledge. When man is associated with
that transcendent power emanating from the Word of God, the tree of his being
becomes so well rooted in the soil of assurance that it laughs at hurricanes of
skepticism violently attempting its destruction. For this association of the
part with the Whole endows him with the Whole, and this union of the particular
with the Universal makes him all in all.
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800. Evil does not exist. Death is only the lack of life; therefore
death does not exist. Darkness is only the lack of light. Evil is only the lack
of good. Ignorance is only the lack of knowledge. Poverty is the lack of
wealth. Misleading is the lack of guidance. Miserliness is the lack of
generosity. The non-existence of light is darkness. The lack of sight is
blindness. The lack of hearing is deafness. All these things are non-existent.
God did not create any evil thing. God did not create a man poor. Poverty is
only the lack of wealth. Guidance is the gift of God, and if a man is deprived
of it, he will be misled; but he is not misled by God -- it is only the result
of the lack of guidance.
801. Everything save man has one condition, but man has two. The
animal has one condition of nature, but man has the animal nature and the Divine
nature. If the Divine nature predominates he will be good, but if the human
nature predominates he will be evil. One will lift him up, but the other will
send him to the lowest depths. Man can become so degraded that he will worship
a stone, which is of the lowest kingdom; but the spiritual will raise him to the
Supreme Realms. Jesus Christ had the same two conditions, the earthly and the
heavenly; man has the same. Man has the power of knowledge which will exalt him
to heaven, and the power of ignorance which will debase him to the lowest
condition. The more a person advances in Divine matters, the more will he
receive the attributes of light; and the more he retrogrades, the more he will
receive the qualities of darkness. The world is dark and in darkness, but the
spiritual world is light. This is the Heavenly Kingdom.
802. People must live for one another, and not live in seclusion as do
the monks and nuns. People should not live solitary lives. Light is of no value
in an empty room. A tree is of no service to any one on the summit of a
mountain, but should stand in a place where it will give shade and where its
fruits can be gathered. The believers should be together as much as possible.
Two lamps in a room give more light than one.
803. Man must work, and in that work show the qualities of God and
thus do good. His work, both material and spiritual, must
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reveal what he himself is. By his arts, sciences, inventions and all
of his work, man must reveal his highest capacity.
804. 9 is the last number and it is the greater number. 10 is simply
the continuation of the number 1 because 10 is 1 and 100 is 1. Place the units
up to 10 and we simply return to the number 1. The units end at 9. Number 9 is
the highest, and from it all other numbers are made. The calculation of the
word “Báb” is 5 and Bahá is 9. If you multiply 9 by 5
you have 45. Now 45 is the Arabic numerical value of the word Adam.
As Adam is the Father of humanity, and means the real man, therefore
the product of the Báb and Bahá is equal to the number Adam.
There is no great difference between the Greatest Name and the name of Adam. In
their nature they are one. (The digits of 45 added equal 9.) Also, 1 plus 2
equals 3; 3 plus 3 equals 6; 6 plus 4 equals 10; 10 plus 5 equals 15; 15 is the
number of Eve. By the physical marriage of Adam and Eve the race originated,
and by the appearance of the Manifestation
(Bahá’u’lláh) and the Báb, the Spiritual
Generation had its origin. Therefore there is great knowledge and understanding
when the two names are made into one, because if you add from 1 to 9
consecutively, the result is equal to the number of Bahá and the
Báb multiplied together, which equals 45, and it is equal to the number
of Adam; and this is the wisdom in it. The name of God which Christ gave to His
disciples was the Name of the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh.
It was the same spiritually, but it was a Name which was never pronounced. All
the Bible was written for Bahá’u’lláh. Everywhere,
“Lord of Hosts” refers to the Manifestation.
805. The highest expression of the life of man on this planet in this
age and many ages to come is Celestial: that is, to live and act in accord with
the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to be steadfast in
the love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’. The principles of the
Religion of the Blessed Perfection adorn the spirit with the highest attributes
of the Kingdom of ‘Abhá, illumine the heart with the Sun of the love of
God, make him a servant of the world of humanity, a standard-bearer of Universal
Peace, and an orb shining from the heaven of righteousness.
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He forgets himself and lives in the flow of the love of the True One;
he embraces all mankind with an ineffable tenderness, striving day and night to
serve his fellowman. He becomes a herald of the Supreme Concourse and wins the
good pleasure of the Lord of Hosts. He will be attracted with the love of the
Beloved, and immerse his whole being in the ocean of humility and meekness. He
will enlist himself in the army of human progress, to realize the limitless
advancement of the human race. Through his zeal, he will sacrifice everything
in the path of God, and quaff from the chalice of eternal life.
This is the most glorious bounty of this Age; this is the bestowal of
the Bahá’í Circle; this is the Light that illuminates every
heart. This is the water that allays every thirst one; this is the Divine Elixir
that changes man into the image and likeness of the Almighty.
806. To tamper with psychic forces while in this world interferes with
the condition of the soul in the world to come. These forces are real, but are
not to be active on this plane.
The child in the womb has its eyes, ears, hands and feet, but these
powers are not in activity. The whole purpose of the womb-life is the coming
forth into this world. So, the whole purpose of this matrix-world life is the
coming forth into the world of Reality, where all these (psychic) forces will be
active. They belong to that world.
This mineral and these trees have no knowledge of the animal and human worlds; they cannot imagine them, they deny their very existence. While the
human world is helping the animal and developing the vegetable kingdoms, these
kingdoms are unconscious of it. Similarly, the human world cannot comprehend
the world of the Kingdom; it is absolutely ignorant of the Kingdom, while the
heavenly spirits have influence in the human world.
Observe how clear this point is, yet the professors and philosophers
of the world ignore this Reality! The psychic mediums, however, are speaking of
the world of thought and not the world of Reality. But a heavenly soul who is
conscious of the divine world, whose eye of discernment is open, who is severed
from the world of nature, and has attained to spiritual power -- this soul is
cognizant of the divine world and the world of spirits. Reality is pure spirit,
it is not physical. That is, it occupies no space.
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807. By God, who is the only God, and there is no God but Him, this
servant swears the masters did not come that man should adore them, or worship
them, or acknowledge their prophethood. No! rather the masters of all time have
suffered for no other purpose than this -- that fleshly veils might be rent
asunder and Reality become manifest.
808. There are before you so many temptations, trials, afflictions,
calamities and difficulties because you have to be purified through fire and
sifted through the sieve in order to separate the wheat from the tares. Verily,
I say unto you: none will be saved but the believers, and from the believers
only the sincere, and even those are in great danger, especially in such a time.
Consider ye! What calumny, slander, cruelty and oppression were
brought down upon the Apostles by the Israelites for the sake of faith and
assurance. They extended the hands of pillage, they persecuted and tortured
those sanctified souls. Therefore, there is no doubt but that you will become
afflicted with trial, calamity and oppression in the Path of the Beauty of
‘Abhá. But these trials are the essence of bestowal, and pure bounty, and
the proofs of your acceptance at the Threshold of Oneness. Consequently, when
the fire of trials is lighted, celebrate ye in joy, dance with overflowing
emotions, rejoicing that, praise be to God, you have become the target of
contempt in the Path of the Beauty of ‘Abhá, and are hated by the people
of passion and desire!
809. This Cause has become world-wide. In a short space of time it
has permeated throughout all regions, for it has a magnetic power which attracts
all intelligent men and women toward this center. If a person become informed
of the reality of this Cause, he will believe in it, for these teachings are the
spirit of this age.
The Bahá’í Movement imparts life. It is the cause
of love and amity amongst mankind. It establishes communication between various
nations and religions. It removes all antagonisms. And when this Cause is
fully spread in Europe, warfare will be a thing of the past, universal peace
will be realized, the oneness of the world of humanity will be recognized, and
religion and science will work hand in hand.
The Bahá’í Movement bestows upon man a new spirit, a new light, and a new motion. It enlarges the sphere of thought. It
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illumines the horizon of the intellect. It expands the arena of
comprehension.
This is the ultimate goal of human life. This is the fruit of
existence. This is the brilliant pearl of cosmic consciousness. This is the
shining star of spiritual destiny.
810. Though unity was produced in bygone centuries, still complete
unity was not feasible, for the means and causes of union were wanting, and
among the five continents of the world connection and communication did not
exist. Moreover, even among the people of one continent, intercourse and
interchange of ideas was difficult. Therefore intercourse, unity, connection
and interchange of ideas among all the people of the world through one center
was impossible. But now the means of connection are man, and the five
continents of the world are really as one.
The connection of commerce, art, science and agriculture is now
evident, and has absolute sway. Therefore union and harmony are possible to be
produced among all. These means of connection are the wonders of this glorious
century and great epoch. Former centuries were deprived of this possibility, for
this enlightened century has another power, another splendor, another condition.
That is why you see it daily bringing forth some new wonder. Finally it will
ignite shining lights in the gatherings of the world. Like the aurora of the
morning, the signs of these great lights are already apparent on the horizon.
The first light is political union, and a little trace of this has
already appeared.
The second light is harmony of ideas in regard to essential matters,
and the effect of this will soon be apparent.
The third light is the union of freedom; that likewise will surely be
produced.
The fourth light is the union of religion, and this is the essential
foundation. The evidence of this union will appear in the gatherings of the
world with divine power.
The fifth light is the union of nations. In this century the union of
brotherhood will appear in absolute might -- at last all the people of the world
will consider themselves natives of one country.
The sixth light is the union of all classes. All the people of the
world will be as one kind.
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The seventh light is the union of one language. That is, a language
will be made which all the people will learn and through it converse one with
another.
These things which have been mentioned will surely come to pass, for
they are confirmed by a heavenly power. Consider that in Persia there were so
many different classes, antagonistic sects and diverse ideas that its conditions
were the lowest in the world. But now through the breath of the Holy Spirit it
has attained to such a degree of union and connection that these different
people, antagonistic creeds and hostile classes are as one soul. You will see
them associating, conversing and mingling with one another in perfect union,
brotherhood and fraternity. In large meetings you can see Christians, Jews,
Zoroastrians and Moslems associating in perfect union, brotherhood, love,
freedom and joy.
Consider what the power of the Greatest Name has done!
811. As to your question regarding the stars: Know that these
brilliant stars are numberless and their existence is not devoid of wisdom both
useful and important.
Rather they are worlds, as is this world of ours. But they differ in
their bodies, by the difference of elements, from this earthly body. The differ
in formation. The beings existent upon these bodies are according to their
formation.
As to the worlds whereunto Christ (unto whom be Glory) referred: They are spiritual, divine, heavenly, single, unlocated -- souls know them. But,
verily, the sight of the people of the Kingdom of El-Abhá perceives them,
and the intellect of the people of the Supreme Concourse apprehends them.
812. The disease which afflicts the body politic is lack of love and
absence of altruism. In the hearts of men no real love is found, and the
condition is such that unless their susceptibilities are quickened by some power
so that unity, love and accord develop within them, there can be no healing, no
relief among mankind. Love and unity are the needs of the body politic today.
Without these no progress nor prosperity can be attained. Therefore the friends
of God must adhere to that Power which will create this love and unity in the
hearts of the sons of men. Science cannot cure the illness of the body politic.
Science cannot
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create amity and fellowship in human hearts. Neither can patriotism or
racial prejudice effect a remedy. It can be accomplished solely through the
divine bounties and the spiritual bestowals which have descended from God in
this Day for that very purpose.
This is an exigency of the times, and the divine remedy has been
provided. The spiritual Teachings of the Religion of God alone can create this
love, unity and accord in human hearts. Therefore, hold to these heavenly
agencies which God has provided so that through the love of God this soul-tie
may be established, this heart-attachment realized, the light of the reality of
unity be reflected from you throughout the universe.
The secrets of the whole economic question are divine in nature, and
are concerned with the world of the heart and spirit. In the
Bahá’í Teachings this is most completely explained, and
without the consideration of the Bahá’í Teachings it is
impossible to bring about a better state.
813. Bahá’ís consider it more blessed and a
greater privilege to bestow than to gain and receive. They believe that
bestowing good upon one another is the greatest means of help to both. This is
not the principle and practise of their calumniators, who make even religion a
source of livelihood.
814. The body of man, which has been formed gradually, must similarly
be decomposed gradually. This is according to the real and natural order and
divine law. If it had been better for it to be burned after death, in its
creation it would have been so planned that the body would automatically become
ignited after death, be consumed and turned into ashes. But the divine order
formulated by the heavenly ordinance is that after death this body shall be
transferred from one stage to another different from the preceding one, so that
according to the relations which exist in this world, it may gradually combine
and mix with other elements, thus going through stages until it arrive in the
vegetable kingdom, there turning into plants and flowers, developing into trees
of the highest paradise, becoming perfumed and attaining the beauty of color.
Cremation suppresses it speedily from attainment to these
transformations, the elements becoming so quickly decomposed that transformation
to these various stages is checked.
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815. Now as to what thou askest concerning the Spirit and its return
to this world of humanity, and this elemental space: Know that the Spirit in
general is divided into five sorts, the Vegetable Spirit, the Animal Spirit, the
Human Spirit, the Spirit of Faith, and the Divine Spirit of Sanctity.
The Vegetable Spirit is the virtue perceptive, resulting from the
admixture and absorption of the vital elements generated in the heart, which
apprehend sense impressions.
The Human Spirit consists of the rational faculty, which apprehends
general ideas and things intelligible and perceptible.
Now these spirits are not reckoned as “Spirit” in the
terminology of the Scriptures and the usage of the people of Truth, inasmuch as
the laws governing them are the same laws as govern all other phenomenal being,
in respect to generation and corruption and production and change and reversion,
as is clearly indicated in the Gospel where it says: “Let the dead bury
their dead.” “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that
which is born of the Spirit is Spirit”; inasmuch as he who would bury
these dead was alive with the vegetative, animal and rational human soul, yet
did Christ (to whom be Glory!) declare such to be dead and devoid of life, in
that this person was devoid of the Spirit of Faith, which is of the Kingdom of
God.
In brief, for these three spirits there is no restitution or return,
but they are subordinate to reversions and production and corruption.
