tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41228527597645340582024-03-19T20:56:13.394-07:00Talks of 'Abdu'l-BahaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-40921066587314764332021-07-15T19:47:00.000-07:002024-03-04T19:49:29.720-08:00“The spirit of man is the meeting between man and God. The spirit of man is the animus of human life and the collective center of all human virtues.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">24 July 1912</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Boston, Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Talk to Theosophical Society</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the world of existence there is nothing so important as
spirit, nothing so essential as the spirit of man. The spirit of man is the
most noble of phenomena. The spirit of man is the meeting between man and God.
The spirit of man is the animus of human life and the collective center of all
human virtues. The spirit of man is the cause of the illumination of this
world. The world may be likened to the body; man is the spirit of the body,
because the light of the world is the human spirit. Man is the life of the
world, and the life of man is the spirit. The happiness of the world depends
upon man, and the happiness of man is dependent upon the spirit. The world may
be likened to the lamp chimney, whereas man is the light. Man himself may be
likened to the lamp; his spirit is the light within the lamp. Therefore, we
will speak of this spirit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The philosophers of the world are divided into two classes:
materialists, who deny the spirit and its immortality, and the divine
philosophers, the wise men of God, the true illuminati who believe in the
spirit and its continuance hereafter. The ancient philosophers taught that man
consists simply of the material elements which compose his cellular structure
and that when this composition is disintegrated the life of man becomes
extinct. They reasoned that man is body only, and from this elemental composition
the organs and their functions, the senses, powers and attributes which
characterize man have proceeded, and that these disappear completely with the
physical body. This is practically the statement of all the materialists.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The divine philosophers proclaim that the spirit of man is
ever-living and eternal, and because of the objections of the materialists,
these wise men of God have advanced rational proofs to support the validity of
their statement. Inasmuch as the materialistic philosophers deny the Books of
God, scriptural demonstration is not evidence to them, and materialistic proofs
are necessary. Answering them, the men of divine knowledge have said that all
existing phenomena may be resolved into grades or kingdoms, classified
progressively as mineral, vegetable, animal and human, each of which possesses
its degree of function and intelligence. When we consider the mineral, we find
that it exists and is possessed of the power of affinity or combination. The
vegetable possesses the qualities of the mineral plus the augmentative virtue
or power of growth. It is, therefore, evident that the vegetable kingdom is
superior to the mineral. The animal kingdom in turn possesses the qualities of
the mineral and vegetable plus the five senses of perception whereof the
kingdoms below it are lacking. Likewise, the power of memory inherent in the
animal does not exist in the lower kingdoms.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just as the animal is more noble than the vegetable and
mineral, so man is superior to the animal. The animal is bereft of
ideality—that is to say, it is a captive of the world of nature and not in
touch with that which lies within and beyond nature; it is without spiritual
susceptibilities, deprived of the attractions of consciousness, unconscious of
the world of God and incapable of deviating from the law of nature. It is
different with man. Man is possessed of the emanations of consciousness; he has
perception, ideality and is capable of discovering the mysteries of the
universe. All the industries, inventions and facilities surrounding our daily
life were at one time hidden secrets of nature, but the reality of man
penetrated them and made them subject to his purposes. According to nature’s
laws they should have remained latent and hidden; but man, having transcended
those laws, discovered these mysteries and brought them out of the plane of the
invisible into the realm of the known and visible. How wonderful is the spirit
of man!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the mysteries of natural phenomena is electricity.
Man has discovered this illimitable power and made it captive to his uses. How
many of nature’s secrets have been penetrated and revealed! Columbus, while in
Spain, discovered America. Man has accurately determined that the sun is
stationary while the earth revolves about it. The animal cannot do this. Man
perceives the mirage to be an illusion. This is beyond the power of the animal.
The animal can only know through sense impressions and cannot grasp
intellectual realities. The animal cannot conceive of the power of thought.
This is an abstract intellectual matter and not limited to the senses. The
animal is incapable of knowing that the earth is round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In brief, abstract intellectual phenomena are human powers.
