Evolution of Religion

Many folk are turned off by religion because they feel the forms of worship are outmoded--not fit for our modern world.

Some folk feel that the moral dimension of religion should be modernized.

Many of the last group actually want to do away with morals...

Today's excerpt from Reality explores how Religion must Evolve:

"Note thou carefully that in this world of being, all things must ever be made new. Look at the material world about thee, see how it hath now been renewed. The thoughts have changed, the ways of life have been revised, the sciences and arts show a new vigour, discoveries and inventions are new, perceptions are new. How then could such a vital power as religion -- the guarantor of mankind's great advances, the very means of attaining everlasting life, the fosterer of infinite excellence, the light of both worlds -- not be made new? This would be incompatible with the grace and lovingkindness of the Lord."

Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 52

the Faith of God

So many times in life, people want a closer relationship with God, look into various forms of religion, and decide that they can't decide...

Rarely do the various organized systems of worship give easy answers with which all Truth-Seekers can readily agree.

Today's excerpt from Reality is here presented as an easy answer about the purpose of religion.

What do you think?

"The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men."

Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, "Lawh-i-Maqsúd" or "Tablet of Maqsúd", p. 168

God’s Purpose Unfolding in Time

Once again, I feel inadequate to the task of commentary...

At least there's a variety of quotes from Reality so their meanings can be compared.

I'll rely on something that was given commentary by me in a past post: it doesn't take high brain intelligence to understand Scripture; just a relatively Pure Heart...

"In every age and century, the purpose of the Prophets of God and their chosen ones hath been no other but to affirm the spiritual significance of the terms 'life, 'resurrection,' and 'judgment.'"

Bahá’u’lláh: The Kitáb-i-Íqán, paragraph 128, p. 110

"....in every age the light of God hath, to outward seeming, been quenched by the peoples of the earth, and the Lamps of God extinguished by them."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Kitáb-i-Íqán, paragraph 136, p. 117

"In every age and cycle He hath, through the splendorous light shed by the Manifestations of His wondrous Essence, recreated all things, so that whatsoever reflecteth in the heavens and on the earth the signs of His glory may not be deprived of the outpourings of His mercy, nor despair of the showers of His favors. How allencompassing are the wonders of His boundless grace! Behold how they have pervaded the whole of creation."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection XXVI, p. 62

"....He ["God"] hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection XXVII, p. 66

Child Abuse

Blog Catalog is promoting a Bloggers Unite Against Abuse day, today !

So, I began searching for an appropriate quote in Reality...

Didn't find one seemingly appropriate enough.

But, the Scriptural Writings that Reality comes from are like an Ocean.

Here's the quote I chose, to unite with other bloggers against abuse:

"Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the education of children is of the first importance. Let them put forth every effort in this regard, for when the bough is green and tender it will grow in whatever way ye train it. Therefore is it incumbent upon the mothers to rear their little ones even as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let them strive by day and by night to establish within their children faith and certitude, the fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the worlds, and all good qualities and traits. Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however, permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child's character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal abuse."

Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 125

Seven Candles of Unity

Most folk, if they thought about it, would claim that we need Peace in the World before we can have Unity.

Well, here's another example that people need guidance from beyond their ego consciousness to find Truth.

Turns out we need Unity before Peace can flourish.

Think about it...

Today's quote from Reality explores seven "candles" of unity that humanity is striving to light.

"In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the absence of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved. Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and the same continent association and interchange of thought were well nigh impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all the peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day, however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually merged into one. And for everyone it is now easy to travel to any land, to associate and exchange views with its peoples, and to become familiar, through publications, with the conditions, the religious beliefs and the thoughts of all men. In like manner all the members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and
industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved.

"Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages have been deprived, for this century — the century of light — hath been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man.

"Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world’s darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will erelong be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendour. The fifth candle is the unity of nations—a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selection #15, pp. 31-32

Order in the World

Hardly any commentary on today's excerpt from Reality...

To me, it's just completely perfect...