But the Spirit of Faith, which is of the Kingdom, consists of the
all-comprehending grace and the perfect attainment, and the power of sanctity,
and the divine effulgence from the Sun of Truth on luminous, light-seeking
essences, from the Presence of the Divine Unity. And by this Spirit is the life
of the spirit of man, when it is fortified thereby, as Christ (to whom be
Glory!) saith: “That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” And
this Spirit hath both restitution and return, inasmuch as it consists of the
Light of God and the unconditioned grace. So, having regard to this state and
station, Christ (to whom be Glory!) announced that John the Baptist was Elias
“who was for to come” before Christ. And the likeness of this
station is as that of lamps
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kindled from one another: for these, in respect to their glasses and
oil-holders, are different, but in respect to their Light, one, and in respect
to their illumination, one; nay, each is identical with the other, without
imputation of plurality, or diversity, or multiplicity, or separateness. This
is the Truth, and beyond the Truth there is only error.
816. But as to the question of the Trinity: Know, O advancer unto
God, that in each one of the cycles wherein the Lights have shone forth upon the
horizons, and the Forgiving Lord hath revealed Himself on Mount Parán, or
Mount Sinai, or Mount Seir, there are necessarily three things, the Giver of the
Grace, the Grace, and the Recipient of the Grace: the Source of the Effulgence,
the Effulgence, and the Recipient of the Effulgence; the Illuminator, the
Illumination, and the Illuminated. Look at the Mosaic cycle -- the Lord and
Moses, and the Fire the intermediary; and in the Messianic cycle, the Father and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost and the intermediary; and in the Muhammadan cycle,
the Lord and the Apostle, and Gabriel the intermediary. Look at the sun and its
rays, and the heat which results from its rays; the rays and the heat are but
two effects of the sun, but inseparable from it and sent out from it; yet is the
sun one in its essence, unique in its real identity, single in its attributes,
nor can anything possibly resemble it. Such is the essence of the truth
concerning the Unity, the real doctrine of the Oneness, the undiluted reality as
to the divine Sanctity.
817. In short, by religion we mean those necessary bonds which unify
the world of humanity. This has ever been the essence of the religion of God.
This is the object of divine teaching and laws. This is the Light of the
everlasting Life. But a thousand times, alas! this solid foundation is
abandoned and forgotten, and the leaders of religion have fabricated a set of
blind dogmas and rituals which are at complete variance with the foundation of
divine religion. As these dogmas differ from each other, they become
oppositions, oppositions breed strife, and strife ends in war and bloodshed.
Thus religion, which was destined to become the cause of friendship, has become
the cause of enmity. Religion, which was to confer everlasting life, has become
a fiendish weapon of death. Hence, these superannuated, tattered dogmas,
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which are current among present day religions, must be totally given
up; and thus, free from past traditions, the people must investigate the real
objects of divine religion -- when the true religion of God shall become
unveiled in the utmost beauty and sublimity in the assemblage of the world.
818. Search untiringly for truth and reiterate the teachings which
harmonize with the crying needs of the hour. This will be the cause of the
progress of man, the illumination of the Orient and the Occident. The important
thing is to spread the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in our
own century. Whoever listens to these Teachings properly explained, will say:
“Here is the Truth -- that which will render life a greater thing!”
819. The days of human existence are like vanishing shadows. Compared
to the world of Reality, they are brought to a close with extreme speed. From
amongst the world of humanity those who lead a heedless life are afflicted with
manifest loss; for when the days of their life come to a sudden end, there is no
trace, no leaves, no blossom, no fruit. They shall remain in the lowest degree,
and no mention is left behind for them. From king to servant, all walk this
fleeting path and live in this circle, but none shall endure save those who are
freed from every tie. They are not greedy after comfort, nor do they seek
flitting pleasures. They are not longing for honor, neither pursue the
phantasmal imaginations of glory and wealth. They are the devotees, the tried
soldiers of Bahá’u’lláh -- wanderers over mountain and
desert. In the state of complete renunciation they call the people to the
Kingdom of God, and they are the cause of the guidance of souls. Like unto the
candle, they are aflame with all the virtues of the world of humanity. This is
everlasting glory. This is eternal life. This is true attainment. This is the
divine sublimity of the creation of God.
820. Were it not for the favors of the Blessed Perfection, no one
would have given us any importance. There are some who become proud and haughty
and forget this fact. In their utter blindness they consider themselves to be
important. Then they fall from their high pedestal, and great is the noise
thereof.
Meekness and humility are the hallmarks of faith. As soon as a
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believer feels himself the least degree superior to others, the
beginning of his spiritual decline has set in, all unaware to himself. There are
no offices in this Cause. I do not and have not “appointed” any one
to perform any special service, but I encourage every one to engage in the
service of the Kingdom. The foundation of this Cause is pure spiritual
democracy, and not theocracy. The difference between me and others is this: I
confess and acknowledge my own inability, weakness and humility, and know that
all these outward confirmations are the favors of the Blessed Perfection. There
are some who imagine, and little by little come to believe, that their spiritual
successes are by and through themselves.
821. There are two kinds of love, one universal and one individual.
You must love humanity in order to uplift and beautify humanity. Even if people
slay you, yet must you love them. Individual love cannot be forced, and you are
not required to love anybody personally; but if they are in your lives, see to
it that they are means to your development and that you are means to their
development, through your universal love for them. We are creatures of the same
God, therefore we must love all as children of God even though they are doing us
harm. Christ loved his persecutors. It is possible for us to attain to that
love. God manifested His Love by created man in His own image. Man must
manifest this love by developing himself and others in the image of God.
822. It is possible so to adjust oneself to the practise of nobility
that its atmosphere surrounds and colors every act. When actions are habitually
and conscientiously adjusted to noble standards, with no thought of the words
that might herald them, then nobility becomes the accent of life. At such a
degree of evolution one scarcely needs try any longer to be good -- all acts are
become the distinctive expression of nobility.
823. As there is no one who has not his place indicated in the world
(for nothing useless exists on this earth), we must treat every one with respect
and affection, for in each individual we can see a sign of the divine favor and
power, that power which has been able to draw such a being out of matter, make
of him
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a creature with sensorial faculties, and endow him with intellectual
and spiritual potentiality. This is one of the proofs of the divine power. Let
us respect these living proofs of God.
824. The centers of divine perfections are the Manifestations of God
as seen in His prophets. In whichever country, or at whatever time they come,
they are the center of the divine perfections; and as the sun in the material
heavens develops the material beings, so do these spiritual suns develop the
world of souls.
Let us turn toward the spiritual Sun and acquire a spiritual light
which will render the world luminous, so that we may be freed from matter and
acquire celestial qualities, that this limited existence may become
eternal.
825. The Divine Reality is far removed from man. It is absolutely
remote and independent in Its essence; abstract, limitless, impersonal beyond
human comprehension.
Man is limited, weak, without power, helpless. The Divine Reality
represents power absolute, capacity for all things, fulfillment for all the
needs of man.
The Divine Reality is to man what the sun is to the earth. The sun is
life, radiance, heat, power, energy. The earth is dead, inert, helpless,
incapable of initiative or change.
The sun in its remoteness could never reach the earth -- and the
earth, wretched, helpless -- could never attain to the glory and splendor of the
sun. An intermediary there must be. In some way the radiant, life-giving power
of the sun must be brought to the darkened earth, and this becomes possible
through the media of light and heat. Through their means this dark ball of
earth becomes the home of fragrant, blooming life.
As there must be an intermediary to transmit to the earth the
life-giving power of the sun, so must there be an intermediary to bring God to
man; and this is realized through the ever-present power of the Holy Spirit. As
the media of light and heat carry fragrance and bloom to the earth, so the Holy
Spirit brings to man perfection and inspiration. The earth alone is but a
senseless clod -- touched by the sun it becomes life and energy. So the Holy
Spirit touches the heart of man and awakens him to eternal life. It gives to man
all possibilities. The cause of life widens before his eyes; eternity opens to
him and becomes his, and every moment
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it is his inviolable possession. Limitations disappear, and he becomes
more and more sensitive to the teachings of the Holy Spirit. All things are his
own.
Without the intermediary of the Holy Spirit, man would remain dull,
helpless and deprived of attainment. But touched by that Divine Elixir he
becomes tender, loving, responsive, and capable of every perfection of
existence.
Turn your faces away from the contemplation of your own finite selves
and fix your eyes upon the everlasting radiance, then will your souls receive in
full measure the divine powers of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of the
infinite bounty.
826. In the Bahá’í Cause, arts, sciences and all
crafts are considered as worship. The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the
best of his ability, conscientiously concentrating all his forces on perfecting
it, is giving praise to God. Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man
from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest
motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve
mankind and minister to people’s needs. Service is prayer. A physician
ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice, and believing in
the solidarity of the human race -- he is offering praise.
827. When the teachers delivers an address, first of all his own words
must have a supremely powerful effect over himself, so that others in turn may
be affected; his utterances must be like a flame of fire, burning away the veils
of dogma, passion and desire. Moreover, he must be in the utmost state of
humility and self-effacement, that others may be rendered mindful. He must have
attained the station of renunciation and annihilation. Then, and not until
then, will he teach the people with the humility of the Supreme Concourse.
828. Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of
humanity. Without truthfulness, progress and success in all the worlds of God
are impossible for a soul to attain. When this holy attribute is established in
man, all the other divine qualities will also become realized.
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829. Economy is the foundation of human prosperity. The spendthrift
is always in trouble. Prodigality on the part of any person is an unpardonable
sin. We must never live on others like a parasitic plant. Every person must
have a profession, whether it be literary or manual, and must live a clean,
manly, honest life, an example of purity to be imitated by others. It is more
kingly to be satisfied with a crust of stale bread than to enjoy a sumptuous
dinner of many courses, the money for which comes out of the pockets of others.
The mind of a contented person is always peaceful and his heart at rest. He is
like a monarch ruling over the whole world. How happily such a man helps
himself to his frugal meals! How joyfully he takes his walks, how peacefully he
sleeps!
830. The food of the future will be fruit and grains. The time will
come when meat is no longer eaten. Medical science is yet only in its infancy,
but it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground.
The people will gradually develop up to the condition of taking only this
natural food.
831. Economics must commence with the farmer and thence reach out and
embrace the other classes, inasmuch as the number of farmers is greater than
that of other groups. Therefore it is becoming that the economic problem be
solved for the farmer first, for the farmer is the first active agent in the
body politic.
In brief: from among the wise men of every village a Board should be
organized, and the affairs of that village should be under the control of the
Board. Likewise, a general storehouse should be founded and a secretary
appointed for it. At the time of the harvest, with the approval of the members
of the Board, a determined percentage of the entire harvest should be
appropriated for the storehouse.
This storehouse is to have seven revenues: tithes, taxes on animals,
wealth without inheritors, all things who owner cannot be discovered, a third of
all treasure found in the ground, a third of the output of the mines, and
voluntary contributions.
On the other hand, there are seven expenditures. First, the general
running expenses of the institution, salaries, etc., and the administration of
public safety, including a department of hygiene.
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Second, tithes to the general government. Third, taxes on animals for
the State. Fourth, support of an orphanage. Fifth, support of cripples and
incurables. Sixth, support of educational institutions. Seventh, supplying any
deficiency in the expenses of the poor.
If anything is left in the storehouse, that must be transferred to the
general treasury of the nation for general national expenses.
When such a system is established, each individual member of the body
politic will live in the utmost comfort and happiness, and the degrees will be
preserved. There will be no disturbance of these degrees whatsoever, for they
are the essential needs of the body politic.
The body politic is like an army. An army needs a commander-in-chief,
colonel, captain, lieutenant, and private. It is impossible for all to enjoy
the same rank; preservation of degrees is necessary, but each member of that
army must live in the utmost comfort and ease.
Likewise a city is in need of a mayor, judge, merchant, banker,
artisan and farmers. Undoubtedly these degrees should be preserved, otherwise
the public order would be disturbed.
The government of a country should make laws which conform to the
divine law.
832. All the prophets were sent, all the books were revealed, that the
law of love might be promoted. Let us have love and more love, a love that
melts all opposition, that sweeps away all barriers, that conquers all foes, a
love that aboundeth in charity, large-heartedness, tolerance, and noble
striving, a love that triumphs over all obstacle, a boundless, an irresistible,
sweeping love! Ah me! Each one must be a sign of love, a center of love, a sun
of love, a star of love, a palace of love, a mountain of love, a world of love,
a universe of love! Hast thou love? Then thy power is irresistible. Hast thou
sympathy? Then all the stars will sing thy praise.
833. In whatsoever matter man wisheth to engage, he must first acquire
some capability and make provisions and preparations therefore. In this day,
whatever soul intendeth to raise the voice of the Kingdom, and to draw people
under the Tree of Life in the ideal paradise, and to invite them to eternal
life, must first be delivered
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from all attachments, must even shut his eyes to rest, quietude, and to
the mortal existence of this world.
I hope that thou hast abandoned all such mortal things, and when thou
hast attained to this great bounty, that is, when thou art delivered from the
attachments of this mortal world, and hast intended to endure all calamities in
the path of God -- in such wise that reproaches on the part of the enemy will
seem to thee as praise and glorification, and the blame of the people of hatred
will appear like unto admiration and applause, and the bitterness of afflictions
will taste as the honey of favor and all hardships be as sweetness -- then canst
thou step into the path of the Kingdom and become the herald of God.
Consequently, do thou show a steadfast and firm footing in this
station, engage in guiding the people and call them unto the Kingdom; then wilt
thou find how the divine magnet -- the power of the Word of God -- will attract
hearts and bestow ecstasy and enthusiasm upon souls!
When thou reachest this station, there shall remain no obstacles and
no veil shall intervene, and all that is thy highest wish shall be realized.
834. In these times thanksgiving for the bounty of the Merciful One
consists in the illumination of the heart and the awareness of the soul. This
is the reality of thanksgiving.
835. Verily, know that the word of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’, and his speech, is a hidden mystery and
concealed fact. No one is informed of its greatness and importance at this
time, but in future centuries the signs thereof will be manifested, the lights
will dawn forth, the fragrances will be diffused and the greatness and
importance will be known. Know thou its value, and deem great its station.
836. The power of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely physical
nor entirely spiritual, but are between the two (systems). The nerve is
connected with both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spiritual and
physical relations are become normal.