All creation below the kingdom of man is the captive of nature; it cannot
deviate in the slightest degree from nature’s laws. But man wrests the sword of
dominion from nature’s hand and uses it upon nature’s head. For example, it is
a natural exigency that man should be a dweller upon the earth, but the power
of the human spirit transcends this limitation, and he soars aloft in
airplanes. This is contrary to the law and requirement of nature. He sails at
high speed upon the ocean and dives beneath its surface in submarines. He
imprisons the human voice in a phonograph and communicates in the twinkling of
an eye from East to West. These are things we know to be contrary to the
limitations of natural law. Man transcends nature, while the mineral, vegetable
and animal are helplessly subject to it. This can be done only through the
power of the spirit, because the spirit is the reality.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the physical powers and senses, however, man and the
animal are partners. In fact, the animal is often superior to man in sense
perception. For instance, the vision of some animals is exceedingly keen and
the hearing of others most acute. Consider the instinct of a dog: how much
greater than that of man. But, although the animal shares with man all the
physical virtues and senses, a spiritual power has been bestowed upon man of
which the animal is devoid. This is a proof that there is something in man above
and beyond the endowment of the animal—a faculty and virtue peculiar to the
human kingdom which is lacking in the lower kingdoms of existence. This is the
spirit of man. All these wonderful human accomplishments are due to the
efficacy and penetrating power of the spirit of man. If man were bereft of this
spirit, none of these accomplishments would have been possible. This is as
evident as the sun at midday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All the organisms of material creation are limited to an
image or form. That is to say, each created material being is possessed of a
form; it cannot possess two forms at the same time. For example, a body may be
spherical, triangular or square; but it is impossible for it to be two of these
shapes simultaneously. It may be triangular, but if it is to become square, it
must first rid itself of the triangular shape. It is absolutely impossible for
it to be both at the same time. Therefore, it is evident in the reality of
material organisms that different forms cannot be simultaneously possessed. In
the spiritual reality of man, however, all geometrical figures can be
simultaneously conceived, while in physical realities one image must be
forsaken in order that another may be possible. This is the law of change and
transformation, and change and transformation are precursors of mortality. Were
it not for this change in form, phenomena would be immortal; but because the
phenomenal existence is subject to transformation, it is mortal. The reality of
man, however, is possessed of all virtues; it is not necessary for him to give
up one image for another as mere physical bodies do. Therefore, in that reality
there is no change or transformation; it is immortal and everlasting. The body
of man may be in America while his spirit is laboring and working in the Far
East, discovering, organizing and planning. While occupied in governing, making
laws and erecting a building in Russia, his body is still here in America. What
is this power which, notwithstanding that it is embodied in America, is
operating at the same time in the Orient, organizing, destroying, upbuilding?
It is the spirit of man. This is irrefutable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you wish to reflect upon or consider a matter, you
consult something within you. You say, shall I do it, or shall I not do it? Is
it better to make this journey or abandon it? Whom do you consult? Who is
within you deciding this question? Surely there is a distinct power, an
intelligent ego. Were it not distinct from your ego, you would not be
consulting it. It is greater than the faculty of thought. It is your spirit
which teaches you, which advises and decides upon matters. Who is it that
interrogates? Who is it that answers? There is no doubt that it is the spirit
and that there is no change or transformation in it, for it is not a
composition of elements, and anything that is not composed of elements is
eternal. Change and transformation are peculiarities of composition. There is
no change and transformation in the spirit. In proof of this, the body may
become weakened in its members. It may be dismembered, or one of its members
may be incapacitated. The whole body may be paralyzed; and yet the mind, the
spirit, remains ever the same. The mind decides; the thought is perfect; and
yet the hand is withered, the feet have become useless, the spinal column is
paralyzed, and there is no muscular movement at all, but the spirit is in the
same status. Dismember a healthy man; the spirit is not dismembered. Amputate
his feet; his spirit is there. He may become lame; the spirit is not affected.
The spirit is ever the same; no change or transformation can you perceive, and
because there is no change or transformation, it is everlasting and permanent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consider man while in the state of sleep; it is evident that
all his parts and members are at a standstill, are functionless. His eye does
not see, his ear does not hear, his feet and hands are motionless; but,
nevertheless, he does see in the world of dreams, he does hear, he speaks, he
walks, he may even fly in an airplane. Therefore, it becomes evident that
though the body be dead, yet the spirit is alive and permanent. Nay, the
perceptions may be keener when man’s body is asleep, the flight may be higher,
the hearing may be more acute; all the functions are there, and yet the body is
at a standstill. Hence, it is proof that there is a spirit in the man, and in
this spirit there is no distinction as to whether the body be asleep or
absolutely dead and dependent. The spirit is not incapacitated by these
conditions; it is not bereft of its existence; it is not bereft of its
perfections. The proofs are many, innumerable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are all rational proofs. Nobody can refute them. As we
have shown that there is a spirit and that this spirit is permanent and
everlasting, we must strive to learn of it. May you become informed of its
power, hasten to render it divine, to have it become sanctified and holy and
make it the very light of the world illumining the East and the West. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(‘The Promulgation of
Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United
States and Canada in 1912’)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-9758321290018318262021-06-30T19:45:00.000-07:002024-03-04T19:46:39.167-08:00“Divine Education is the sum total of all development. It is the safeguard of humanity.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If a child is left to its own natural proclivities, without
education, it will embody all human defects. Education makes of man a man.