"O ye the elected representatives of the people in every land! Take ye counsel together, and let your concern be only for that which profiteth mankind and bettereth the condition thereof, if ye be of them that scan heedfully. Regard the world as the human body which, though at its creation whole and perfect, hath been afflicted, through various causes, with grave disorders and maladies. Not for one day did it gain ease, nay its sickness waxed more severe, as it fell under the treatment of ignorant physicians, who gave full rein to their personal desires and have erred grievously. And if, at one time, through the care of an able physician, a member of that body was healed, the rest remained afflicted as before. Thus informeth you the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

"We behold it, in this day, at the mercy of rulers so drunk with pride that they cannot discern clearly their own best advantage, much less recognize a Revelation so bewildering and challenging as this. And whenever any one of them hath striven to improve its condition, his motive hath been his own gain, whether confessedly so or not; and the unworthiness of this motive hath limited his power to heal or cure.

"That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an allpowerful and inspired Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error."

Bahá’u’lláh addressing Queen Victoria: Summons of the Lord of Hosts, "Súriy-i-Haykal" or "Súrih of the Temple", paragraphs 174- 176, pp. 90-91

True Paradise

It's been said that Heaven and Hell are not places we might inhabit when we die but "states of being" we live through here on Earth.

Consider this excerpt from Reality:

"....there is no greater torture than being veiled from God, and no more severe punishment than sensual vices, dark qualities, lowness of nature, engrossment in carnal desires. When they are delivered through the light of faith from the darkness of these vices, and become illuminated with the radiance of the sun of reality, and ennobled with all the virtues, they esteem this the greatest reward, and they know it to be the true paradise."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Some Answered Questions, Chapter 60: "The Immortality of the Spirit", p. 224

I have to do WHAT ?!?

It seems the hardest thing for Seekers to do is Submit to God's Will.

In fact, so many people say with apparent pride, "I'm spiritual but not religious."

Modern "spirituality" has a lot of room for personal willfulness and merely "human" desires...

If we conceived of God as our Creator, you'd think that obedience would be rather swift and happy.

Thing is, He gave us the ability to choose...

Most of us choose our own small, selfish worlds instead of God's Worlds.

So, today's quote from Reality could be rather hard to swallow:

"O thou who hast surrendered thy will to God! By self-surrender and perpetual union with God is meant that men should merge their will wholly in the Will of God, and regard their desires as utter nothingness beside His Purpose. Whatsoever the Creator commandeth His creatures to observe, the same must they diligently, and with the utmost joy and eagerness, arise and fulfil. They should in no wise allow their fancy to obscure their judgment, neither should they regard their own imaginings as the voice of the Eternal."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection CLX, p. 337

A Clear Message

One of the lessons I've learned about Spirituality by pondering the Writings represented in the compilation Reality is that understanding the Scriptures doesn't depend on high marks in intellectual subjects.

People who have a relatively pure heart are in the "position" to understand the Words of the Prophets and Messengers of God.

Today's quote from Reality is an example and also a "definition" of the Pure Heart we all need...

"O YE PEOPLE THAT HAVE MINDS TO KNOW AND EARS TO HEAR!

"The first call of the Beloved is this: O mystic nightingale! Abide not but in the rose-garden of the spirit. O messenger of the Solomon of love! Seek thou no shelter except in the Sheba of the well-beloved, and O immortal phoenix! dwell not save on the mount of faithfulness. Therein is thy habitation, if on the wings of thy soul thou soarest to the realm of the infinite and seekest to attain thy goal."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Persian #1

The Cause of God

In many activities of life [especially in the realm of Spirit] it can be extremely helpful to compare a number of versions, views, or visions of what you're studying.

Today's quotes from Reality explore a number of facets of the Cause of God--what God intends and what He does to help us understand...