When the material world and the divine world are well correlated, when
the hearts become heavenly and the aspirations grow pure and divine, perfect
connection shall take place. Then shall
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this power produce a perfect manifestation. Physical and spiritual
diseases will then receive absolute healing.
837. Verily, I bow my face to the dust of the Threshold of
El-Bahá and to Him who sitteth on the Throne, I petition as a suppliant
captive, begging Him to make thee to behold His glorious face and to purify
thine insight from aught else save Him among the people. Verily, He is the
refuge of all and our great protection!
We are all poor at His door, weak before His power, lowly at His
threshold, and we possess the power neither of good nor evil. He is indeed the
Confirmer, the Strengthener, the Benevolent!
Truly hath He opened before our faces the doors of the Kingdom,
granted us the treasures of His mysteries through the divine bounty, and hath
chosen us for His love, for attainment unto His lights, the study of His
teachings, the spreading of His name, the guidance unto His path, and service in
His great vineyard. I pray for confirmation in thy behalf, and thou shouldst
pray for strength on my part. Thy prayers for me should be that I may attain
martyrdom in His path, that my spirit may be His sacrifice, and that my blood
may be shed for His love.
Verily, I long for that cup, which is overflowing with the bounty of
God, as a patient desiring to be healed, as a thirsty soul seeking water, as the
poor in quest of wealth, and as one in separation yearning after the meeting of
the beloved.
838. This period of time is the Promised Age, the assembling of the
human race to the “Resurrection Day,” and now is the great
“Day of Judgment.” Soon the whole world, as in spring, will change
its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past; the bleakness
of the winter time is done. The new year hath appeared and the spiritual
springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the
deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; while the birds are singing
among the rose branches like the angels in the highest heavens, announcing the
glad tiding of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is
causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver.
O my spiritual friend! Dost thou know from what airs emanate the
notes sung by these birds? They are from the melodies
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of peace and reconciliation, of love and unity, of justice and
security, of concord and agreement. In a short time this heavenly singing will
intoxicate all humanity; the foundations of enmity shall be destroyed; unity and
affection shall be witnessed in every assembly; and the lovers of the love of
God at these great festivals shall behold their splendor.
Therefore, contemplate what a spirit of life God hath given that the
body of the whole earth may attain life everlasting! The Paradise of
El-Abhá will soon spread a pavilion from the pole-star of the world,
under whose shelter the beloved shall rejoice and the pure hearts repose in
peace.
839. You ask if, through the appearance of the Kingdom of God, every
soul hath been saved.
The Sun of Reality hath appeared to all the world. This Luminous
Appearance is salvation and life; but only he who hath opened the eye of reality
and who hath seen these lights will be saved.
840. When the people of Bahá desire to enter the sacred union
of matrimony, eternal connection, ideal relationship, spiritual and physical
association of thought and conception of life must exist between them; so that
in all the grades of existence and all the worlds of God this union may continue
forever; for this real union is a splendor of the light of the love of God.
The bridegroom must, before the bridesman and a few others, say:
“Verily, we are content with the will of God.” And the bride must
rejoin: “Verily, we are satisfied with the desire of God.” This is
Bahá’í matrimony.
841. What thou hast written was perused. Thou hast questioned how
thou canst accept this divine Cause, for thou art a member of the church. Know
thou: in the day of the Manifestation of Christ, many souls became portionless
and deprived because they were members of the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem.
According to that membership, they became veiled from his brilliant Beauty.
Therefore, turn thy face to the Church of God, which consists in divine
instructions and merciful exhortations. For what similarity is there between
the church of stone and cement, and the Celestial Holy of Holies?
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Endeavor that thou mayest enter this Church of God. Although thou
hast given oath to attend the (material) church, yet thy spirit is under the
Covenant and Testament of the spiritual divine temple. Thou shouldst protect
this. Although they consider the wine and the bread in the church as the blood
and body of Christ, yet this is but appearance and not reality. The reality of
Christ is the words of the Holy Spirit. If thou art able, take a portion
thereof.
842. The performance of the celebration of baptism would cleanse the
body, but the spirit hath no share; but the divine teachings and the
exhortations of the Beauty of ‘Abhá will baptize the soul. This is
the real baptism. I hope thou wilt receive this baptism.
843. O friends! It is the wish of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ that the friends may establish general
unity and not a particular meeting of unity. You must have great consideration
of this fact, for while during past cycles such events were, in the beginning, a
means for harmony, they became in the end the cause of trouble.
We are all servants of one Threshold, attendants at one Court, waves
of one sea, drops of one river, the dust before one door, and plants of one
garden. There must arise no trouble to deprive one from that which is the real
purpose.
To organize assemblies is praiseworthy and acceptable, but these must
be established for certain matters. For example: assemblages for teaching,
gatherings for the spread of the fragrances of God, gatherings for the relief of
orphans, gatherings for the protection of the poor, assemblages for the spread
of learning and, in a word, there must be assemblages for matters which concern
the well-being of men, such as organization of a society of commerce, societies
for the expansion of agriculture. To be brief, similar societies are very
acceptable and praiseworthy, and concern all in general and not a particular
number.
In a word: that which is conducive to the development of the people is
acceptable, and whatever is the cause of disaffection is blameworthy. I hope
all the friends of the East and West shall rest in the same assemblage and adorn
one gathering, appearing with all the heavenly attributes and virtues in the
world of humanity.
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844. If thou wishest to find the Truth, then compare the days of the
Manifestation of the Beauty of ‘Abhá with the days of Christ;
consider that this day is identically like that, and the same doubts and
oppositions are put forth (by the deniers).
845. Thou hast written regarding Buddha and Confucius.
Now is not the time when we discuss the stations and positions of
those who have passed away. We must concentrate our attention upon the present.
What hath transpired in a former time is past. Now is the time when we restrict
our discussion to the most great luminary of peace and salvation in this age, to
talk of the Blessed Perfection, and to voice His exhortations, behests and
teachings. Buddha and Confucius were kings in bygone ages who have disappeared.
Their sovereignty in this world is ended and their cycle fulfilled.
846. This world resembles the human body and the Kingdom of God is
like the spirit of life. Think how narrow and dark is the material world of
man, how afflicted with disease and maladies; but how bright and spacious is his
Spiritual World! Through this illustration thou mayest comprehend in what
manner is the Spiritual World portrayed in this earthly world and in what degree
is its power effected. Though the Spirit is concealed, its power is manifested
and clear in the phenomenal world; and so with the Kingdom of God, though it is
veiled from the eyes of ignorant people, to men of perception it is discernible
and evident. Therefore, thou must become utterly heavenly that thou mayest
forget the earthly conditions and be immersed in the perception of Divinity to
such a degree that thou wilt be unconscious of the surrounding material
existence.
847. Thou hast asked regarding the phrase “He is God!”
written above the Tablets. By this Word it is intended that no one hath any
access to the Invisible Essence. The way is barred and the road impassable. In
this world all men must turn their faces toward
“Him-whom-God-shall-Manifest.” He is the “Dawning-place of
Divinity” and the “manifestation of Deity.” He is the
“Ultimate Goal,” the “Adored One” of all and the
“Worshipped One” of all. Otherwise, whatever flashes through the
mind is not that Essence of essences and the Reality of realities; nay, rather,
is
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it pure imagination woven by man and is surrounded, not the
surrounding. Consequently, it returns finally to the realm of suppositions and
conjectures.
848. Know thou verily:
My throne is my mat.
My glorious crown in my servitude toward God.
My standard is the commemoration of God.
My hosts are the knowledge of my Master.
My sword is the guidance of God.
My dominion is my humility, my submissiveness, my lowliness, my
abasement, my supplication and my beseeching unto God -- this is that permanent
reign which no one is able to dispute, gainsay or usurp!
849. This day is not a day of seclusion and solitude, but a day of
proclaiming the manifestation of the light of the Beauty of thy Supreme Lord.
Therefore, abandon silence and seclusion and solitary nooks, and go
forth into the arena of explanation. Convey the Message of thy Lord with
clearest speech and most complete elucidation. This is better for thee than
solitude.
The season for seclusion in quiet nooks is the season of winter when
the cold and the winds increase. But during the spring, the wafting of gentle
breezes, the passing of fragrances from the rose, the state of equilibrium in
the atmosphere and the green hue of valleys and prairies, it is best for man to
leave solitude and enjoy the blessings of the outdoors.
850. Thank thou God that thou hast stepped into the arena of existence
in such a blessed Age and hast opened ears and eyes in such a Day of Promise.
851. Although a person of good deeds is acceptable at the Threshold of
the Almighty, yet it is first “to know,” and then “to
do.” Although a blind man produceth a most wonderful and exquisite art,
yet he is deprived of seeing it. Consider how most animals labor for man, draw
loads and facilitate travel; yet, as they are ignorant, they receive no reward
for this labor and toil. The cloud raineth, roses and hyacinths grow; the plain
and
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meadow, the garden and trees become green and blossom; yet they do not
realize the results and outcome of all these. The lamp is lighted, but as it
hath not a conscious knowledge of itself, none hath become glad because of it.
Moreover, a soul of excellent deeds and good manners will undoubtedly advance
from whatever horizon he beholdeth the lights radiating. Herein lies the
difference: by faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge, and second, the
practise of good deeds.
852. The spirits of men are not at all annihilated -- they are
immortal. The spirits of heavenly souls will find eternal life, that is, they
will attain the highest and most great stations of perfection; but the spirits
of the heedless souls, although eternal, are yet in a world of imperfection,
concealment and ignorance. For instance: No matter how much the mineral has
existence and life, yet is comparison to man, it is entirely non-existent and
deprived of life. For where (a heedless) man is translated from life to death,
his comparative station will be that of a mineral existence.
853. The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is the same as
the Cause of Christ. It is the same temple and the same foundation. Both of
these are spiritual spring-times and seasons of the soul-refreshing awakening
and the cause of the renovation of the life of mankind. The spring of this year
is the same as the spring of last year. The origins and the ends are the same.
The sun of today is the sun of yesterday. IN the coming of Christ, the divine
teachings were given in accordance with the infancy of the human race. The
teachings of Bahá’u’lláh have the same basic
principles, but are according to the stage of the maturity of the world and the
requirements of this illumined age.
854. One of the requirements of faithfulness is that thou mayest
sacrifice thyself and, in the divine path, close thine eye to every pleasure and
strive with all thy soul that thou mayest disappear and be lost, like unto a
drop, in the ocean of the love of God.
855. Organize ye spiritual assemblies; lay ye the foundation of union
and concord in this world; destroy ye the fabric of strife
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and war from the face of the earth; construct ye the temple of harmony
and agreement; enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity;
open ye your eyes; gaze and behold ye the other world! The kingdom of peace,
salvation, uprightness and reconciliation is founded in the invisible world, and
it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the Word of
God!
The Spirit of Truth is soaring on the Supreme Apex, like unto a bird,
in order that it may discover a severed heart and alight therein and make its
nest.
856. There are prophecies concerning this Manifestation in the
Buddhistic books, but they are in symbols and metaphors, and some spiritual
conditions are mentioned therein, but the leaders of religion do not understand.
They think these prophecies are material things; while those signs are
foreshadowing spiritual occurrences.
Unless man maketh spiritual progress in the world of spirit,
intellect, and heart, he cannot gather universal results from material
advancements. Now you must gird up the loins of endeavor, and reflect duty, so
that you may quicken the people of Japan through the Spirit of God.
857. There are two ways of healing sickness, material means and
spiritual means. The first is by the use of remedies, of medicines; the second
consists in praying to God and in turning to Him. Both means should be used and
practised.
Illness caused by physical accident should be treated with medical
remedies; those which are due to spiritual causes disappear through spiritual
means. Thus an illness caused by affliction, fear, nervous impressions, will be
healed by spiritual rather than by physical treatment. Hence, both kinds of
remedies should be considered. Moreover, they are not contradictory, and thou
shouldst accept the physical remedies as coming from the mercy and favor of God,
who hath revealed and made manifest medical science so that His servants should
profit from this kind of treatment also. Thou shouldst give equal attention to
spiritual treatments, for they produce marvelous effects.
Now, if thou wishest to know the divine remedy which will heal man
from all sickness and will give him the health of the divine
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Kingdom, know that it is the precepts and teachings of God. Guard them
sacredly.
858. The real brotherhood is spiritual, for physical brotherhood is
subject to separation. The wars of the outer world of existence separate
humankind but in the eternal world of spiritual brotherhood separation is
unknown. Material or physical association is based upon earthly interests, but
divine fellowship owes its existence to the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual brotherhood may be likened to the light while the souls of mankind are
as lamps. The lamps are many, yet the light is one.
859. The aim of the Theosophists is to attain to Truth, but the Truth
is unattainable except through the favor of the Holy Spirit. The light hath a
center, and if one desire to seek it otherwise than from the center, he can
never attain unto it. In this solar system the source of light is the sun, and
ever light is acquired from the sun; even the lamps of the night are ignited
through the sun, for if there were no sun the trees would not grow nor the mines
develop so that oil be extracted from those trees and mines, and the lamps of
the night be lit by it. Is it possible that one attain to the light in the
globular sphere without the mediation of the sun? No, by the life of God! To
suppose it, is pure imagination. But the Truth is this: The main source of the
lights is the Sun and the rays are shed from it upon all the regions.
860. Arise to serve the Cause of God in the vineyard of God, and water
the developed and flourishing trees with the waters of the mysteries which are
deposited in the innermost parts of the words of the Books; and be assured that
the fountain of assurance will gush out in the hearts of the firm and steadfast
believers, and the divine graces will strengthen them from all sides, and the
Lord will enable them to diffuse the fragrances. And He will make them manifest
signs, beaming stars, shining lights, fruitful trees, flowing fountains, perfect
words and mature proofs. Then know thou that verily
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ is between the fangs of the dragon of
afflictions and in the grasp of dangers night and day.
861. Know thou, verily, insight seeth that which sight seeth not and
apprehendeth that which the body perceive not, inasmuch as
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the sight seeth the mirage as water, the images pictured in the mirror
as a reality and genuine, and it seeth the earth as stationary, and the great
stars as though they were small. But the insight correcteth the mistake of the
sight and apprehendeth the reality and seeth that the mirage is not water, that
the images pictured in mirrors are naught else save reflections, that the earth
is moving and the distant stars are large. Consequently, the truth of insight,
its effectiveness and power, is proven, as well as the weakness of sight, its
inefficiency and defects.