Religion is Divine Education. There are two pathways which have been pointed
out by the Heavenly Educators. The first is Divine Guidance and reliance upon
the Manifestations of God. The other is the road of Materialism and reliance
upon the senses. These roads lead in opposite directions. The first leads to
the world of the Kingdom; the other ends in the world of human vices, and is
contrary to the cause of Divine Guidance. For example, consider a babe at the
mother's breast, observe its natural aggressiveness, its instinctive
antagonism. It claws and bites the mother, even attacks the fountain of life
itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A barbarous and savage country is a country which has been
deprived of education, where men are utter materialists like animals. Such a
nation embodies all human defects and vices. They even kill and eat each other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Divine Education is the sum total of all development. It is
the safeguard of humanity. The world of nature is a world of defects and
incompleteness. The world of the Kingdom is reached by the highway of Religion
and is the Heaven of all Divine Virtues. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Words of Abdul-Baha delivered during
his sojourn in America; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 6, June 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-41013642489623033662021-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:002024-03-04T19:45:00.616-08:00“man has descended from the Divine Spirit”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Material scientists endeavor to show the evolution of the
species man from the monkey. The Prophets of God have been occupied in
explaining that man has descended from the Divine Spirit. The professors and
learned scientists of materialism glory in the evidences that the ape is the
progenitor of humanity and make exhaustive efforts to discover proof of it. If
we should ask the ape, he would say "Unquestionably we are all one,—of
this I am certain without the aid of scientific inquiry, ethnological proof, biological
deductions or geological findings; I believe what I see"—for the ape is a
real, a true materialist. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Words of Abdul-Baha delivered during his sojourn in
America; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 6, June 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-26744811184495643402021-06-10T19:42:00.000-07:002024-03-04T19:43:30.895-08:00“Baha’u’llah has said two steps are necessary for human development;—Material and Divine Education.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The heart of man is a garden. The real garden is in order,
well planted, watered and cultivated. This is not so with the jungle. The
jungle gives no evidence of cultivation. Where there is no gardener disorder
prevails. Wild growth produces nothing. Human education is of great importance.
It is especially necessary to educate the children. They are the young tender
trees of God's planting. But the supreme education is Divine Teaching. Through
it the most ignorant become wise and the lowest are elevated to the loftiest
heights. This transformation in man is made by the Manifestations of God.
Through them the wicked become righteous, the weak firm, the barren fruitful.
One day's education under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is better than ten
years material training in the universities of the world. Baha’u’llah has said
two steps are necessary for human development;—Material and Divine Education.
In the world of humanity, we see some seeking upward, some downward. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Words of
Abdul-Baha delivered during his sojourn in America; Star of the West, vol. 4,
no. 6, June 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-87095216379913669412021-05-28T05:02:00.000-07:002024-03-04T05:07:22.816-08:00“You must become impervious to criticism, unconscious of attack and abuse…”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You must become impervious to criticism, unconscious of
attack and abuse, nay, rather welcoming persecution, hostility and bitterness
as the means of testing and increasing your supreme faith in God; even as His
Holiness Christ instructed His disciples "Bless them that curse you; pray
for them that despitefully use you." Be therefore as spiritual adamant
against these darts, arrows and swords of infliction.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We will help each other to bear them. First by love and
increased zeal in the Heavenly Cause. For by exercise the spirit grows
stronger, more capable of withstanding, just as the muscle of the outer body
increases its fiber through continual action. You must help me and I will help
you to increase our service in the Cause of Baha’u’llah. Secondly, we will help
each other grow more and more accustomed to punishment and persecution.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Years ago in Baghdad the usual punishment for offenders and
lawbreakers was the bastinado. The governor noticed that a certain band of men
came repeatedly before him for trial. They were regularly found guilty of
breaking the law, sentenced and whipped upon the feet. While the bastinado was
being inflicted they appeared quite comfortable and evidently unconscious of
pain. In a few days these same offenders would be back again, going through the
same process. The governor made careful inquiry about them. It was learned that
they lived together in a house and that every day it was their custom to
bastinado each other until the skin upon their feet had become so hardened to
the whip that the legal bastinado gave them no inconvenience whatever.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now we, as offenders against the opinions of our friends and
enemies, must assist each other to become impervious to their criticism,
unconscious of attack, welcoming their whips. You must beat me and I will beat
you with the whips of love. The more we beat each other the more capable of
withstanding we will become. When the enemies find they are increasing our
love, enkindlement and service in the pathway of Baha’u’llah, they will wonder
and say, "How is this? Our words have no effect upon them except to make
them love us more and give thanks to God for our scourging."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Blessed Beauty Baha’u’llah won the hearts of His jailers
and tormentors. No one could withstand Him. The intense flame of His love
melted the hardest stone of hearts. The more chains of iron they put upon His
body, the more He imprisoned them in chains of love. They looked upon Him in
wonder; they became His followers. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">(<span style="font-family: verdana;">Words of Abdul-Baha delivered during his sojourn in
America; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 6, June 1913)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-10244622278449042382021-05-15T04:44:00.000-07:002024-03-04T05:07:54.384-08:00Walk “in the Pathway of God” <p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wish to train you until you have no other thought, no
other motive, no other wish than service in the Cause of Baha’u’llah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Divine Educators who have brought the Light of Guidance
to this world found neither rest nor comfort by day or night. Abraham, Moses,
Jesus, Mohammed, Baha’u’llah - all the Heavenly Messengers suffered the utmost
privation and underwent extreme hardships in the Pathway of God. They were
exiled from their native land, imprisoned, driven from city to city; they were
homeless, hungry and found no rest; they lived in the fields and hid in caves
among the mountains; the sky was their canopy, the hard earth their bed. But
all these difficulties and hardships served only to increase their power and
accomplishment. Through these privations and persecutions they were severed
from the world. Although they walked upon the earth, they lived in Heaven.