"…it hath been made indubitably clear that in the kingdoms of earth and heaven there must needs be manifested a Being, an Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation and Vehicle for the transmission of the grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this Day Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed. It is for this very purpose that in every age and dispensation the Prophets of God and His chosen Ones have appeared amongst men, and have evinced such power as is born of God and such might as only the Eternal can reveal."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection XXVII, pp. 67-68

"O SON OF BEING! With the hands of power I made thee and with the fingers of strength I created thee; and within thee have I placed the essence of My light. Be thou content with it and seek naught else, for My work is perfect and My command is binding. Question it not, nor have a doubt thereof."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Arabic #12

"O SON OF MAN! Thou art My dominion and My dominion perisheth not, wherefore fearest thou thy perishing? Thou art My light and My light shall never be extinguished, why dost thou dread extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the realm of glory."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Arabic #14

"O SON OF MAN! Upon the tree of effulgent glory I have hung for thee the choicest fruits, wherefore hast thou turned away and contented thyself with that which is less good? Return then unto that which is better for thee in the realm on high."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Arabic #21

"O SON OF WORLDLINESS! Pleasant is the realm of being, wert thou to attain thereto; glorious is the domain of eternity, shouldst thou pass beyond the world of mortality; sweet is the holy ecstasy if thou drinkest of the mystic chalice from the hands of the celestial Youth. Shouldst thou attain this station, thou wouldst be freed from destruction and death, from toil and sin."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Persian #70

What, Really, is Eternal Life ?

Here's my opinion about today's excerpt from Reality:

Every spirituality based on Truth shows us that the Real Life is the spiritual existence that enfolds "this life".

Some would say it follows "this life" and they'd be right.

The Whole Truth is, we're eternal souls Right Now and "this life" has that Life embracing it...

Most "spiritual practice" is to clear our sight so we can "enter the Kingdom" now...

"You question about eternal life and the entrance into the Kingdom. The outer expression used for the Kingdom is heaven; but this is a comparison and similitude, not a reality or fact, for the Kingdom is not a material place; it is sanctified from time and place. It is a spiritual world, a divine world, and the center of the Sovereignty of God; it is freed from body and that which is corporeal, and it is purified and sanctified from the imaginations of the human world. To be limited to place is a property of bodies and not of spirits. Place and time surround the body, not the mind and spirit. Observe that the body of man is confined to a small place; it covers only two spans of earth. But the spirit and mind of man travel to all countries and regions -- even through the limitless space of the heavens -- surround all that exists, and make discoveries in the exalted spheres and infinite distances. This is because the spirit has no place; it is placeless; and for the spirit the earth and the heaven are as one since it makes discoveries in both. But the body is limited to a place and does not know that which is beyond it. For life is of two kinds: that of the body and that of the spirit. The life of the body is material life, but the life of the spirit expresses the existence of the Kingdom, which consists in receiving the Spirit of God and becoming vivified by the breath of the Holy Spirit. Although the material life has existence, it is pure nonexistence and absolute death for the holy saints. So man exists, and this stone also exists, but what a difference between the existence of man and that of the stone! Though the stone exists, in relation to the existence of man it is nonexistent.

"The meaning of eternal life is the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the flower receives the gift of the season, the air, and the breezes of spring. Consider: this flower had life in the beginning like the life of the mineral; but by the coming of the season of spring, of the bounty of the clouds of the springtime, and of the heat of the glowing sun, it attained to another life of the utmost freshness, delicacy and fragrance. The first life of the flower, in comparison to the second life, is death.

"The meaning is that the life of the Kingdom is the life of the spirit, the eternal life, and that it is purified from place, like the spirit of man which has no place. For if you examine the human body, you will not find a special spot or locality for the spirit, for it has never had a place; it is immaterial. It has a connection with the body like that of the sun with this mirror. The sun is not within the mirror, but it has a connection with the mirror.

"In the same way the world of the Kingdom is sanctified from everything that can be perceived by the eye or by the other senses -- hearing, smell, taste or touch. The mind which is in man, the existence of which is recognized -- where is it in him? If you examine the body with the eye, the ear or the other senses, you will not find it; nevertheless, it exists. Therefore, the mind has no place, but it is connected with the brain. The Kingdom is also like this. In the same way love has no place, but it is connected with the heart; so the Kingdom has no place, but is connected with man.