862. Then know thou that the power of the Word of God is effective
both in the spirit and the body, and the influence of the Spirit of God is
predominant over the material as well as over the essential and spiritual. And
that, verily, God is powerful in all things, and that the signs (or verses) have
exoteric and esoteric meaning, and neither their outward preventeth their
inward, nor doth their inward prevent their outward meaning.
863. It behooveth him to seek only the divine bounties and subjects
which lead to the real knowledge of the invisible, through the mediation of the
Holy Spirit. Then he will perceive the reality of the triune powers in man,
through his innate perception. For, verily, the signs of these triune powers
which exist in mankind are spirit, mind and soul. The spirit is the power of
life, the mind is the power which apprehendeth the reality of things, and the
soul is an intermediary between the Supreme Concourse and the lower concourse.
The soul hath two phases: the higher aspireth to the Kingdom of El-Bahá,
and the lights of the mind shine forth from that horizon unto its higher sphere;
the other phase inclineth to the lower concourse of the material world and its
lowest sphere is enveloped in the darkness of ignorance. But when light is
poured upon this phase, and if this phase of the soul is capable of receiving
it, then “truth hath come and falsehood vanisheth, for falsehood is of
short duration” -- otherwise, darkness will surround it from all
directions and it will be deprived of association with the Supreme Concourse and
will remain in the lowest depths.
864. As to the manifestation of the Greatest Name
(Bahá’u’lláh): This was the Divine Manifestation which
appeared in the earthly world. This is He whom God promised in all His Books
and Scriptures, such as the Bible, the Gospels and the Qur’án. All
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of these Books indicate this fact, and the least doubt cannot possible
occur to the minds concerning this clear fact, as is recorded in detail in the
heavenly Books, especially in the brilliant and holy Tablets. But
notwithstanding this fact, if there is any one who hesitates therein, do not
dispute with him, nay, rather, prove this to him with all joy and fragrance,
lest he may be obstinately compelled to rebellion.
865. Shouldst thou come with the whole of thy being to God and be
attracted to the lights of the Kingdom of God, and be enkindled by the fire of
the love of God, then wilt thou see that which thou canst not see today, wilt
comprehend the inner significances of the Word of God and thoroughly understand
the mysteries contained in the holy Books.
But as to the Jewish doctors, Christian priests and monks who read
those Books, verily, they know the letter only and they utter the words, like
parrots, without understanding their inner meanings. They comprehend them not,
because they are engrossed in worldly desires and lusts, and their hearts are
attached to mundane allurements. Verily, are they not heedless of God, and
understand nothing, and find not the right path?
866. Deliver the glad tidings in the following manner: “The
Promised One of all the nations of the world hath become apparent and manifest!
Each community and religion expecteth the coming of their Promised One, and His
Highness Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One of all!
Therefore, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is conducive to
harmony, raiseth the canopy of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity upon the
apex of the contingent beings and unfurleth the ensign of universal brotherhood
and ideal commonwealth upon the summit of the mountains and hills!”
867. The Temple is the most great foundation of the world of humanity,
and it hath many branches. Although the Temple is the place of worship, with it
is connected a hospital, pharmacy, pilgrims’ house, school for the
orphans, and a university for the study of higher sciences. Every Temple is
connected with these five things. The Temple is not only a place for worship;
nay, it is perfect in every way.
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868. As to human souls: Unless they acquire the light, they are
unable to shine upon other individuals. But when a man ariseth to expound the
arguments of God and invite people to enter into the religion of God, and when
he uttereth those arguments and advanceth consummate proofs concerning the
appearance of the great Kingdom, then intense love shall become manifest in his
heart. This love causeth the development of his spirit by the grace of the
beneficent Lord.
869. Know thou that prayer is indispensable and obligatory, and man
under no pretext whatsoever is excused from performing prayer unless he be
mentally unsound, or an insurmountable obstacle prevent him. The wisdom of
prayer is this: That it causeth a connection between the servant and the True
One, because in that state man with all heart and soul turneth his face towards
His Highness the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and
compassion. The greatest happiness for a lover is to converse with his beloved,
and the greatest gift for a seeker is to become familiar with the object of his
longing; that is why with every soul who is attracted to the Kingdom of God, his
greatest hope is to find an opportunity to entreat and supplicate before his
Beloved, appeal to His mercy and grace and be immersed in the ocean of His
utterance, goodness and generosity.
Besides all this, prayer and fasting are the cause of awakening and
mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests. The
obligatory prayer is revealed from the Supreme Pen and is translated in America.
870. Verily, I address thee with all spiritual love and gladness from
this my residence at the base of Mount Carmel, which is blessed through all ages
by the prophets, as recorded in the ancient Books. And I beseech His Highness
the Merciful One to ordain thee a faithful footing in the Kingdom of God and to
provide for thee all things by which thy mind may be brightened, thy tongue
become eloquent, and that whereby the doors of the meanings hinted at in the
sacred Books and Tablets be opened to thy mind. Verily, the people are veiled
from comprehending the meanings of the Gospel, the Bible and the
Qur’án, and know not the interpretation of the scriptures of God,
except those whose eyes are opened
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by the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Thou shalt behold men-servants
and maid-servants of Bahá in those far distant lands and wide countries,
speaking the secrets of the Gospel and the mysteries of the Bible and the
allusions of the Qur’án and the explanation of the Words of the
Merciful One. Those are the servants to whomsoever God hath assigned His mercy
which overfloweth existence.
871. If one possesses the love of God, everything that he undertakes
is useful, but if the undertaking is without the love of God, then it is hurtful
and the cause of veiling one’s self from the Lord of the Kingdom. But
with the love of God every bitterness is changed into sweetness and every gift
becometh precious. For example: a musical and melodious voice imparteth life to
an attracted heart but lureth toward lust those souls who are engulfed in
passion and desire.
With the love of God, all sciences are accepted and beloved, but
without it, they are fruitless; nay, rather, they are the cause of insanity.
Every science is like a tree; if the fruit of it is the love of God, that is a
blessed tree. Otherwise it is dried wood and finally food for fire.
872. Every great Cause in this world of existence findeth a visible
expression through three means; first, intention; second, confirmation; third,
action. Today on this earth there are many souls who are the spreaders of peace
and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity
of the world of man; but this intention needs a dynamic power, so that it may
become manifest in the world of being. Today the divine instructions and lordly
exhortations of Bahá’u’lláh promulgate this most great
aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom are the supports and defenders of this
eminent intention. For the power of the Word of God is penetrative and the
existence of the divine Kingdom is uninterrupted. Therefore, ere long it will
become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the
teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. For the intention, the power
and the action, all the three essential elements are brought together and the
realization of everything in the contingent world dependeth upon these three
principles.
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873. Whatsoever question thou hast in thy heart, turn thou thy heart
toward the Kingdom of ‘Abhá and entreat in the Threshold of the
Almighty and reflect upon that problem, then unquestionably the light of truth
shall dawn and the reality of that problem will become evident and clear to
thee. For the teachings of His Highness Bahá’u’lláh
are the keys to all doors. Every hidden secret will become discovered and every
hidden mystery will become manifest and apparent.
874. The various sects who today consider themselves servants of the
world of humanity are possessed of good intention, but they are inert, not
active; captive, not free; silent, not eloquent; slow, not fast. They have
sluggish movement and great intention. These two do not agree.
875. Verily, I say unto thee, that if for the appearance of that
Divine Essence thou desirest to have a definite proof, an indisputable testimony
and a strong, convincing evidence, thou must prepare thyself to make thy heart
empty and thine eye ready to look toward the Kingdom of God. Then, at that
time, the radiance of that widespread effulgence shall descend upon thee
successively, and that motion rendered thee by the Holy Spirit shall make thee
dispense with any other strong evidence that leadeth to the appearance of this
Light, because the greatest and strongest proof for showing the abundance of the
Spirit to the bodies is the very appearance of its power and influence in those
bodies.
Think thou deeply of this in order to know the reality of my
explanation and demonstration.
876. I now assure thee, O servant of God, that if thy mind become
empty and pure from every mention and thought, and thy heart attracted wholly to
the Kingdom of God, forgetting all else beside God and coming in communion with
the Spirit of God, then the Holy Spirit will assist thee with a power which will
enable thee to penetrate all things, and a dazzling spark which enlightens all
sides, a brilliant flame in the zenith of the heavens, will teach thee that
which thou dost not know of the facts of the universe and of the divine
doctrine. Verily, I say unto thee, every soul which today ariseth to guide
others to the path of safety and infuse in them the Spirit of Life, that soul
the Holy Spirit will inspire
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with evidences, proofs and facts, and the lights will shine upon it
from the Kingdom of God. Do not forget what I have conveyed unto thee from the
breath of the Spirit.
877. To the sincere ones, tests are as a gift from God, the Exalted,
for a heroic person hasteneth, with the utmost joy and gladness, to the tests of
a violent battlefield, but the coward is afraid and trembles and utters moaning
and lamentation. Likewise, an expert student prepareth and memorizeth his
lessons and exercises with the utmost effort, and in the day of examination he
appeareth with infinite joy before the master. This test is just as thou hast
written: it removeth the rust of egotism from the mirror of the heart until the
Sun of Truth may shine therein. For no veil is greater than egotism and no
matter how thin that covering may be, yet it will finally veil man entirely and
prevent him from receiving a portion from the eternal bounty.
878. Praise be to God! According to the commandments and exhortations of Bahá’u’lláh, we are the well-wisher of all
governments and act toward all the nations of the world in peace and love. We
have no intention but that which is good and no desire but the good pleasure of
God. We mean well toward every people and seek to have sincerity and good will
toward every government. In return for arrows and swords, we present milk and
honey, and we heal the deadly poison with the swift healing antidote. Night and
day we are in action and exertion, in order to dress the wounds and cure the
pain, to care for the afflicted and comfort even the ill-natured ones, so that,
through the assistance and favour of God, this darkness of selfish prejudice
shall vanish, and the error of folly and ignorance shall be changed into divine
guidance.
879. To me, prison is freedom; to me incarceration is an open court;
to me humility is identical with glory; to me adversity is a gift and death is
life. I hope that thou also wilt take a portion from this sea and seek a
reflection from these lights, becoming an ignited lamp so that the winds of
contradiction will not blow it out, and day by day more revelation and vision
may descend, and thou be enkindled more than before with the fire of the love of
God.
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880. All the people have formed a god in the world of thought, and
that form of their own imagination they worship; when the fact is that the
imagined concept is comprehended by the mind which is the comprehended, for
imagination is accidental (effect), while mind is essential (cause). Surely the
essential is greater than the accidental.
Therefore consider: All the sects and peoples worship their own
thought; they create a god in their minds and proclaim him to be “the
creator of all things,” while that form is a superstition. Thus people
adore and worship illusion.
The Essence of the Divine Entity and the Unseen of the Unseen is holy
above imagination and beyond thought. Consciousness doth not reach It. Within
the capacity of comprehension of a created reality that Ancient (uncreated)
Reality cannot be contained. It is a different world; from it there is no
information; arrival thereat is impossible; attainment thereto is inaccessible
and prohibited. This much is known: It exists, and Its existence is certain
and proven -- but the condition is unknown.
All the philosophers and sages knew that It is, but they were
perplexed in the comprehension of Its existence and were at last discouraged,
and left this world in great despair. For the comprehension of the condition
and mysteries of that Reality of realities and Mystery of mysteries, there is
need for another power and another sense. That power and sense is not possessed
by mankind, therefore they have not found any information. For example: If a
man possess the power of hearing, the power of tasting, the power of smelling
and the power of feeling, but no power of seeing, he cannot see. Hence, through
the powers and senses present in man the realization of the Unseen Reality,
which is pure and holy above the reach of doubts, is impossible. Other powers
are needed and other senses required. If those powers and senses are obtained,
then information can be had; otherwise, not.
881. As for the symbol of the cross, appointed in former times: Know
verily, that the cross form is a wonderful figure and consists of two right
lines placed crosswise -- one perpendicular to the other -- and this figure
exists in all things.
Meditate upon these words and pay attention to the tissue in all
existing substances, either plant, animal, or man, and thou wilt
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see that they all are formed of the cross figure or two crosswise
lines. Consider this intently with true meditation. Then thou wilt be taught
by the Holy Ghost that it is for this reason that God hath chosen this symbol to
be displayed as the token of sacrifice in all periods of the ages.
I will explain to thee, in future time, the mystery of sacrifice.
There is nothing more beautiful than this tree united with the cross. Verily,
this tree is a type of the Tree of Life in conjunction with the cross; in this,
the mystery of sacrifice.
882. As for the crescent: It hath reference to the beginning of the
religion of God which shall grow to be a full moon.
883. Know thou, verily, the Kingdom is a magnet of the divine world,
and it attracteth the iron of pure hearts which are capable of the bounties of
the Lord of Might.
884. O my dear one! This day is the day of purification, the day of
sanctification, the day of turning toward God, the day of severance from all
save God, the day of lowliness and humiliation, the day of serving the beloved
ones of God, the day of becoming utterly destitute of and free from egotism and
desire, and the day of purity and sacrifice in the path of God. This is
incumbent upon thee, so that thou mayest be accepted in the court of the
Almighty and praised in His lofty Threshold of Holiness.
885. Verily, I say unto thee, the Covenant of God and His Alliance is
a Lamp diffusing lights from the Supreme Concourse unto the horizons of earth
and heaven. Whosoever hath this Divine Lamp before his face, his forehead shall
glisten with manifest light and his speech shall take effect in all minds and
spirits, and God shall assist him by the power which penetrateth the essences of
things.
886. Why art thou sad and sorrowful, disappointed and grieved! Praise
be to God! the eternal bounty is in succession, the divine glory is apparent and
manifest, the display of Providence and the light of guidance is glistening and
shining from the Kingdom of ‘Abhá and the appearance of the Greatest Sun is clear and evident. If thou art outwardly far, yet thou art near in spirit,
and if thou art absent in body, thou art present in heart and spirit.
