Kitáb-i-Íqán | 69 |
Know verily that Knowledge is of two kinds:
Divine and Satanic. The one welleth out from the
fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a
reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source
of the former is God Himself; the motive-force of
the latter the whisperings of selfish desire. The one
is guided by the principle: "Fear ye God; God
will teach you;" (1) the other is but a confirmation of
the truth: "Knowledge is the most grievous veil
between man and his Creator." The former bringeth
forth the fruit of patience, of longing desire, of
true understanding, and love; whilst the latter
can yield naught but arrogance, vainglory and
conceit. From the sayings of those Masters of holy
utterance, Who have expounded the meaning of
true knowledge, the odour of these dark teachings,
which have obscured the world, can in no wise be
detected. The tree of such teachings can yield no
result except iniquity and rebellion, and beareth no
fruit but hatred and envy. Its fruit is deadly poison;
its shadow a consuming fire. How well hath
it been said: "Cling unto the robe of the Desire of