"Entrance into the Kingdom is through the love of God, through detachment, through holiness and chastity, through truthfulness, purity, steadfastness, faithfulness and the sacrifice of life.

"These explanations show that man is immortal and lives eternally. For those who believe in God, who have love of God, and faith, life is excellent -- that is, it is eternal; but to those souls who are veiled from God, although they have life, it is dark, and in comparison with the life of believers it is nonexistence.

"For example, the eye and the nail are living; but the life of the nail in relation to the life of the eye is nonexistent. This stone and this man both exist; but the stone in relation to the existence of man is nonexistent; it has no being; for when man dies, and his body is destroyed and annihilated, it becomes like stone and earth.

"Therefore, it is clear that although the mineral exists, in relation to man it is nonexistent.

"In the same way, the souls who are veiled from God, although they exist in this world and in the world after death, are, in comparison with the holy existence of the children of the Kingdom of God, nonexisting and separated from God."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Some Answered Questions, Chapter 67: "Eternal Life and Entrance into the Kingdom of God", pp. 241-243

Oppression . . .

Feeling oppressed?

What if you were, truly, oppressed and weren't even aware you were?

Are you living in the Light of Truth or do you still dwell in the dark valley of falsehoods?

As today's excerpt from Reality shows, the Greatness of God is that every pain or error of our lives can become the very means to find peace and truth:

"What 'oppression' is more grievous than that a soul seeking the truth, and wishing to attain unto the knowledge of God, should know not where to go for it and from whom to seek it?

"For opinions have sorely differed, and the ways unto the attainment of God have multiplied.

"This 'oppression' is the essential feature of every Revelation.

"Unless it cometh to pass, the Sun of Truth will not be made manifest. For the break of the morn of divine guidance must needs follow the darkness of the night of error."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Kitáb-i-Íqán, paragraph 29, p. 29

Do The Stars Have An Influence On Us ?

Today's excerpt from Reality is a bit longer than most but, hey, even though this blog is a service to others, that doesn't stop it from being an avenue of portraying my own perceptions.

So what does my perception have to do with the length of the quote?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá is here discussing the proper way to think of the connections between not only us and the stars but between all things in this marvelous universe.

The personal connection, to be absolutely clear, is that I've been an astrologer for over 40 years now and I've certainly trod a path that leads away from traditional, materialistic astrologers.

I would never say that the only way to figure out a life is astrology.

Yet, the perception of interconnectedness portrayed in this article is an excellent starting point for seeing the meaning of life.

Also, such a core concept of spirituality needs, in my opinion, a discussion that has the length necessary to induce deep understanding...

"Question. -- Have the stars of the heavens any influence upon the human soul, or have they not?

"Answer. -- Some of the celestial stars have a clear and apparent material effect upon the terrestrial globe and the earthly beings, which needs no explanation. Consider the sun, which through the aid and the providence of God develops the earth and all earthly beings. Without the light and heat of the sun, all the earthly creatures would be entirely nonexistent.

"With regard to the spiritual influence of stars, though this influence of stars in the human world may appear strange, still, if you reflect deeply upon this subject, you will not be so much surprised at it. My meaning is not, however, that the decrees which the astrologers of former times inferred from the movements of the stars corresponded to occurrences; for the decrees of those former astrologers were forms of imagination which were originated by Egyptian, Assyrian and Chaldean priests; nay, rather, they were due to the fancies of Hindus, to the myths of the Greeks, Romans and other star worshipers. But I mean that this limitless universe is like the human body, all the members of which are connected and linked with one another with the greatest strength. How much the organs, the members and the parts of the body of man are intermingled and connected for mutual aid and help, and how much they influence one another! In the same way, the parts of this infinite universe have their members and elements connected with one another, and influence one another spiritually and materially. For example, the eye sees, and all the body is affected; the ear hears, and all the members of the body are moved. Of this there is no doubt; and the universe is like a living person. Moreover, the connection which exists between the members of beings must necessarily have an effect and impression, whether it be material or spiritual.