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Arise and wash thy body, wear a pure gown, and, directing thyself to
the Kingdom of God, supplicate and pray to Him. Sleep in a clean, well prepared
and ventilated place, and ask for appearance in the world of vision. Thou wilt
have visions which will cause the door of doubts to be closed, which will give
thee new joy, wonderful dilation, brilliant glory. Thou wilt comprehend
realities and meanings.
887. Happiness consists of two kinds; physical and spiritual. The
physical happiness is limited; its utmost duration is one day, one month, one
year. It hath no result. Spiritual happiness is eternal and unfathomable.
This kind of happiness appeareth in one’s soul with the love of God and
suffereth one to attain to the virtues and perfections of the world of humanity.
Therefore, endeavor as much as thou canst in order to illumine the lamp of thy
heart with the light of love.
888. Know that the pure hearts upon which the mysteries of the Kingdom of God are printed and pictured, are reflectors one to another, and thus the one
can discover the secrets of the other, because such hearts are only mirrors
confronting each other on which the secrets of unity, affinity and concord are
printed and reflected. Accordingly, it would be possible that a certain servant
of the servants of the Merciful might discover a treasured mystery or a
preserved sign, whatever his shortcomings or defects might be; yet we do indeed
rely upon God, the Forgiver.
889. O ye friends! O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! Those
Assemblies are the emblems of the Supreme Concourse and the prototypes of the
congregations of the spirits in the Kingdom of ‘Abhá. Avail yourselves of
the opportunities of this time, neither let the occasion slip by unheeded.
890. Concerning the one thousand years as recorded in the Book: It
signifieth the beginning of this Manifestation until the end of its predominance
throughout the contingent world; because this Cause is great, its powers are
growing and its signs are dazzling. It shall continue in elevation, exaltation,
growth, promulgation and promotion until it shall reach the apex of its glory in
one thousand years -- as the day of this Manifestation is one thousand
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years. Thou shalt see its conquering power, its manifest dominion, its
eternal might and its everlasting glory.
891. As to the question of “after my departure” to the
neighborhood of the mercy of my Lord: Know that there shall appear wonderful
traces; the breath of God shall pass by; the fragrance of God shall spread and
the Spirit of God shall run in the body of the contingent world both before and
after my departure; but I supplicate God that He may grant the greatest
spirituality in these days.
892. O ye beloved of God, be not grieved when people stand against
you, persecute you, afflict and trouble you and say all manner of evil against
you. The darkness will pass away and the light of the manifest signs will
appear, the veil will be withdrawn and the Light of Reality will shine forth
from the unseen Kingdom of El-Abhá. This we inform you before it occurs,
so that when the hosts of people arise against you for my love, be not disturbed
or troubled; nay, rather, be firm as a mountain, for this persecution and
reviling of the people upon you is a pre-ordained matter. Blessed is the soul
who is firm in the path!
893. Souls are like unto mirrors, and the bounty of God is like unto
the sun. When the mirrors pass beyond (the condition of) all coloring and
attain purity and polish, and are confronted with the sun, they will reflect in
full perfection its light and glory. In this condition one should not consider
the mirror, but the power of the light of the sun, which hath penetrated the
mirror, making it a reflector of the heavenly glory.
894. I know, verily, that the universal, never ending, eternal, bright
and divine establishments are only the diffusing of the breaths of God, and the
spreading of the instructions of God, and all that are beside these, though they
be the reigning over all regions of the earth, or the construction of railroads
from the earth to the heavens, or means of transportation with the rapidity of
rising lightning from the globe of earth to the globe of the sun, all are but
mortal, perishing, demolishing and disadvantageous, in comparison with the
divine establishments. Because the latter are instrinsic matters, while the
former are but metaphorical matters; the latter are truth, while the former are
imaginary.
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895. Communication is not confined to writing. This is a trace, while
the spiritual message is fruitful and effective. That is the essential, and
without it communication is useless.
896. Verily, I read thy letter, which expressed thy surprise at some
of the commandments of the law of God, such as the concerning the hunting of
innocent animals. Be not surprised at this. Ponder over the contingent
realities, their mysteries, wisdom, connection and relations. The world is
harmonious in all things and the connection therein is mighty and nothing is
missing. All things are eaters and eaten in the physical creation. The plant
sucks from the mineral, the animal eats and swallows the plant, and the human
eats the animal. Then the mineral (in turn) eats the human body. Physical
bodies are transferred from death to death and from life to life. Therefore,
all things are subject to transformation and change except the Cause of
existence, which cannot be changed or transferred, because it is the foundation
for life in all kinds and species and in all possible realities in the world of
creation.
If thou observest closely through a microscope, the water which man
drinks and the air which he breathes, thou wilt see that in every breath which
man breathes, that breath contains numerous animals, and in every draught of
water great number of animals exist. This could not be prevented, because the
contingent beings are eaters and eaten and, by this, existence is caused;
otherwise, the relations between existent things would cease. When a thing
decomposes and decays, being bereft of life, it becomes promoted to a world of
life greater than the former. For instance, it ceases in a mineral life and is
elevated to that of the animal; then leaving the animal life it advances to the
human, and this is on account of the favor of thy Lord, the Merciful, the
Clement.
I ask God to strengthen thee in comprehending the mysteries deposited
in the reality of existence.
897. The nineteen-day fast is a duty to be observed by all. All
should abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This fast is
conducive to the spiritual development of the individual. The Greatest Name
should be read every day.
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898. As to those souls who are preaching the Word of God, it behooveth
them to shake the dust of every land through which they have passed from their
shoes and to be with God and without need of the rich -- although their bed be
the soil, their light be the stars of the sky and their food the herbs of the
desert -- because theirs is the wealth of the Kingdom, the honor of the realm of
might and the bounty of the divine world; and they are not in need of this world
and its cares. Their throne is the mat of humility, their honor is in suffering
every lowliness in the path of the Loving Lord, their wealth is being
empty-handed of the pomps of the world and its vanities, and their provision is
trusting in God and being severed from all that is on the earth and its wealth.
899. It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the
year. A year is the expression of a cycle of the sun; but now is the beginning
of a cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a
New Year. Therefore it is very blessed.
I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and
characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people,
and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the
world a new world, to the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth
appear; old ideas depart and new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and
new garments worn; ancient politics whose foundation is war be discarded and
modern politics founded on peace raise the standard of victory.
900. The mystery of sacrifice is that man should sacrifice all his
conditions for the divine station of God. The station of God is mercy,
kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, favor, grace and giving life to the spirits
and lighting the fire of His love in the hearts and arteries.
901. The human spirit hath an impression and effect in the world, but
the divine spirit giveth life to the souls and conferreth eternal life upon
those who are attracted to the fragrances of God. This is the Great Cause from
the Kingdom of thy Lord.
902. Know thou, verily, there are many veils in which the Truth
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is enveloped: gloomy veils; then delicate and transparent veils; then
the envelopment of light, the sight of which dazzles the eyes, as doth the sun
which is enveloped only in its own light and, as we look at it, the sight is
blinded and the eyes are dazzled.
903. From the spiritual point of view, there is no difference between
women and men. “The nearer we draw to God, the nearer He comes to
us” without regard to whether the person be a man or a woman.
904. The House of Justice, however, according to the positive
commandments of the Doctrine of God, has been specialized to the men, for a
reason or exercise of wisdom on the part of God, and this reason will presently
appear, even as the sun at midday.
905. Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine
sanctuary, the spiritual temple, shall be erected in America! I entreat God to
assist the confirmed believers in accomplishing this great service and with
entire zeal to rear this might structure which shall be renowned throughout the
world.
Whosoever arises for the service of this construction shall be
assisted with a great power from His Supreme Threshold and upon him spiritual
and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful
consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal God!
906. You have asked me two questions: “That if the same spirit
is manifest in all the Manifestations and Prophets, then what is the distinction
or difference between Christ (or rather, Jesus) and the other Prophets; also
between Father and Son?”
Know that the human spirit is one, but it manifests itself in various
members of the body in a certain (measure or) form. The human spirit is
existent in the sight; it is also existent in the brain, which is the location
of great functions and powers; it is also existent in the heart, which organ is
largely connected with the brain or the center of the mind; and the heart, or
that center which is connected with the brain, has a distinct and separate
function, effect and appearance.
Figuratively speaking, the Father is the center of the brain and the
Son is the center of the heart; the rest of the Prophets are members and parts.
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907. When thou desirest and yearnest for meeting in the world of
vision; at the time when thou art in perfect fragrance and spirituality, wash
thy hands and face, clothe thyself in clean robes, turn toward the court of the
Peerless One, offer prayer to Him and lay thy head upon the pillow. When sleep
cometh, the doors of revelation shall be opened and all thy desires shall become
revealed.
908. Know thou, verily, the brilliant realities and sanctified spirits
are likened to a shining crescent. It has one face turned toward the Sun of
Truth, and another face opposite to the contingent world. The journey of this
crescent in the heaven of the universe ends in becoming a full moon. That is,
that face of it which is turned toward the divine world becomes also opposite to
the contingent world, and by this, both its merciful and spiritual, as well as
contingent, perfections become manifest.
909. Thank God for that He hath awakened thee from thy sleep, found
thee after thy being lost and quickened thee after thy death. Verily, I beseech
God to confirm thee by a power by which thou mayest be enabled to worship God
and to serve His Cause and to be submissive and lowly before the beloved of God.
910. By God, the True One, verily pure hearts are as clear and
brilliant mirrors which imprint the one on the other, and hearts discover the
secrets of hearts. Therefore, they chant the verses of longing and recite the
odes of glorification and praise. Consequently, the recourse is to pages of
hearts, not to pages filled with written lines.
911. O thou maid-servant of God! Be tranquil and know, verily, that
the Holy Ghost in this glorious age reacheth every soul that is sincerely
faithful, firm and drawn to the Kingdom of the Great Lord. Verily, I address
thee with a heart overflowing with the love of God.
912. Thou has asked, very humbly, for certain things and all were
worthy to be coveted. Especially the rescue from self-love. This is a strange
trait and the means of the destruction of many important souls in the world. If
man be imbued with all good
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qualities but be selfish, all the other virtues will fade or pass away
and eventually he will grow worse.
913. Know that the return of Christ for a second time doth not mean
what the people believe, but, rather, signifieth the One promised to come after
Him. He shall come with the Kingdom of God and His power (or reign) is in the
world of hearts and spirits and not in that of matter. For the material world
is not comparable to a single fly’s wing, rather is less in the sight of
thy Lord, wert thou of those who know! Verily, Christ came with His Kingdom
from the beginning which hath no beginning and will come with His Kingdom to the
eternity of eternities, inasmuch as in this sense Christ is an expression of the
divine reality, the simple essence and heavenly entity which hath no beginning
or ending. It hath appearance, arising and manifestation and setting in each of
the cycles.
914. (As to the significance of the inscription upon the
Bahá’í ring): The Inscription is composed of two
“Bá” and of four “Há.” The explanation of
“Há” has been written in the commentary upon
“Bism’illáh, al-rahmán, al-rahím”; it is
very detailed, and not suitable for this letter: you must refer to the
commentary.
The repetition of the “Bá” refers to the
Invisibility and to the Presence.
With regard to the four “Há” which are the four
columns of the Temple of Unity, their perfect number is ten: one plus one
equals two; two plus one equals three; three plus three equals six; six plus
four equals ten, and ten with this signification is found in the
Qur’án, where it is said: “And we have made it (or him)
perfect in the figure ten.” Furthermore, “Ha” has the value
of five, and there “Há” is the Divine Essence and Reality.
That is clear and visible for the number five, which is the number of the
Báb.
It is because of this that upon the stone of the noble ring, the
“Bá” has been combined with the “Há” and
in the same way the Greatest Name appears in the inscription, for the number is
nine. If you multiply nine, which is the number of Bahá, with that of the
Báb, which is five, that makes nine times five or forty-five.
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And in the same way if you multiply five, which is the number of the
Báb, with nine, which is the number of Bahá, that makes
forty-five, and this number is equal to the number of Adam. Similarly, if you
add together the units of nine, that also makes forty-five. If now you add
together the units of the number of the Báb, that makes fifteen, which is
equal to the number of Eve, and is in conformity with the Hadith: “I and
‘Alí, we are the Father and Mother of this people.”
“Adam” signifies the overflowing Reality, distributive,
active, which represents the appearance of the Names and Qualities of God, the
Divine conditions (or stations); whereas Eve is the passive Reality, taking,
dependent, receptive, existing through the Divine Names and Qualities. Briefly,
such are the least of the mysteries of the composition of the Greatest Name upon
the stone of the Divine ring.
Observe also that the three planes represent the world of God, the
World of Command, and the World of Creation, which are the sources of the signs.
The world of God is the source of Glorious Bounty; the world of Command is the
pure and luminous Mirror which depends upon the Sun of Truth; and the world of
Creation is the source of the acquisition of Lights which is due to the Supreme
Conjunction: To take from God; to give to the creatures.
In brief: the true “Bá,” which is the universal
Reality, once descended and distributed into the third degree from the Supreme
Grade, to the inferior creatures, becomes the collector and creator of all the
worlds.
Upon the horizon of Eternal Glory two luminous stars have arisen in
brilliance: one to the right and one to the left. This supreme mystery is the
two diagrams placed to the right and to the left of the Greatest Name upon the
stone of the noble ring: this is the mystery of the appearance of the Beauty of
‘Abhá and of the Supreme Highness (the Báb). And though
these two diagrams at the right and the left have the form of stars, they also
represent the body of man, with the head, the two arms and the two legs, since
this diagram has five points.
915. One of the teachings is that love and faithfulness must so
prevail in the hearts that men may see the stranger as a friend,
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the sinner as an intimate fellow, may count enemies as allies, regard
foes as loving comrades, call their executioner the giver of life, and consider
the denier as a believer and the unbeliever as a faithful one -- that is, men
must behave in such a manner as may befit the believers, the faithful, the
friend and the confidant. If this lamp may shine in a befitting manner in the
assemblage of the world you will find that the regions will become fragrant and
the world will become a delectable paradise, the surface of the earth will
become an excellent garden, the world will become as one home, the different
nations will become as one kind, and the peoples and nationalities of the East
and West will become as one household. I hope such a day will come and such
lights may dawn and such a Countenance may appear in the utmost beauty.