Deprived of material food they partook of the eternal fruits of Paradise.
Homeless and forsaken in this world, they rested upon the Divine Couch of
Nearness. Day and night they were unceasingly proclaiming the Call of the
Kingdom and establishing the foundations of the Most Great Peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was so likewise with their disciples and followers. All
of them walked in the Pathway of God and drank the cup of martyrdom with
thanksgiving. They sought no rest but service and hastened to the Supreme
Concourse in the utmost joy and ecstasy.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Through my training you must become so fitted to spread the
Glad-Tidings of the Abha Kingdom that you will follow in the footsteps of these
blessed ones in gladness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Persia there is a wonderful breed of horses which are
trained to run long distances at very great speed. They are most carefully
trained at first. They are taken out into the fields and made to run a short
course. At the commencement of their training they are not able to run far. The
distance is gradually increased. They become thinner and thinner, wiry, and
lean, but their strength increases. Finally, after months of rigid training,
their swiftness and endurance become wonderful. They are able to run at full
speed across rough country many parasangs of distance. At first this would have
been impossible. Not until they become trained, thin and wiry, can they endure
this severe test.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this way I shall train you. "Kam-kam,"
"kam-kam" (little by little, little, by little), until your powers of
endurance become so increased that you will serve the Cause of God continually,
without other motive, without other thought or wish. This is my desire. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">(<span style="font-family: verdana;">Words of Abdul-Baha delivered during his sojourn in
America; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 6, June 1913)</span></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-41674175687087668582021-04-28T07:19:00.000-07:002024-03-03T07:20:43.591-08:00“Thankfulness is of three kinds”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">July 15, 1912</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">New York
City, Home of Mrs. Florian Krug<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am greatly
pleased to see you. Your hearts are illumined by the Lights of Baha. This
meeting is in reality a divine, celestial assembly under the favor of God. All
of us have no other purpose than praising and meeting God. The prayer you have
just offered is a prayer of thankfulness; — a prayer of thankfulness did ye
offer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thankfulness
is of three kinds: First—verbal thanksgiving which is confined to a mere
utterance of gratitude. This is of no importance because perchance the tongue
may give thanks while the heart is unaware of it. Many who offer thanks to God
are of this type, —their spirits and hearts unaware of thanksgiving. This is
mere usage, just as when we meet, receive a gift and say "thank you,"
— speaking the words without significance. One may say "thank you" a
thousand times, but the heart remain thankless, even sorry. Therefore mere
verbal thanksgiving is without effect. But real thankfulness is a cordial
thanksgiving from the heart. When man, in response to the favors of God,
manifests susceptibilities of conscience, the heart is happy, the spirit is
exhilarated. These spiritual susceptibilities are ideal thanksgiving.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But there is
a cordial thanksgiving which comprises the deeds of man when he feels a heart
gratitude which expresses itself in actions. For example, God has conferred
upon man the gift of guidance and in thankfulness for this great gift certain
deeds must emanate from man. To portray his gratitude for the favors of God,
man must show forth deeds and actions. In response to these bestowals he must
render good deeds, be self- sacrificing, kind to all the servants of God,
forfeiting even life for them, showing kindness to all the creatures. He must
be severed from the world, attracted to the Kingdom of Abha, the face radiant,
the tongue eloquent, the ear attentive, day and night striving to attain the
good pleasure of God. Whatsoever he wishes to do must correspond with the good
pleasure of God. He must observe and see what is God's good pleasure and act
accordingly. There can be no doubt that such commendable deeds are thankfulness
for the favors of God.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consider how
grateful any one becomes when healed from sickness, when treated kindly by
another or when a service is rendered by another, even though of the least
assistance. If we forget such favors it is an evidence of ingratitude. Then it
will be said a loving kindness has been done to so and so but he is thankless,
not appreciating this love and favor. We are submerged in the sea of God's
favor, — physically and spiritually. From the standpoints of our physical and
spiritual natures we observe how we are surrounded by His favors. He has
provided all foods, drink and other requirements; His favors encompass us from
all directions. The sustenances provided for man are blessings. Sight, hearing
and all his faculties are great blessings. These blessings are innumerable; —
no matter how many are mentioned, they are still endless. Now spiritual
blessings are likewise endless; — spirit, consciousness, thought, memory,
perception, ideation and other endowments. By these He has guided us and we
arrive at His Kingdom. He has opened the doors of all good before our faces! He
has vouchsafed eternal glory! He has summoned us to the Kingdom of God! He has
enriched us by the bestowals of God! Every day He has proclaimed new
glad-tidings! Every hour fresh bounties descend!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consider how
all the people are asleep and ye are awake! They are dead and ye are alive
through the breaths of the Holy Spirit! All are blind while ye are endowed with
perceptive sight! All are deprived of the Love of God but in your hearts it
exists and is glowing! Consider these bestowals and favors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore in
thanksgiving for them ye must act in accordance with the Teachings of
Baha’u’llah. Ye must read the Tablets, — "Hidden Words,".