"For those who deny spiritual influence upon material things we mention this brief example: wonderful sounds and tones, melodies and charming voices, are accidents which affect the air -- for sound is the term for vibrations of the air -- and by these vibrations the nerves of the tympanum of the ear are affected, and hearing results. Now reflect that the vibration of the air, which is an accident of no importance, attracts and exhilarates the spirit of man and has great effect upon him: it makes him weep or laugh; perhaps it will influence him to such a degree that he will throw himself into danger. Therefore, see the connection which exists between the spirit of man and the atmospheric vibration, so that the movement of the air becomes the cause of transporting him from one state to another, and of entirely overpowering him; it will deprive him of patience and tranquillity. Consider how strange this is, for nothing comes forth from the singer which enters into the listener; nevertheless, a great spiritual effect is produced. Therefore, surely so great a connection between beings must have spiritual effect and influence.

"It has been mentioned that the members and parts of man affect and influence one another. For example, the eye sees; the heart is affected. The ear hears; and the spirit is influenced. The heart is at rest; the thoughts become serene, and for all the members of man's body a pleasant condition is realized. What a connection and what an agreement is this! Since this connection, this spiritual effect and this influence, exists between the members of the body of man, who is only one of many finite beings, certainly between these universal and infinite beings there will also be a spiritual and material connection. Although by existing rules and actual science these connections cannot be discovered, nevertheless, their existence between all beings is certain and absolute.

"To conclude: the beings, whether great or small, are connected with one another by the perfect wisdom of God, and affect and influence one another. If it were not so, in the universal system and the general arrangement of existence, there would be disorder and imperfection. But as beings are connected one with another with the greatest strength, they are in order in their places and perfect.

"This subject is worthy of examination."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Some Answered Questions, Chapter 69: "The Influence of the Stars", pp. 245-247

Are You Happy ?

It certainly seems like a massively difficult task for some folk to be Truly Happy--not that smiling, chatty brand of nervous activity that some cling to...

Happiness deep within, when no one's around to impress...

Happiness that never withers...

Spiritual Happiness !

Ponder these quotes from Reality and mine them for the gems they contain:

"Happy are they who act; happy are they who understand; happy the man that hath clung unto the truth, detached from all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth."

Bahá’u’lláh: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 139

"Happy are they that observe God’s precepts; happy are they that have recognized the Truth; happy are they that judge with fairness in all matters and hold fast to the Cord of My inviolable Justice."

Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, "Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih" or "Words of Paradise", p. 62

"Happy are they that have cast behind their backs all else save God and have held fast unto that which the Lord of strength and power hath enjoined upon them."

Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, "Excerpts from Other Tablets" (excerpt #3), p. 235

"Happy are the righteous that have attained unto the most great truth; happy are the wise that have recognized the straight path of God and turned unto His Kingdom; happy are the glad and sincere, the lamps of whose hearts burn with the knowledge of the All-Merciful and are protected from the rough winds of tests and sorrows; happy are the brave whose hearts the power of the oppressor cannot daunt; happy are the clear-sighted that have learned to distinguish the transitory from the eternal, that have turned their faces to the Imperishable and are named among the Immortals in the realm of power and glory."

Bahá’u’lláh: excerpts from epistles, quoted in Bahá’í World, Vol. 2, p. 63

"....man’s supreme honor and real happiness lie in self-respect, in high resolves and noble purposes, in integrity and moral quality, in immaculacy of mind."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 19

Apparently, We ALL Are Super Important . . .

The following quote from Reality is one of the many Proofs that We are Worthy and Important Beings -- not just cogs in a materialistic machine or numbers in a business plan or votes in a political realm...