916. Verily, I say unto thee that the gifts of thy Lord are encircling
thee in a similar way as the spirit encircles the body at the beginning of the
amalgamation of the elements and natures in the womb; the power of the spirit
begins then to appear in the body gradually and successively according to the
preparation and capacity to receive that everlasting abundance. I ask God to
help thee that the spirit will carry out its power in thee as desired and
wished.
917. Know thou, verily, man before reaching (spiritual) maturity
passes his days and only apprehends trivial things which are clear on account of
their exoteric indications, but when he attains full development, then he grasps
the realities of things and their esoteric facts. Every day after maturity is
equivalent to one year before it, on account of (man’s) perception,
understanding, apprehension and discoveries.
Now, thou hast reached development and apprehended the degree of
maturity: Gaze at the grades of the existence, the realities of things, the
allegories in the epistles of God, and the mysteries in the Old and New
Testament. By the life of Bahá, the covering will be removed from thee,
and thou will be informed of that which all the philosophers and wise men are
unable to apprehend. Verily, this is a gift which God assigns only to such of
His chosen servants as He willeth. Verily, Thy Lord will inspire thee with the
mysteries of God, the Protector, the Self-subsistent.
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918. Observe the pages of the universe and discover the traces which
appeared! Hast thou seen or heard in any of the previous centuries or
generations that which is manifested in this Glorious Age? If the writings of
the previous centuries, the middle centuries and the later centuries, be
compared with that which is manifested in this one century, they will not weight
against it! Nay, rather, they are as drops of water in comparison with the
ocean. Magnified is He, who hath crowned this century with the appearances of
His Kingdom!
919. Consider the past, so that thou mayest become informed of the
mysteries which shall be disclosed in the future. When the disciples were
calling in the name of Christ, the Jews scoffed, scorned and laughed at them.
They were saying: “They are taken with madness, and madness is made an
art.” They even beat them with whips, threw stones at them, prevented the
people from approaching them, and were saying: “This man (Christ) is
naught but a sorcerer, he blasphemeth God and is possessed of a devil.”
Then observe how that persecution and scorn were changed to glory,
honor and reverence. Ultimately, the Jews honored their sublime stations and
acknowledged their loftiness, which was exalted, promoted and glorified in the
center of the horizons until it reached the degree of exaggeration in deeds.
They made for them likenesses and pictures, decorated with jewels shining in the
eyes; they placed these likenesses or pictures in the temples, churches and
monasteries built on the tops of the mountains, and worshipped them with
respect, glory, majesty and reverence. This is the condition of the neglectful
ones who are deprived of the Truth (the Manifestations of God) at the day of
their existence among them. After the ascension of their (prophets’)
spirits unto the Center of purity and pity, then the negligent ones repent and
return, making likenesses and pictures according to their own ideas, which do
not bear resemblance (to the Reality), and they worship the same. This is the
station of the ignorant ones who are as animals, following every croaker and
shaken by every wind. “Forsake them to play in their shallow
waters.”
920. There is many a young child who is mature and grown, and many an aged one who is ignorant and stupid. Growth and
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maturity are in intellect and understanding, and not in age and
duration of life.
921. Thou hast written concerning the impersonality of the Divinity.
Personality is in the manifestation of the Divinity, not in the essence of the
Divinity. The reality of the divine world is purified and sanctified from
limits and restriction. But the pure Mirror, which is the manifestor of the Sun
of Truth and in which the Sun of Truth is manifest in full appearance -- that
Mirror is restricted, and not the Lights. The soul pervadeth throughout the
entire body, and its commands are effective in all the parts and limbs of man.
Notwithstanding its utmost sanctification (or abstraction) this soul is manifest
and evident in all its grades, in this material form. By “seeing
God” is meant beholding the Manifestation of Himself; for witnessing the
sun in its entire splendor, in a clear glassy surface, is identical with
witnessing the essence of the sun itself.
When the souls of the sincere depart, then their unreal vision is
changed into a vision of reality. Even as man, when in the age of childhood and
imperfection, though he seeth things, yet that vision is superficial and
external. But when he reacheth the world of perfection and becometh endowed
with reasoning faculty and discrimination and comprehension, then that vision of
his is a vision of reality and not appearance.
It is evident that the divine nearness is an unlimited nearness, be it
in this world or the next one. This is a nearness which is sanctified from the
comprehension of minds. The more a man seeketh light from the Sun of Truth, the
nearer he will draw. For instance, a clear body is near unto the sun, and a
black stone is far from the sun. This nearness dependeth upon clearness, purity
and perfection, and that remoteness is due to density, dullness and
imperfection.
922. As to the question whether souls will recognize each other in the
spiritual world: This fact is certain; for the Kingdom is the world of vision,
where all the concealed realities will become disclosed. How much more the
intimate souls will become manifest. The mysteries of which man is heedless in
this earthly world, those will he discover in the heavenly world, and there will
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he be informed of the secret of truth; how much more will he recognize
or discover persons with whom he has associated. Undoubtedly, the holy souls
who find a pure eye and are favored with insight will, in the kingdom of lights,
be acquainted with all mysteries, and will seek the bounty of witnessing the
reality of every great soul. They will even manifestly behold the Beauty of God
in that world. Likewise will they find all the friends of God, both those of
former and recent times, present in the heavenly assemblage.
As to the difference and distinction between Lazarus and that
“rich man”: The first was spiritual, while the second was material.
One was in the highest degree of knowledge and the other in the lowest depths of
ignorance. The difference and distinction will naturally become realized
between all men after their departure from this mortal world. But this
distinction is not in respect to place, but it is in respect to the soul and
conscience. For the Kingdom of God is sanctified (free) from time and place; it
is another world and another universe. But the holy souls are promised the gift
of intercession. And know thou for a certainty, that in the divine worlds, the
spiritual beloved ones will recognize each other, and will seek union, but a
spiritual union. Likewise a love that one may have entertained for another will
not be forgotten in the world of the Kingdom. Likewise, thou wilt not forget
the life that thou hast had in the material world.
O thou maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the most strong handle, and
be thoroughly attracted to the Kingdom of ‘Abhá, until thou mayest at
every instant find a new confirmation and attain to a wonderful gift and become
a cause for the guidance of souls.
923. If thou art desirous of health, wish thou health for serving the
Kingdom. I hope thou mayest attain a perfect insight, an inflexible resolution,
a complete health and spiritual and physical strength in order that thou mayest
drink from the fountain of eternal life and be assisted by the spirit of divine
confirmation.
Engage thou in commemorating God at every morn and turn unto the
Horizon of Mercifulness.
Take some honey, recite Yá Bahá’ul-‘Abhá,
and eat a little thereof for several days. For these thy prevailing disease are
not
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on account of sins, but they are to make thee despise this world and
know that there is no rest and composure in this temporal life.
924. That substance which is the cause of the moderation and
perfection of the body is that perfect moderate temperament which is produced by
the organization and admixture of constituent elements; that substance is
material, not spiritual. But reason, which comprehends the realities of things,
is a spiritual reality, not material. Therefore the animal is deprived of
reason, and it is specialized to mankind.
925. No one hath any way to the Reality of Deity except through the
instrumentality of the Manifestation. To suppose otherwise is theory and not
fact.
926. Leave thou the “New Thought” and seek after the New
Kingdom. The “New Thought” is a part of the New Kingdom. When thou
hast found the latter, thou hast found the former; nay, rather, thou hast found
all things.
927. The end of every (material) work is without result, because it is
perishable and inconstant, but the first (real) work is attraction to the
fragrances of God, enkindlement with the fire of the love of God, reading the
verses of unity and beholding the lights from the dawning-place of mystery.
After that cometh the training of the soul, purification of character and
service to humanity. If thou art able to accomplish any one of these, the result
is eternal and the fruit everlasting.
928. Know thou, verily, all the doors are closed except the door of
the Kingdom of God! All the trees are without fruit except the tree of life
planted in the paradise of God! All the winds are disquieting to the soul
except the breeze of God! All the cups are bitter except the cup of the love of
God! Every benefit vanisheth except the food of heaven. It is incumbent upon
thee to partake thereof.
929. O maid-servant of God! The Spirit knoweth the spirit, the Spirit
addresseth the spirit and the Spirit associateth with the spirit.
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930. Thou hast asked: “Is it possible that this new and living
Cause is to take the place of the dead religion of England when there hath been
organized certain sects who have arrived at high stations of spiritual knowledge
and to exalted degrees of merciful powers, and have become distinguished in
virtue over all predecessors: notwithstanding this, is it possible that this new
Cause will attract the attention of such people to such a degree as to unite
their hearts and gather them under its overshadowing protection?”
O thou dear friend! Know thou that the distinguished individual of
ever age is according to the virtues of that age. The distinguished personage
who was in the former age, but in this brilliant age and divine cycle, the noble
personage, the radiant star, the distinguished one, will manifest with virtues
which will eventually amaze the peoples, for He is in spiritual virtues and
divine perfections loftier than all the individuals; nay, rather, He is the
source of divine benediction and the center of the Radiant Circle. He is
certainly comprehensive. There is no doubt that He will reveal Himself to such
a degree as to bring all under His overshadowing care.
When thou considerest carefully thou wilt find this order and system
to be established in all things. The whole attracteth the part, and the center
of the circle is the axis of the compass. Consider His Holiness the Spirit
(Christ): since He was the center of spiritual power and the origin of divine
benediction, although in the beginning He gathered but few under His power, yet
later, through that conquering power, He ushered all sects under the shadow of
the Christian tabernacle. Compare the present with the past, see the great
difference. By this thou canst measure and reach the reality, and know for a
certainty that the difference among the sects of the world is due to the
difference of comprehensions. As long as the perceptive powers differ, surely
the opinions and thought differ also. But if one great perceptive Power which
comprehendeth all, cometh to the center, the differing opinions become united,
and ideal unity and oneness are revealed.
931. As to the question of translating the Books and Tablets of the
Blessed Beauty: it will soon be done in all languages with the utmost of
eloquence and excellence. When the Tablets of His Holiness
(Bahá’u’lláh) are translated in accordance with the
original,
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with excellence and eloquence, then the lights and significances will
dawn and brighten every eye. Endeavor thou with all thy power to make the
translation as the original.
932. Know thou that the Kingdom of God hath pitched its tents, hoisted
its banner and uplifted its pavilions in this extensive space. The hosts of the
angels of God have come down with standards of signs; marched off towards all
horizons; opened the cities of the hearts by the power of thy Lord, the
Generous; and have blown the great trumpet. The Holy Spirit hath freely given
eternal life to every pure heart, and the souls become attracted through the
effulgence of the beauty of the glorious Kingdom and through the brilliancy of
the light of truth over all regions. The clamor of the spiritual people hath
risen with praise and glory to God, the All-glorious!
933. By the life of God! Verily, the gift of guidance, during this
great century and this age of lights, is greater than reigning over the earth
and all that is therein.
934. The wisdom of all these tribulations that poured successively
upon thee was this -- that thou shouldst be prepared and made ready for this
Cause, that thou mightest expect the attainment to the greatest guidance, for
all these trials were but a preparation for thine entrance into the most exalted
paradise and the beginning of obtaining this most great benefit.
935. The prophets also acknowledge this opinion, to wit: That
education hath a great effect upon the human race, but they declare that minds
and comprehensions are originally different. And this matter is self-evident; it
cannot be refuted. We see that certain children of the same age, nativity and
race, nay, from the same household, under the tutorship of one teacher, differ
in their minds and comprehensions.
No matter how much the shell is polished, it can never become the
radiant pearl. The black stone will not become the world illumining gem. The
calocynth and the thorny cactus can never by training and development become the
blessed tree. That is to say, training doth not change the human substance, but
it produceth
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a marvelous effect. By this effective power all that is registered, in
latency, of virtues and capacities in the human reality will be revealed.
It is for this reason that, in this new cycle, education and training
are recorded in the Book of God as obligatory and not voluntary.
936. Tell them they should do as they think best in these matters.
Should they marry, divorce, leave their homes, move to other places, etc., --
all these matters pertaining to their material affairs --
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ says: “They must do as they wish;
they must solve their own problems; they are grown-ups. We do not like to tell
people what they should do in these matters. My work is universal; my time and
thoughts are for the whole world on the most important problems relating to
affairs that concern the spiritual welfare of nations and individuals. When the
believers are insistent, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ must give them
answers, and it is their wish always that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’
grants them. He knows what their wish in reality is. They must make mistakes
to learn, and to unfold the higher which is within themselves. The initial wish
does not come from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’. It comes from them.
It is generally clothed with such words as these: ‘We only wish to do
that which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ wishes us to do.’ And
they are sincere in this, for they do not know the subtlety of the ego of man.
It is the Tempter (the subtle serpent of the mind), and the poor soul not
entirely emancipated from its suggestions is deceived until entirely severed
from all save God.”
937. If thou wishest the divine knowledge and recognition, purify thy
heart from all beside God, be wholly attracted to the ideal, beloved One; search
for and choose Him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments.
For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned to
the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will
be opened and will recognize the Sun through the Sun itself. Then one will be
in no need of arguments, for the Sun is altogether independent, and absolute
independence is in need of nothing, and proofs are one of the things.
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938. Hypnotism hath a weak influence over the bodies, but hath no
result. But the power of the Kingdom of God is great. If thou canst, endeavor
to obtain a share of that power.
939. O ye cohorts of God! Today in the world of existence, each
community is wandering in a wilderness, moving in accord with some passion and
desire, and running to and fro in pursuance of its own imagination. Among the
communities of the world, this community of the “Greatest Name” is
free from every thought, keeping aloof from every project and scheme, arising
with the purest designs and intentions, and striving and endeavoring with the
utmost hope to live in accordance with the divine teachings in order that the
face of the earth become the delectable paradise, the nether world become the
mirror of the Kingdom, the universe become another universe, and the human race
attain to higher morals, conduct and manners.
Through the protection and help of the Blessed Perfection -- may my
life be a sacrifice to His beloved! -- you must conduct and deport yourselves in
such a manner that you may stand out among other souls distinguished by a
brilliancy like unto the sun. If any of you enters a city he must become the
center of attraction because of the sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty,
fidelity, truthfulness and loving-kindness of his disposition and nature toward
all the inhabitants of the world, that the people of the city may all cry out:
“This person is unquestionably a Bahá’í; for his
manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature and his disposition
are of the attributes of the Bahá’ís.” Until you do
attain this station, you have not fulfilled the Covenant and the Testament of
God. For according to the irrefutable texts, He has taken from us a firm
covenant that we may live and act in accord with the divine exhortations,
commands and lordly teachings.