"Ishraqat (Splendours),", " Bisharat (Glad-Tidings),", all
the holy utterances,— and act according to them. This is real Thanksgiving—to
live in accord with these Utterances. This is true Thankfulness and the Divine
Bestowal. This is Thanksgiving and Glorification of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope you
all may attain thereto, — be mindful of these favors of God, — and be
attentive. It is my hope that I may go away from New York with a happy heart;
and my heart is happy when the friends of God love each other; — when they love
and manifest the mercy of God to all people. If I see this I shall go away
happy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Salutations!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the
West, vol. 4, no. 6, June 24, 1913)</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-72515128356292925212021-04-18T19:03:00.000-07:002024-03-02T19:04:56.667-08:00“The Bahai Grand Army consists of the invisible angels of the Supreme Concourse.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1913</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stuttgart,
Germany<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>While
‘Abdu’l-Baha was one day looking out of his hotel window he observed a regiment
of soldiers passing by in great array, and He said:</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"They
are ready to fight for their fatherland. How barbarous it seems to send men,
who do not even know each other, to the battlefield in order to shoot each
other down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The
Bahai Grand Army consists of the invisible angels of the Supreme Concourse. Our
swords are the Words of Light. Our armament is the armament of heaven. We are
fighting against the forces of darkness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"O, my
soldiers! My beloved soldiers! Forward! Forward! Have no fear of defeat—do not
have failing hearts. Our Supreme Commander is Baha’u’llah. From the heights of
Glory He is directing this dramatic engagement. He commands us! Rush forward!
Rush Forward! Show the strength of your arms. Ye shall scatter the forces of
ignorance!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Your
war confers Life; their war brings death. Your war is the cause of the
illumination of all mankind; their war means the breaking and darkness of
hearts. Your war means victory upon victory; their war is defeat upon defeat.
Your war is the means of construction; their war is the origin of destruction.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"There
are no dangers before you. Push forward! Push forward! Attack the enemy! Your
efforts shall be crowned with the diadem of Eternal Peace and Brotherhood.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"His
Holiness the Christ was fighting even upon the Cross, and His triumphant work
continued through ages and cycles." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 4, May
17, 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-39659317479583368262021-04-08T18:52:00.000-07:002024-03-02T18:57:52.789-08:00“The world of humanity is in the dark. Our aim is to illumine mankind.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">April 3, 1913</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stuttgart,
Germany<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I came from a
distant land. I have travelled twenty thousand miles until I came to you in
Stuttgart. Forty years I was a prisoner. I was young when I was put into prison
and my hair was white when the prison doors opened. After all these long years
of the sufferings of prison life I willingly took upon myself all the hardships
of a long journey. Now I am here in order to be united with you, in order to
meet you. My purpose is that perchance you may illumine the world of humanity;
that all men may unite in perfect love and friendship; that religious
prejudices, national prejudices, race distinctions, all may be completely
abandoned. The religions of today consist of dogmas. Because these dogmas
differ from each other, discord and even hatred is manifest. Religion must be
the basis of all good fellowship. Think of the turmoil that today exists in the
Balkans; how much blood is shed; how many thousands of mothers have lost their
sons, how many children have become orphans, and how many buildings, villages,
and cities have been destroyed! The Balkan states have become a volcano. All
this ruin originates from the prejudices created by the different dogmas,
called forth by superstitions and race prejudices.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The essence
of the religion of God is love, and the Holy Books bear testimony to that, for
the essence of the religion of God is the light of the world of humanity; but
mankind today has forgotten what constitutes true religion. Each nation and
each people today hold to some definite dogma.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Everything in
the world is subject to change. But this transmutation and change are
requirements of life. See, for instance, these flowers before us. They come
forth from a seed. They grow to perfection, but when they have reached the
state of perfection they go back again. This is the invariable law of creation.
Likewise man develops until he has grown to maturity. When he reaches beyond
the state of maturity he begins to decline. All religions of God are subject to
this same law. They are founded in order to blossom out and develop and fulfill
their mission. They reach their zenith and then decline and come to an end. So
a few thousand years ago came Moses. He promulgated the ten commandments. Later
these laws were changed, and this change was so complete that of the original
nothing more was visible. Then God sent the Roman Empire to destroy the Holy
Land, because the Jews had forgotten the law of God. They had in the end only a
bundle of superstitions. When this religion had sunk to such a depth, God sent
his Holiness Jesus Christ. His Holiness Christ appeared as the Light of the
Sun, and He founded anew the religion of God. He revivified the light which had
been given by Moses and fulfilled that law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This should
show you that religion is subject to change. So, also, religion is full of
superstition. There is today nothing more than tradition to feed upon.
Therefore our souls must strive day and night in order that the foundations of
divine religion may again be newly revivified. These traditions and these
dogmas are like the husks surrounding the kernel. We must release the kernel
from the husk. The world of humanity is in the dark. Our aim is to illumine
mankind. It is natural that after the darkness of every night the brilliant day
will come. It is our hope that this darkness may be dispelled and that the rays
of the Sun of Reality will shine again. We are confident that the darkness will
again be followed by the brightness of the day. It is our hope that after the
cold winter a new spring will come, giving new life to nature, so that the
trees of humanity will again sprout and become verdant in the gardens, so that
they may bring forth leaves and blossoms and fruit. Thanks be to God, the
illumined century has dawned. Thank God that this spiritual spring has come.
