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Lawh-i-Aflakiyyih (Tablet of the Celestial Spheres)
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3020
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Arabic
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Tablet of the Universe (Lawh-i-Aflákiyyih); Abdu'l-Bahá — de l'Univers
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Lawh-i-Aflakiyyih (Tablet of the Universe)
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Treatise highlighting the intimate connection between physical and spiritual realities and laws. Opens with an exordium on the names and attributes of God, which move "in the firmament of perfection in descending and ascending arcs", and "in the orbits of sanctity and circles of glorification", occupying "spiritual spheres" which are "subtle", "fluid", and "vibrating". Explains that since motion is intrinsic to existence, and this motion must be governed that order and perfection may be maintained, a universal attractive force was brought into being between the "holy and resplendent suns" and their planets and satellites. Emphasizes that the creation of God has no limits. Clarifies that the preceding are "spiritual truths pertaining to the spiritual world" and that material truths can also be inferred from this, for "physical things are signs and imprints of spiritual things". Describes the interconnected and relative nature of "earthly" and "heavenly", "material" and "spiritual", "accidental" and "essential", "particular" and "universal", "foundation" and "structure". States, quoting a Hadith, that particular and universal realities in both the physical and spiritual realms are infinite. Explains that the divine grace is manifested according to capacity, both individually in the human reality and collectively in this new cycle: thus "in this most great manifestation ... the gates of revelation and discovery have been thrown wide open". Clarifies that it is not possible that God's grace should have appeared all at once, but that a gradual and progressive revelation is necessary. Warns that the knowledge and sciences of past ages are "superstitious fancies" compared to those realities which have become unveiled in this Revelation, and so all matters must be weighed in the balance of this Cause. Directs that all things be investigated "in a methodical and scientific way", and that conventional wisdom be rejected, in order "to discover the undisclosed verities and the hidden mysteries, which are concealed in the inmost heart of the universal realities". Reiterates that the discoveries and opinions of earlier philosophers, including those regarding the celestial spheres, were unsound, since it is only in this age that the mathematical sciences have been systematized. Defends the statements of the Prophets about the celestial spheres, that they merely referred to the orbits of the planets. Affirms that the planets move within a subtle, fluid and vibrating substrate, and that "the heavens are a restrained wave because a void is impossible and inconceivable". Rejects the notion that the celestial spheres are solid and glassy. Returns to the topic of the errors of the ancient philosophers, in relation to the orbit of the Earth around the sun: while Pythagoras, Plato and Aristarchus affirmed the correct theory, their opinions were based on presentiment and not on evidence; while most of the sages, including al-Farabi, followed the erroneous theory of Ptolemy (in contradiction to the explicit text of Qur'an 36:38). Reiterates that sound scientific theories are supported by logical proofs and careful observation, as well as being "in conformity with the principles of the universal themes expounded in the divine sciences". Praises the careful observations of Copernicus. Closes with a prayer in praise of God and this Day and asking for steadfastness.
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All things are in motion; kinds of motion; Celestial spheres [aflak]; planets; astronomy; Growth and progress is gradual and according to capacity; Infinity and eternity; Interconnectedness; all things involved in all things; chain of being; Microcosm and macrocosm ['alam-i-akbar and 'alam-i-asghar]; The divine emanation; the all-pervading bounty of God
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