O ye cohorts of God! Now is the time when the signs and perfections
of the “Greatest Name” become manifest and clear in this golden
cycle in order that it may become demonstrated and established beyond doubt that
this period is the period of the Blessed Perfection, and this cycle is
distinguished from all other cycles and epochs.
O ye cohorts of God! In the moment of catastrophe, find ye patience,
resignation and submission.
The more the calamities are intensified the less become ye disturbed.
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Withstand ye, with perfect assurance, the flood of trials and
calamities, through the power of His Highness, the Almighty.
940. Thou hast asked in regard to the 10th verse of the 21st chapter
of Revelation, and to the 17th verse:
Know that the firmament of the bright sun of the world of
possibilities is divided into twelve sections (according to mathematical
principles) which are called the twelve constellations; likewise the Sun of
Truth manifests and pours forth His bounty in twelve constellations of holiness.
By these constellations are meant holy souls who are the manifestations of
purity and the dawning points of the lights of Unity. Observe that in the day
of His Holiness the Interlocutor of God (Moses), there were twelve holy souls
who were the leaders of the Truth. In like manner, in the cycle of His Holiness
the Spirit (Christ), note that there were twelve apostles under the shadow of
the light of the Most High, and the Sun of Truth was manifested through those
bright dawning places like unto the phenomenal sun. Likewise, in the time of
His Holiness Muhammad, consider that there were twelve dawning points of
holiness who were the manifestations of confirmation. Such is the case.
Accordingly, St. John, the divine, declared in his vision regarding
the twelve doors and the twelve foundations. By the great and holy city of
Jerusalem, which is descended from heaven, is meant the sacred law of God. This
subject has been repeatedly explained in many Tablets and in the Scriptures of
the ancient Prophets. For example, it is said in one place: “I beheld
Jerusalem marching on to the wilderness.” The purport is that this
heavenly Jerusalem has twelve doors through which the advancing souls enter into
the City of God. These doors are the souls who are the stars of guidance and
doors unto bounty and knowledge. “At the gates twelve angels stood.”
By “angel” is meant the power of the confirmation of God; that the
candle of the power of the divine confirmation shines forth and is illumined in
those souls. That is to say, that each one of those souls will be confirmed by
the mightiest power. Those twelve gates surround the whole universe. This
signifies that all existence is under the shadow of those souls; also, that
these doors are the foundation of the city of God, the divine Jerusalem; that
upon each of these foundations the name of one of the Apostles of His Holiness
the Spirit (Christ)
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is written. That is to say, the manifestation of the perfections, glad
tidings, virtues and high attributes of that holy soul.
In brief, it is said that: “And he that talked with me had a
golden rod to measure the city and the gates thereof and the walls
thereof.” The purport is this, that certain souls guided with a rod of
the plant, that is, a reed wherewith he shepherded the sheep, like unto the rod
of Moses; others trained with a rod of iron and drove them, as in the time of
Muhammad. In this Greatest Day the rod of the plant and the rod of iron are
changed into a rod which is of pure gold and is from the endless treasuries of
the Kingdom of God.
By the instrumentality of this, all people shall be trained. Observe
the difference: in a certain time the teachings of God were like unto the twigs
of a tree, and by them the signs of God were spread, the law of God promulgated
and the religion of God founded. Later a time came when the rod of the divine
Shepherd was like iron; and now in this blessed and glorious cycle that rod is
become like unto pure gold. What a great difference exists between them!
Therefore know that the law of God and the divine teachings show a great advance
in this day. They have reached a degree of supremacy, compared with former
ages. Nay, rather, this is pure gold, while that was iron and wood.
941. Praise be to God that thou hast found guidance, sought
illumination and turned thy face toward the Kingdom of the True One.
This turning the face toward God is the healing of the body, the mind
and the soul. When this advancement toward God has become complete, one is able
to overcome passion and desire, become protected from sin and transgression and
be delivered from heedlessness. It will bestow eternal life and grant the
imperishable gift.
Therefore sacrifice all thy talents at the feet of that
heart-enkindling Beloved, and characterize thyself with such deeds and words
that thou mayest become the cause of the guidance of others, and remain
steadfast and firm in the Testament and Covenant.
942. The Hosts of the Kingdom of ‘Abhá are drawn up and filed
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in battle array on the plain of the Supreme Apex and are expecting that
a band of volunteers will step upon the field of action with the intention of
service, so that they may assist that band and make it victorious and
triumphant.
943. A fire from the Kingdom hath been kindled in the heart of the
world, -- in the Blessed Tree, whose flame shall ere long set aglow the pillars
of the world and its rays illumine the horizons of nations. All the signs have
appeared, all the prophetic references become clear, all that was revealed in
Books and Scriptures hath become fully manifest. There is no ground for any one
to hesitate in regard thereto. Some people of former times and sects avoided
certain others as strangers. But now the glorious Beloved One hath ridden upon
His swift coursing steed, circling about in the arena of truth, and all that was
hidden hath become manifest. Let there be no more silence or reticence,
taciturnity or negligence. The Candle is lighted -- yet the moths continue
motionless and melancholy behind the veils. ... The time is too short, and the
Divine Courser moves swiftly on.
944. Unless the Holy Spirit become intermediary, one cannot attain
directly to the bounties of God. Do not overlook the obvious truths. For it is
a self-evident fact that a child cannot be instructed without a teacher, and
knowledge is a bounty from the bounties of God. The soil is not covered with
grass and green without the rain of the cloud, therefore the cloud is the
intermediary between the divine bounties and the soil. A body does not develop
and grow without the soul, therefore the soul is the medium of the spiritual
life.
I hope that through the breath of the Holy Spirit the mysteries may
become disclosed to thee, for without this channel it is impossible and
unattainable.
945. It is becoming of a weak one to supplicate to the Strong One and
it behooveth a seeker of bounty to beseech the Glorious Bountiful One. When one
supplicates to his Lord, turns to Him and seeks bounty from His Ocean, this
supplication is itself a light to his heart, an illumination to his sight, a
life to his soul and an exaltation to his being. By these attractions
one’s ability
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and capacity increase. When the vessel is deepened the water
increaseth, and when the thirst groweth the bounty of the clouds becometh
agreeable to the taste of man.
This is the mystery of supplication and the wisdom of stating
one’s wants.
946. You had asked concerning the disclosure of spirits after the
dissolution of bodies. Undoubtedly the other world is a world of disclosure and
vision, for there the veil will be removed and the human spirit will witness the
souls above it, beneath it, or of an equal rank with it. ... The spirits of the
believers at the time of their appearance in the world of bodies are equal, and
are all pure and unsullied. But in this world they will find distinction. Some
attain to a lofty station, some seek an intermediate grade, some stagnate in the
early stages. This equality is in the original state of their being, and this
distinction is after their ascension from this earthly life.
947. The Supreme One hath said “He loveth them and they will
love Him.” If God had not filled His Servant with His love, love would
never have been realized in this creation.
All is then from Him, and is His -- man in himself possesses
absolutely nothing.
The rays of love having shone from the True One unto the creation, the
great signs thereof are imprinted upon clear and luminous hearts, and as these
mirror-hearts meet, reflecting this sublime light, love, it becomes manifest
from creature to creature. “God hath put harmony in their hearts.”
948. In this prohibition (from visiting Haifa) there is a providence
which will become manifest before long. But know ye with the utmost certainty
that this disappointment is regarded in the Threshold of the Manifest Light as
greater than a visit to that magnificent station. For the substance of the
grief is the essence of the visit, and the burning of the fire of zeal is the
sweet water of the union. This distance is the nearness itself, this separation
the reality of union.
949. In this day if any one lives in accordance with the heavenly
teachings and instructions, he shall become a spiritual physician
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to the world of humanity and the trumpet of Israel to quicken the dead.
For the confirmations of the Kingdom of ‘Abhá are uninterrupted,
and the victory of the Supreme Concourse is the associate of every one who is
pure in heart.
950. It is known and clear that today the unseen divine assistance
encompasses those who deliver the message. And if the work of delivering the
message be neglected, the assistance shall be entirely cut off. Under all
conditions the message must be delivered, but with wisdom. The friends should
be engaged in educating the souls and should become instruments in aiding the
world of humanity to acquire spiritual joy and fragrance. If every one of the
friends were to establish relations of friendship and right dealing with one of
the negligent souls, associate and live with him with perfect kindliness, and
meanwhile, through good conduct and moral behavior, lead him to divine
instruction, to heavenly advice and teachings, surely he would gradually arouse
that negligent person and would change his ignorance into knowledge. Souls are
liable to estrangement. Such methods should be adopted that the estrangement be
first removed; then the Word will have effect.
If, by this method, every one of the friends of God were to try to
lead one soul to the right path, the number of the believers would be doubled
every year.
951. With regard to the formation of benevolent associations; surely
this subject should receive due attention. The disciples of His Holiness Christ
(may My life be a sacrifice unto Him!) were only eleven persons, and they had
established a benevolent fund. So the establishment of the fun had that degree
of importance.
952. O ye friends of the Beauty of ‘Abhá! O ye firm ones in the
Testament of the Covenant of Bahá!
O ye servants of the Holy Threshold of His Highness the Eternal One!
Praise ye the Greatest Name and the Self-subsistent, Eternal and Pre-existent
Beauty for that He hath, through His great kindness, made ye true friends,
steadfast in the Covenant and firm in the Testament of God. He made you
brilliant lamps and sufficient stars, signs of oneness and standards of
singleness, trees of the paradise of the Covenant, and lights of the sanctity of
God.
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Therefore in thanksgiving for the great favor, ye should endeavor to
promote peace, union, harmony. Ye are immersed in one sea and receive radiance
from one sun. Ye are drawing from one horizon, radiating from one source, and
receiving bounties from one point. Ye are soaring in one Atmosphere and looking
to one center. This is the essence of oneness and the reality of singleness.
Whosoever proves firm, his breath is the Breath of God. Whosoever
slightly doubts and wavers, his whisperings are contaminated, no matter who he
may be.
953. What is the Truth? Truth is the Word of God which gives life to
humanity. It restores sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf; it makes
eloquent those who are dumb, and living beings out of dead beings; it illumines
the world of the heart and soul; it reduces into nothingness the iniquities of
the neglectful and erring ones. Beauty, perfection, brilliancy and spirituality
in this existence comes from or through the Word of God. For all it is the
supreme goal, the greatest desire, the cause of life, light, instruction. The
road to attain to this Truth is the love of God. When the light of the love of
God is burning in the mirror of the heart, that flame shows the way, and guides
to the Kingdom of the Word of God.
As to that which causes the growth of the love of God -- know that it
is to turn one’s self towards God.
954. As to progress after death: know that after death it is the
divine world. Progress is possible, but it depends upon the generosity of God,
and not upon the efforts and struggles of man. In other words, progress becomes
possible only through grace, because the progress from one rank to another
depends entirely upon divine generosity, whereas on the contrary, progress
toward perfection is obtainable through man’s effort. For example, the
progress of a mineral reality to the rank of a vegetable is to be obtained only
through generosity; likewise the passage of a vegetable reality to the rank of
animal reality to the rank of the human is also due to mercy and generosity;
likewise the passage of a human reality to the world of the Kingdom depends
entirely upon generosity. What I mean to say is this: that the passage from one
rank to another depends wholly upon grace, whereas the acquiring of perfections
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is dependent upon man’s efforts and struggles. Take mankind: God
created man from the mineral enabled him to attain to his present station; now
by his efforts and struggles, he can acquire human perfections and seek to
increase in virtue and purity. It is therefore clear that the passage from one
rank to a higher rank depends entirely on generosity, whereas the acquiring of
virtues is possible through effort and will-power. In consequence, after the
passage through this corporeal world into the divine world, the traversing of
ranks is possible, but only through the grace and bounty of God.
955. As to the significance of the Cause of
Bahá’u’lláh: know that everything which belongs to the
universal welfare is divine, and all that which is divine is certainly for
universal good. If it is the truth, it is for all, otherwise it is for no one.
Therefore, a divine cause for universal good cannot be limited to the Orient or
to the Occident; because the flame of the Sun of Truth illumines the East and
the West, and its heat is felt in the South as well as the North, -- there is no
difference between the two poles. In the time of the Manifestation of Christ,
the Romans and Greeks thought that the Cause was especially for the Israelites;
they thought they themselves had no need of it, because they saw that according
to appearances, they possessed a perfect civilization, wherefore they did not
need the instructions of Christ. This false supposition was the cause of
depriving many people of its grace.
Also know that the principles of Christianity and the commandments of
Bahá’u’lláh are identical, and that the roads are the
same. But every day there is progress. There was a time when the divine
institution was in an embryonic condition; then it became a newly-born infant,
then a child, afterward an intelligent adult. Today it has reached maturity;
its capacities, its body, is ever the same identity -- but today it is
resplendent with the greatest beauty and brilliancy.
This explanation is clear and sufficient. Happy is he who penetrates
the mysteries, and who takes his share from the world of Light. The sun could
shine a hundred thousand years and shower its heat upon a stone or hard piece of
earth; they will not become luminous gems, a ruby or a pearl.
956. Perchance, God willing, ye may be helped and confirmed to
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arise and serve in a befitting and worthy manner, and be assisted to do
that which is required; and associate with the people with sanctity, purity,
virtue and holiness, so that every one who is near may inhale the fragrance of
the delectable Paradise, every intimate one may behold the traits of the most
wonderful creation, and all people testify that the Bahá’ís
are the shining lamps of the regions and the rays of the dawning-place and
effulgence; recognizing a Bahá’í through the quality and not
the name, knowing him through the amiable nature and not the physical body.
Should we become as such, the manifest light will shine in our brow. Otherwise,
woe unto us, for that which we have neglected as duties enjoined upon us by God!