Thanks be to God that the reality of all things has been revealed. This century
is the century of light. This period is the period of science. This cycle is
the cycle of reality. This age is the age of progress and freedom of thought.
This day is the greatest day of the Lord. This time is the time of eternal
life. This age is the age of the breath of the Holy Spirit. This time is the
time in which all is resurrected into new life. Therefore, I desire that all
may be united in harmony. Strive and work so that the standard of the world of
human Oneness may be raised among men, so that the lights of universal peace
may shine and the East and the West embrace, and the material world become a
mirror of the Kingdom of God, that eternal light may shine forth and that the
day break which will not be followed by the night.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this age
every face must turn to God, so that spiritual enlightenment will go hand in
hand with material education. Material education alone cannot make the world
happy. Spiritual civilization must assist the material civilization. The men of
science and philosophy are the founders of the material education, but His
Holiness Christ was the founder of the spiritual, divine civilization. Material
civilization serves the world of men, but the spiritual civilization founds the
world of morals. These two kinds of civilization must go hand in hand. The
material civilization is like the lamp, but the spiritual civilization is like
the light in the lamp. This lamp without the light is a useless thing.
Therefore, in our day philosophy and science must go hand in hand with the
spiritual civilization. The material civilization is like the body; the
spiritual civilization is like the spirit which is the life to the body. So
long as the spirit gives life to the body, we behold a living thing, but a body
without spirit is dead. It is my desire that ye all may reach the state of
spiritual civilization. Like as ye have made great progress in material
science, so may ye also progress in the spiritual world. Then the light of the
Kingdom of God will shine through all the world. May the Sun of Reality
illumine the East and the West. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 4, May 17, 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-69268625603506768832021-03-20T14:27:00.000-07:002024-03-02T14:28:25.210-08:00“We must, like a candle, shine with the light of Baha’u’llah”: “Be loving to all mankind. Consort with all religions in amity and fragrance. You must be the cause of the education of the world of humanity.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">April 1st,
1913</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stuttgart,
Germany<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Praise be to
God! that I have come to Stuttgart, that I could meet with you. Praise be to
God! because your faces are radiant with the light of the Glory of God; your
hearts are attracted to the Kingdom of Abha. Thank God that you have heard the
call of God. You are living in the day of the Lord. You are living in the days
of the radiances of the Sun of Reality. The rays of this Sun have poured into
your hearts and souls. Your hearts are illuminated, your inner vision clear.
Your spirit rejoiced in the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. Thank God that
you are the elect of God. He has elected you because of His own love. The
mercies of God have surrounded you. You must live in accordance with the
teachings of Baha’u’llah. Be loving to all mankind. Consort with all religions
in amity and fragrance. You must be the cause of the education of the world of
humanity. At present the world is still very dark. From one side there
threatens the darkness of ignorance; from another side black enmity is visible;
from the other side we hear of war and rumors of war. We must, like a candle,
shine with the light of Baha’u’llah, in order that through your efforts this
darkness may be dispelled. The light of the love of God can illumine the East
and the West. It can change hatred and enmity into love and friendship. The
clouds which veil the rays of the Sun of Reality must be dispelled and made to
disappear. The world must be rejuvenated. Eternal life must be made possible.
The rays of the Kingdom must shine forth. The breath of the Holy Spirit can
quicken the dead. I shall always pray for you and I shall supplicate for divine
confirmations for each one of you, in order that ye may become more enkindled
day by day, more attracted, so that each one of you will become a herald of the
Kingdom. This is the eternal glory. This is the eternal life. This is the
entrance into the Kingdom of God, the dominion which will last forever.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am very
glad to be here. It is my hope that through the bounty of God you may become
givers of life at this time. May God bless you all! May the blessings pour down
upon you!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the
West, vol. 4, no. 4, May 17, 1913)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-6609732754603688442021-03-10T08:34:00.000-08:002024-03-02T08:43:05.345-08:00“Oneness of the world of humanity insures the glorification of man. International Peace is the assurance of the welfare of all humankind.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">May 30, 1912</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Address to
theosophist of New York City<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am most
pleased with these expressions of kindly feeling and evidences of spiritual
susceptibility. Tonight I am very happy in the realization that our aims and
purposes are one, our desires and longings are one. This is a reflection and
evidence of the oneness of the world of humanity; intention toward
accomplishment of the "Most Great Peace." Therefore we are united in
intention and desire. In the world of existence there are no greater questions
than these. Oneness of the world of humanity insures the glorification of man.