"O My servants! Could ye apprehend with what wonders of My munificence and bounty I have willed to entrust your souls, ye would, of a truth, rid yourselves of attachment to all created things, and would gain a true knowledge of your own selves — a knowledge which is the same as the comprehension of Mine own Being. Ye would find yourselves independent of all else but Me, and would perceive, with your inner and outer eye, and as manifest as the revelation of My effulgent Name, the seas of My loving-kindness and bounty moving within you. Suffer not your idle fancies, your evil passions, your insincerity and blindness of heart to dim the luster, or stain the sanctity, of so lofty a station."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection CLIII, pp. 326-327

Bird of the Spirit

Another day when I feel my commentary would be superfluous...

All I'll say about this quote from Reality is, it's among the most elevated and beautiful prose-poetry in the World's Spiritual Writings:

"Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the Rose Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom, compared to which every other flower is but a thorn, and before the brightness of Whose glory the very essence of beauty must pale and wither. Arise, therefore, and, with the whole enthusiasm of your hearts, with all the eagerness of your souls, the full fervor of your will, and the concentrated efforts of your entire being, strive to attain the paradise of His presence, and endeavor to inhale the fragrance of the incorruptible Flower, to breathe the sweet savors of holiness, and to obtain a portion of this perfume of celestial glory. Whoso followeth this counsel will break his chains asunder, will taste the abandonment of enraptured love, will attain unto his heart’s desire, and will surrender his soul into the hands of his Beloved. Bursting through his cage, he will, even as the bird of the spirit, wing his flight to his holy and everlasting nest."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection CLI, pp. 320-321

"...the foulest beetle hath sought the perfume of the musk, and the bat the light of the sun."

The title of this post is a snippet from today's quote from Reality.

Since the quote is such an elevated example of "prose poetry", and since those phrases in the title of this post could be considered the most poetic set of phrases in the quote, I thought I'd give them double honor...

I would fail you as a commentator if I attempted giving my own mediocre meanderings of meaning as an introduction to such a Truly Spiritual exposition!

"Great God! When the stream of utterance reached this stage, We beheld, and lo! the sweet savours of God were being wafted from the dayspring of Revelation, and the morning breeze was blowing out of the Sheba of the Eternal. Its tidings rejoiced anew the heart, and imparted immeasurable gladness to the soul. It made all things new, and brought unnumbered and inestimable gifts from the unknowable Friend. The robe of human praise can never hope to match Its noble stature, and Its shining figure the mantle of utterance can never fit. Without word It unfoldeth the inner mysteries, and without speech It revealeth the secrets of the divine sayings. It teacheth lamentation and moaning to the nightingales warbling upon the bough of remoteness and bereavement, instructeth them in the art of love's ways, and showeth them the secret of heart-surrender. To the flowers of the Ridvan of heavenly reunion It revealeth the endearments of the impassioned lover, and unveileth the charm of the fair. Upon the anemones of the garden of love It bestoweth the mysteries of truth and within the breasts of lovers It entrusteth the symbols of the innermost subtleties At this hour, so liberal is the outpouring of Its grace that the holy Spirit itself is envious! It hath imparted to the drop the waves of the sea, and endowed the mote with the splendour of the sun. So great are the overflowings of Its bounty that the foulest beetle hath sought the perfume of the musk, and the bat the light of the sun. It hath quickened the dead with the breath of life, and caused them to speed out of the sepulchres of their mortal bodies. It hath established the ignorant upon the seats of learning, and elevated the oppressor to the throne of justice. The universe is pregnant with these manifold bounties, awaiting the hour when the effects of Its unseen gifts will be made manifest in this world, when the languishing and sore athirst will attain the living Kawthar of their Well-Beloved, and the erring wanderer, lost in the wilds of remoteness and nothingness, will enter the tabernacle of life, and attain reunion with his heart's desire. In the soil of whose heart will these holy seeds germinate? From the garden of whose soul will the blossoms of the invisible realities spring forth? Verily, I say, so fierce is the blaze of the Bush of love, burning in the Sinai of the heart, that the streaming waters of holy utterance can never quench its flame. Oceans can never allay this Leviathan's burning thirst, and this Phoenix of the undying fire can abide nowhere save in the glow of the countenance of the Well Beloved. Therefore, O brother! kindle with the oil of wisdom the lamp of the spirit within the innermost chamber of thy heart, and guard it with the globe of understanding, that the breath of the infidel may extinguish not its flame nor dim its brightness. Thus have We illuminated the heavens of utterance with the splendours of the Sun of divine wisdom and understanding, that thy heart may find peace, that thou mayest be of those who, on the wings of certitude, have soared unto the heaven of the love of their Lord, the All-Merciful."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Kitáb-i-Íqán, pp. 59-61