957. Know that the blessings of the Kingdom of ‘Abhá are not dependent upon the capacity and the worthiness of any one; the blessings
themselves are the worthiness. As the action itself, when it reaches the thing
acted upon, makes that thing the action, -- so the blessings themselves then
become identical with worthiness. In like manner, when the action itself
descends upon the recipient, the recipient becomes the action. For example,
when an object becomes broken, the action becomes realized in it. Under such
circumstances, the recipient and that which is received -- or capacity and
blessings -- are one. Therefore the blessings of the Kingdom of
‘Abhá are not enchained by any fetters. The Kingdom gives the drop
the influence of the sea, and the mote that of the sun. As thou hast already
beheld, God has arisen, and some souls who were less than drops become like the
waves of the great sea and manifested a storm equal to that of the ocean: in
such cases worthiness is of no importance.
958. Every one of the friends of God has two stations; on the station
of mankind and the other the station of spirituality. The spiritual station is
unseen, while the material station, the personal station, is seen. It is like
the horizon and the sun; the Sun of Truth shines forth from the horizon; and now
the Sun of Truth has shone with perfection from the horizon. We call these
effulgences the descending grace. The horizon receives all divine protection
through the outpouring of that bounty, and the bounties which the horizon
receives from the unseen Light, He gives to mankind and to creation. The
station by which the horizon gives those bounties to mankind, which He has taken
from the
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Sun of Truth -- the station of giving those bounties to mankind is
called the station of sacrifice. I will tell you an example to distinguish
between the giver of the bounties of mankind: suppose the grain which you put in
the earth -- when the grain desires to be changed into a tree, of course it
sacrifices all of itself to the tree in order that the tree may be produced.
Christ said: I have given my life in order that ye may live. When Christ came
into the world He gave all His bounties to mankind in order that they might see
their bounties therein; and this was the way He sacrificed His life to the
world.
When we want to know and judge whether such a matter is complete in
this world, we must distinguish between its outward grace and its inward grace.
If we find these two graces equal to each other, we will know that this matter
has been accomplished. What a man lives in his heart, he must be appearance
live; and if he live a something in his heart and does not show it in his life,
then we will judge that his life is not complete.
It is the same with the Cause of God. If we would know whether this
Cause is complete and in full perfection, we must see whether all its conditions
or grades are complete and consistent. All Divine Manifestations give up all
personal conditions, considerations and grades in the Cause of God to such an
extent that there is nothing judged of their personality; that is, they
sacrifice their personality entirely in the world; their life is only the life
of God, their thought is the thought of God and their grades are those chosen by
God. They have nothing. They sacrifice everything in the way of God. They
suffer every sort of affliction and calamity in the world -- that is, the
afflictions and calamities in addition to those suffered spiritually -- in order
to show that the spiritual equals the material in consecration and sacrifice.
They sacrifice spiritually in the way of God, and so they sacrifice all apparent
and outward conditions in order to show the perfection and completeness of the
truth of their manifestation.
This is the station of simple radiance which shines forth and makes
them separate from all worldly things, and this leads them to such a condition
that while they are walking on the earth, they are moving in the supreme
Horizon. They have cut themselves off entirely from worldly conditions, and
while they are on the earth they never see it, but look to the Horizon. They
close
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their eyes to their material ease and to all else, and hasten with all
joy and fragrance to martyrdom in the Cause of God.
As long as one has not taken a portion of the mystery of sacrifice, it
is impossible for him to attain to the Kingdom of God. So long as you do not
have the cup free from every sort of liquor, is it possible that you can put
good and pure water therein?
The most earnest hope and desire of those who have drawn nigh to God
is this -- to receive a cup from this ocean. I hope that in the service of God
I may gain such a station as to put those who are in the way of God in the way
of attaining the grace of self-sacrifice, that they may wholly forget their own
personality and their ego. So long as the surface of the mirror is not clean
from rust and dust, the radiance and effulgence of the sun shall never be
imprinted on it. The more the body is lightened, the sooner it ascends.
959. Those who looked at the material body of Christ and saw Him
enduring all the hardships and trials, marveled that He was the Messiah because
He was in this lowly condition. As they were considering His physical being,
they failed to see the light shining within it. But those who looked to the
spiritual and the real existence of the Spirit in Christ, they firmly believed
in Him. We must not look at the lantern, but at the light -- the candle inside
the lantern. We must not look at the worldly condition, but at the truth within
it -- the divine truth -- because if we look only at the outward form of man,
how can we distinguish man from animal, because we find them eating and doing
the same things; but when we consider the spirit in man, we find it to be far
different from the animal. When you look at water, salt and sweet, you cannot
tell the difference, but when you taste the water, then you can distinguish.
This is one of the tests of God. That is why Jesus told all people to
supplicate and beseech God not to let them fall into these tests. For God does
not tempt us -- God tests us. Temptation is from the satanic, or negative,
quality of man.
960. By the term “angels” spiritual powers is sometimes
meant, and other times you will find that the term means pure and holy souls.
Where it is said “I will give My angels charge over you to keep you in all
your ways,” it means pure souls and true believers. In one station
“angel” means those spiritual and divine
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powers given by God to the body of man which change mankind toward
good. These are the “angels” which confirm man.
Sometimes we understand by “angel” those beings and souls who are sanctified from all earthly stations -- that is, who have cut themselves
from all worldly things and drawn nigh unto God with all resignation and
devotion. If we find a man who has cut himself from all animal and worldly
stations and approached nigh to the heavenly conditions, we will say “This
being is an angel,” because he has nothing to do with earthly things.
All beings of the contingent world have to undergo change: the only
thing which is unchangeable is the identity of God. The angel is one of the
created beings of God and must undergo changes. Were these beings not to
change, they would possess the unity or nature of God. When we want to judge
something which is contingent, we look at its changes and understand its nature.
Man is not a pre-existent being, but a newly produced and created
being, consisting of two aspects or portions, the spiritual and material, which
may be likened to hell and paradise; and he does not know whether he will be in
hell or paradise. For instance, man is composed of evil as well as good, of
darkness as well as light, of guidance as well as misleading; the most evil
character is to be found in man, while the greatest and most excellent character
is also found in him. We must see that the good qualities gain victory over the
bad. If so, the man will become an “angel,” but if the bad
qualities conquer the good ones, then he will become a “devil.” If
the light conquers the darkness in man, of course he will be true light, and if
the darkness conquers the light, he will be of the material.
961. He who knows nothing of the wind, when he sees trees shaken does not know it is the wind which causes them to shake. Since the beginning of the
Cause, there have been at least ten thousand men who went with gladness to
suffer martyrdom, and people who saw them suffering this martyrdom thought it
was through their own power, and did not know that a breeze had shaken them. In
the days of other Prophets there were people who suffered martyrdom in the Cause
of God, but in this day there are more, and these have been more sincere. The
histories of this time will record their witness to the things which have
happened
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in this day -- to those who have suffered martyrdom. How many mothers
have been happy to see their children suffer martyrdom! How many wives have
rejoiced when their husbands suffered martyrdom; how many sisters have wept with
joy when their brothers died in the Cause of God! Now, it is not possible for
one to have joy under these circumstances unless he is shaken by a breeze from
the garden of God.
962. The station of the Prophets is as a lighted lamp; all the
Prophets offered themselves as lamps. Those men around them who heard their
voice were such as were capable and desirous of hearing them.
If you speak with a magician about the Zodiac, he understands you
because he is a learned man, but if you speak of it to a carpenter he will say
it is nonsense -- “How is it, a live man in the skies, or a ship!”
With this man the interpretation of the Bible will be the same -- if
you repeat all these spiritual things to him, he will think it nonsense. For
instance, when you read the Revelation of St. John to the unlearned in spiritual
matters, they do not understand it, and it is only because you tell them it is
the Bible that they do not call it nonsense. There are many meanings in each
word of the Apocalypse.
Iron attracts iron, and as you approach the Kingdom of God, you will
be attracted by the things of the Kingdom. Worldly people are not of the kind
to be affected by the magnet of the divine.
963. Everything in existence is good, and only the lack of goodness
make a thing evil. The being is created good, but when the lack of good is to
be seen in it, then it becomes bad. Evil is not created by God. For example,
light is created by God, but when you put away the light from a room, the room
becomes dark. Darkness is not created by God -- the lack of light is called
darkness. God has created guidance; misleading is lack of guidance. When you
turn yourself from guidance, you place yourself in misleading. There is no
existence in evil. Nothing proceeds from the True One but good, and everything
belonging to the beings of existence is animated by their God. I will give you
an example: the Governor sent here from Constantinople possesses full authority
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and power from the authority and power of the Sultán. But this
man is capable of doing both justice and injustice by this power given him by
the Sultan. If he exercises injustice and oppression in the city and the
Sultán punishes him, can he answer that he has done these evil things
through the power given from the Sultán? The Sultán will tell him
that he has given him power to use in a good way and not for oppression.
There is no difference in the bounties of God; a profusion of bounties
are outpoured continually upon all sorts of land, but when the precious shower
falls on a barren land, it causes weeds and thorns to grow. The same bounty and
the same shower causes a good, fertile land to bear roses and grass and useful
fruits.
964. The more you love, the nearer you will be to God. Love is one of
the bounties of God. Therefore to love one another is good.
The bounties of God are: to love each other, to speak the truth, to
sever our hearts from the world, to be reverent, to be humble, to be hospitable.
By these things you know the faithful servant of God. How do we know the light?
By its rays. So when you see these qualities, you will know that the servant of
God has received the regeneration. You must be thus reborn. You must pray and
supplicate, and the more you pray and supplicate, the nearer you will be to God.
When a dead body is thrown into the ocean, the waves will throw it
back upon the shore. So it is with the Ocean of Truth -- it will not accept a
dead body; and if a believer has not these bounties of God, the sea will roll
until he is finally cast out.
The people of God have no dependence upon the conditions of this
world; they neither become bittered with the bitterness of the cup, nor do they
become intoxicated if the cup be sweet.
The people of God are like the birds, who satisfy themselves with a
few crumbs, and sit the whole time on the branches of the tree singing the
praises of God.
965. The greatest gift of man is universal love, for this love is the
magnet which renders existence eternal, attracts reality, and diffuses life with
infinite joy. If this love penetrates the heart of man, all the forces of the
universe will be realized in him, for it is a divine power which transports him
to a divine station;
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and man will make no real progress until illumined by this power of
love. Strive to increase the love-force of reality, to make your hearts greater
centers of attraction, to create new ideals and relationships.
Alas! Alas! The world has not discovered the reality of religion
hidden beneath the symbolic forms!
966. Advance always in the Kingdom of
Bahá’u’lláh; occupy thy heart always by the mentioning
of Bahá’u’lláh; take heed that only in your eyes is
Bahá’u’lláh, in your heart is
Bahá’u’lláh -- in your inmost heart is
Bahá’u’lláh! If you fall into trouble, say,
“Yá Bahá‘ul ‘Abhá!” If any one
oppose you, say, “Yá Bahá‘ul
‘Abhá!” Even while at your work, mention “Yá
Bahá‘ul ‘Abhá!” Thou wilt be blamed for My
sake; people will attribute to thee infidelity for My sake; thou wilt bear
trouble for My sake. Be encouraged, and do not fear. It happened like this also
in the time of Jesus Christ.
Know the greatness of these days!
967. All the meetings must be for teaching the Cause and spreading the
message, and suffering the souls to enter into the Kingdom of
Bahá’u’lláh. Look at me. All my thoughts are
centered around the proclamation of the Kingdom.
I have a lamp in my hand searching through the lands and seas to find
souls who can become heralds of the Cause. Day and night I am engaged in this
work. Any other deliberations in the meetings are futile and fruitless. Convey
the message! Attract the hearts! Sow the seeds! Teach the Cause to those who
do not know.
I enter all meetings, all churches, so that the Cause may be spread.
When the most important work is before our sight, we must let go the important
one.
If the meetings or Spiritual Assembly has any other occupation, the
time is spent in futility. All the deliberations, all consultation, all the
talks and addresses must revolve around one focal center and that is: Teach the
Cause! Teach! Teach! Convey the message! Awaken the souls!
Now is the time of laying the foundation. Now we must gather brick,
stone, wood, iron and other building materials! This is not the time of
decoration. We must strive day and night and
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think and work. What can I say that may become effective? What can I
do that may bring results? What can I write that may bring forth fruits?
Nothing else will be useful today. The interests of such a glorious
Cause will not advance without undivided attention. While we are carrying this
load we cannot carry any other load!
968. Will is the center or focus of human understanding. We must will
to know God, just as we must will in order to possess the life He has given us.
The human will must be subdued and trained into the will of God. It is a great
power to have a strong will, but a greater power to give that will to God. The
will is what we do, the understanding is what we know. Will and understanding
must be one in the Cause of God.
969. Now the time has come when we must part, but the separation is
only of our bodies; in spirit we are united. Ye are the lights which shall be
diffused; ye are the waves of that sea which shall spread and overflow the
world. Each wave is precious to me, and my nostrils shall be gladdened by your
remembrance. Another commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another even
as I love you. Great mercy and blessings are promised to the people of your
land, but on one condition; that their hearts be filled with the fire of love,
that they live in perfect harmony and kindness like one soul in different
bodies, like one soul in different bodies. Never forget this; look at one
another with the eye of perfection; look at me, follow me, be as I am; take no
thought for yourselves or your lives, whether ye eat or whether ye sleep,
whether ye are comfortable, whether ye are well or ill, whether ye are with
friends or foes, whether ye receive praise or blame; for all these things ye
must care not at all. Look at me and be as I am; ye must die to yourselves and
to the world, so ye shall be born again and enter the kingdom of heaven. Behold
the candle, how it gives light. It weeps its life away drop by drop in order to
give forth its flame of light. The time has come when we must part, but the
separation is only of our bodies; in spirit we are united forever.
970. I say unto you that any one who will rise up in the Cause of God
at this time shall be filled with the spirit of God, and that
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He will send His hosts from heaven to help you, and that nothing shall
be impossible to you if you have faith. And now I give you a commandment which
shall be for a Covenant between you and me: that ye have faith; that you faith
be steadfast as a rock that no storms can move, that nothing can disturb, and
that it endure through all things even to the end; even should ye hear that your
Lord has been crucified, be not shaken in your faith; for I am with you always,
whether living or dead; I am with you to the end. As ye have faith so shall
your powers and blessings be. This is the standard -- this is the standard --
this is the standard.
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