International Peace is the assurance of the welfare of all humankind. There are
no greater motives and purposes in the human soul. As we are agreed upon them
the certainty of unity and concord between Baha’is and Theosophists is most
hopeful. Their purposes are one, their desires one, and spiritual
susceptibilities are common to both. Their attention is devoted to the Divine
Kingdom; they partake alike of Its bounty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today the
human world is in need of a great power by which these glorious principles and
purposes may be executed. The Cause of Peace is a very great Cause; it is the
Cause of God, and all the forces of the world are opposed to it. Governments,
for instance, consider militarism as the step to human progress, that division
among men and nations is the cause of patriotism and honor, that if one nation
attack and conquer another, gaining wealth, territory and glory thereby, this
warfare and conquest, this bloodshed and cruelty, is the cause of that
victorious nation's advancement and prosperity. This is an utter mistake.
Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a
nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household and you have
the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations and you have all humanity. The
conditions surrounding the family surround the nation. The happenings in the
family are the happenings in the life of the nation. Would it add to the
progress and advancement of a family if dissensions should arise among its
members, fighting, pillaging each other, jealous and revengeful of
injury—seeking selfish advantage one over another? Nay, this would be the cause
of the effacement of progress and advancement. So it is in the great family of
nations, for nations are but an aggregate of families. Therefore as strife and
dissension destroy a family and prevent its progress, so nations are destroyed
and advancement hindered.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Briefly, all
the Heavenly Books, Divine Prophets, sages and philosophers agree that warfare
is destructive to human development and peace constructive. They all agree that
war and strife strike at the foundations of humanity. Therefore a power is
needed to prevent war and to proclaim and establish the oneness of humanity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But knowledge
of the need of this power is not sufficient. Realizing that wealth is desirable
is not becoming wealthy. The admission that scientific attainment is
praiseworthy does not confer scientific knowledge. Acknowledgement of the
excellence of honor does not make a man honorable. Knowledge of human
conditions and the needed remedy for them is not the cause of their betterment.
To admit that health is good does not constitute health. A skilled physician is
needed to remedy existing human conditions. As a physician is required to have
complete knowledge of pathology and diagnosis, of therapeutics and treatment,
so this world physician must be wise, skillful and capable before health will
result. His mere knowledge is not health; it must be applied and the remedy
carried out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The
attainment of any object is conditioned upon:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First—Knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Second—Volition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Third—Action.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unless these
three conditions are forthcoming, there is no execution or accomplishment. In
the erection of a house it is first necessary to know the ground and design the
house suitable for it; second, to obtain the means or wealth necessary for the
construction; third, to actually build it. Therefore it is evident that a power
is needed to carry out and execute what is known and admitted to be the remedy
for human conditions; namely, the unification of mankind. Furthermore, it is
evident that this cannot be realized through material process and means. The
accomplishment of this unification cannot be through racial power for races are
different and diverse in tendencies. It cannot be through a patriotic power for
nationalities are unlike. Nor can it be effected through political power since
the policies of governments and nations are various. That is to say, any effort
toward unification through these material means would benefit one and injure
another because of unequal and individual interests. Some may believe this
great remedy can be found in dogmatic insistence upon imitations and
interpretations. No! this would be without foundation and result. Therefore it
is evident that no means but an ideal means, a Spiritual Power, Divine
Bestowals, and the breaths of the Holy Spirit will heal this world sickness of
war, dissension and discord. Nothing else is possible; nothing can be conceived
of. But through Spiritual means and the Divine Power it is possible and
feasible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consider
history. What has brought unity to nations, morality to peoples and benefits to
mankind? If we reflect upon it we will find that establishing the Divine
Religions has been the greatest means toward accomplishing the oneness of
humanity. The foundation of Divine Reality in Religion has done this; not
imitations. Imitations are opposed to each other and have ever been the cause
of strife, enmity, jealousy and war. The Divine Religions are collective
centers in which diverse standpoints may meet, agree and unify. They accomplish
oneness of nativities, races and policies. For instance, His Holiness Christ
united various nations, brought peace to warring peoples and established the
oneness of humankind. The conquering Greeks and Romans, the prejudiced Egyptians
and Assyrians were all in a condition of strife, enmity and war, but His
Holiness gathered these varied peoples together and removed the foundations of
discord; not through racial, patriotic or political power, but through Divine
Power, the Power of the Holy Spirit. This was not otherwise possible. All other
efforts of men and nations remain as mere mention in history—without
accomplishment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As this great
result is contingent upon Divine Power and Bestowals, where shall the world
obtain that Power? God is eternal and ancient; not a new God. His Sovereignty
is of old, not recent; not merely existent these five or six thousand years.
This infinite universe is from everlasting. The Sovereignty, Power, Names and
Attributes of God are eternal, ancient. His Names presuppose creation and
predicate His Existence and Will. We say God is Creator. This name Creator
appears when we connote creation. We say God is the Provider. This Name
presupposes and proves the existence of the provided. God is Love. This Name
proves the existence of the beloved. In the same way God is Mercy, God is
Justice, God is Life, etc., etc. Therefore as God is Creator, Eternal and
Ancient, there were always creatures and subjects existing and provided for.