Lucid Faith

What is True Spirituality; or, better yet, True Religion?

How can we trust anyone's judgement but our own?

Yet, many folk abandon their God-given right to decide for themselves and follow someone else's brand of religion or some current fancy of what tries to pass for spirituality...

Today's excerpt from Reality explores the difference between form and essence -- between how we receive and deal with the truth and The Truth.

"…all the variations which the wayfarer in the stages of his journey beholdeth in the realms of being, proceed from his own vision. We shall give an example of this, that its meaning may become fully clear: Consider the visible sun; although it shineth with one radiance upon all things, and at the behest of the King of Manifestation bestoweth light on all creation, yet in each place it becometh manifest and sheddeth its bounty according to the potentialities of that place. For instance, in a mirror it reflecteth its own disk and shape, and this is due to the sensitivity of the mirror; in a crystal it maketh fire to appear, and in other things it showeth only the effect of its shining, but not its full disk. And yet, through that effect, by the command of the Creator, it traineth each thing according to the quality of that thing, as thou observest.

"In like manner, colors become visible in every object according to the nature of that object. For instance, in a yellow globe, the rays shine yellow; in a white the rays are white; and in a red, the red rays are manifest. Then these variations are from the object, not from the shining light. And if a place be shut away from the light, as by walls or a roof, it will be entirely bereft of the splendor of the light, nor will the sun shine thereon.

"Thus it is that certain invalid souls have confined the lands of knowledge within the wall of self and passion, and clouded them with ignorance and blindness, and have been veiled from the light of the mystic sun and the mysteries of the Eternal Beloved they have strayed afar from the jewelled wisdom of the lucid Faith of the Lord of Messengers, have been shut out of the sanctuary of the All-Beauteous One, and banished from the Ka'bih [1] of splendor."

[1 The holy Sanctuary at Mecca. Here the word means "goal."]

Bahá’u’lláh: The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys, "Valley of Unity", pp. 18-20

Desire & Self vs Spirituality

Warning:
Strong Opinion Follows !

There are way too many people who make their "spirituality" into an egotistical farce.

These three, short quotes from Reality give the same warning, though in a much more elevated manner...

"O SON OF DESIRE! How long wilt thou soar in the realms of desire? Wings have I bestowed upon thee, that thou mayest fly to the realms of mystic holiness and not the regions of satanic fancy."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Persian #79

"Thou seest, O my Lord, how Thy servants are held captive by their own selves and desires."

Bahá’u’lláh: Prayers and Meditations, p. 52

"God grant that your desires and unmortified passions may not hinder you from that which hath been ordained for you."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection CXLVII, p. 317

The Two-Edged Sword

Today's quote from Reality is partly easy to understand (the mirror/rock analogy) and partly hard to wrap a mind around (the thing that helps a believer accept is the same thing that makes a nonbeliever reject...).

At least that's my take on it...

The excerpt mentions the Bayán which can be explored in Persian at this site and in English here.

"THE One true God may be compared unto the sun and the believer unto a mirror. No sooner is the mirror placed before the sun than it reflects its light. The unbeliever may be likened unto a stone. No matter how long it is exposed to the sunshine, it cannot reflect the sun. Thus the former layeth down his life as a sacrifice, while the latter doeth against God what he committeth. Indeed, if God willeth, He is potent to turn the stone into a mirror, but the person himself remaineth reconciled to his state Had he wished to become a crystal, God would have made him to assume crystal form. For on that Day whatever cause prompteth the believer to believe in Him, the same will also be available to the unbeliever. But when the latter suffereth himself to be wrapt in veils, the same cause shutteth him out as by a veil. Thus, as is clearly evident today, those who have set their faces toward God, the True One, have believed in Him because of the Bayán, while such as are veiled have been deprived because of it."

The Báb: Selections from the Writings of the Báb, "Excerpts from the Persian Bayán", p. 103, citing Váhid VI, Chapter 4

What, Really, Is "The World" ?

Many of you have read or been told that, to be spiritual, you need to shun the "world"...

Let's see:

God made us as souls that have bodies that, for awhile, live in the "world".

God is Good.

Therefore, in some way, the "world" must be "good".

Today's quote from Reality clearly unravels the seeming mystery; especially, the revelation of the last paragraph...

"Say: Doth it beseem a man while claiming to be a follower of his Lord, the All-Merciful, he should yet in his heart do the very deeds of the Evil One? Nay, it ill beseemeth him, and to this He Who is the Beauty of the All-Glorious will bear Me witness. Would that ye could comprehend it!

"Cleanse from your hearts the love of worldly things, from your tongues every remembrance except His remembrance, from your entire being whatsoever may deter you from beholding His face, or may tempt you to follow the promptings of your evil and corrupt inclinations. Let God be your fear, O people, and be ye of them that tread the path of righteousness.

"Say: Should your conduct, O people, contradict your professions, how think ye, then, to be able to distinguish yourselves from them who, though professing their faith in the Lord their God, have, as soon as He came unto them in the cloud of holiness, refused to acknowledge Him, and repudiated His truth? Disencumber yourselves of all attachment to this world and the vanities thereof. Beware that ye approach them not, inasmuch as they prompt you to walk after your own lusts and covetous desires, and hinder you from entering the straight and glorious Path.

"Know ye that by 'the world' is meant your unawareness of Him Who is your Maker, and your absorption in aught else but Him. The 'life to come', on the other hand, signifieth the things that give you a safe approach to God, the All-Glorious, the Incomparable. Whatsoever deterreth you, in this Day, from loving God is nothing but the world. Flee it, that ye may be numbered with the blest. Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful."

Bahá’u’lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selection CXXVIII, pp. 275-276

More LOVE !

Love . . .

I've had years when I thought I knew It...

Then, days would come when Love itself seemed a Cheat...

There were, of course, some Real Loves:

Mother
Father (after I grew older)
Sisters

Daughter
Son
Their Mother

Some Friends . . .

Then, I found my Faith and I entered God's School of Love...

Yesterday's excerpts from Reality were about phases in that School. Today, we move up a Grade or two...

"O DWELLERS OF MY PARADISE!
With the hands of loving-kindness I have planted in the holy garden of paradise the young tree of your love and friendship, and have watered it with the goodly showers of My tender grace; now that the hour of its fruiting is come, strive that it may be protected, and be not consumed with the flame of desire and passion."

Bahá’u’lláh: The Hidden Words, Persian #34

"The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and sever himself from all else but Him, and desire naught save that which is the desire of his Lord."

Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, "Asl-i-Kullu’l-Khayr" or "Words of Wisdom", p. 155

"The essence of wealth is love for Me; whoso loveth Me is the possessor of all things, and he that loveth Me not is indeed of the poor and needy."

Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, "Asl-i-Kullu’l-Khayr" or "Words of Wisdom", p. 156

"And as the human heart, as fashioned by God, is one and undivided, it behoveth thee to take heed that its affections be, also, one and undivided."

Bahá’u’lláh: Summons of the Lord of Hosts, "Súriy-i-Mulúk" or "Súrih to the Kings", paragraph 72, p. 214