There is no doubt that Divine Sovereignty is eternal. Sovereignty necessitates
subjects, ministers, trustees and others subordinate to sovereignty. Could
there be a king without country, subjects and armies? If we conceive of a time
when there were no creatures, no servants, no subjects of Divine Lordship we
dethrone God and predicate a time when God was not. It would be as if He had
been recently appointed and man had given these Names to Him. No! The Divine
Sovereignty is ancient, eternal. God from everlasting was Love, Justice, Power,
Creator, Provider, the Omniscient, the Bountiful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the Divine
Entity is eternal, the Divine Attributes are co-existent, co-eternal. The
Divine Bestowals are therefore without beginning, without end. God is infinite;
the works of God are infinite; the bestowals of God are infinite. As His
Divinity is eternal, His Lordship and Perfections are without end. As the
Bounty of the Holy Spirit is eternal, we can never say that His bestowals
terminate, else He terminates. If we think of the sun and then try to conceive
of the cessation of the solar flame and heat, we have predicated the
non-existence of the sun. For separation of the sun from its rays and heat is
inconceivable. Therefore if we limit the Bestowals of God we limit the
Attributes of God and limit God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us then
trust in the Bounty and Bestowal of God! Let us be exhilarated with the Divine
Breath! Let us be illumined and exalted by the heavenly glad tidings! God has
ever dealt with man in mercy and kindness. He who conferred the Divine Spirit
in former times is abundantly able and capable at all times and periods to
grant the same bestowals. Therefore let us be hopeful! The God who gave to the
world formerly will do so now and in the future. God who breathed the breath of
the Holy Spirit upon His servants will breathe it upon them now and hereafter.
There is no cessation to His Bounty. The Divine Spirit is penetrating from
eternity to eternity, for it is the Bounty of God and the Bounty of God is
eternal. Can yon conceive of limitation of the Divine Power in atomic verities
or cessation of the Divine Bounty in existing organisms? Could you conceive the
Power now manifest in this glass in cohesion of its atoms, becoming
non-existent? The energy by which the water of the sea is constituted, failing
to exert itself and the sea disappearing? A shower of rain today and no more
showers after a while? The effulgence of the sun terminated and no more light
or heat?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we
observe that in the kingdom of minerals the Divine Bounties are continuous, how
much more shall we expect and realize in the Divine spiritual Kingdom! How much
greater the radiation of the Lights of God and the bounty of life everlasting
upon the soul of man! As the body of the universe is continuous,
indestructible, Spirit and the Divine Bounty is everlasting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I praise God
that I am privileged to be present in this revered assembly which is quickened
with spiritual susceptibilities and heavenly attraction; its members
investigating the Reality; their utmost hope the establishment of international
peace and their greatest purpose service to the world of humanity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we
observe the world of created phenomena we discover that each atom of the atoms
of substance is moving through the various degrees and kingdoms of organic
life. For instance, consider the ethereal element which is penetrating and
traveling through all the contingent realities. When there is vibration or
movement in the ethereal element the eye is affected by that vibration and
beholds what is known as light.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the same
manner the Bestowals of God are moving and circulating throughout all created
things. This illimitable Divine Bounty has no beginning and will have no
ending. It is moving, circulating and becomes effective wherever capacity is
developed to receive it. In every station there is a specialized capacity.
Therefore we must be hopeful that through the Bounty and Favor of God, this
Spirit of Life infusing all created beings shall quicken humanity and from its
Bestowals the human world become a divine world, this earthly kingdom the
mirror of the realm of Divinity, the virtues and perfections of the world of
humanity become unveiled and the image and likeness of God be reflected from
this temple.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am most
grateful to the President of this Society and express my most respectful
greetings to him. It is my hope that all of you may be assisted in obtaining
the good pleasure of God. The spiritual susceptibility of those present has
made me very happy, and I beg of God assistance and confirmation for all. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star
of the West, vol. 4, no. 3, April 28, 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-57679618698509371262021-02-26T14:23:00.000-08:002024-03-01T14:24:47.029-08:00The surprising welcome that ‘Abdu’l-Baha received from clergy and religious societies of the West<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>One of the
Bahai friends said to Abdu'l Baha: “What we expected in connection with your
visit to America has not happened and what we did not expect to happen has
indeed come to pass. We expected an attitude of hostility toward you by the
clergy and theologians. Instead of this they have welcomed you in the spirit of
fairness and sincerity. We did not expect the churches and religious societies
would open their doors, but they have done so and most of your important public
addresses have been delivered from pulpits of various denominations."</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu'l-Baha
replied: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"According to the record of three Gospels, His Holiness Jesus
Christ went into the Temple of Jerusalem, rebuked the Jews for the degeneracy
of their worship into materialistic forms and delivered the Message of Divine
Glad tidings. For nineteen hundred years this has been pointed out by
Christians as a most wonderful event that His Holiness without opposition from
the Jews was permitted to enter their most sacred place of worship and proclaim
the Word of God. Consider what has happened in this century. During the past
year we have been welcomed in churches and pulpits of Europe and America by
different denominations, upraising the Divine Standard of Unity, summoning
mankind to the Glad Tidings of the Most Great Peace, proclaiming the Reality of
the Kingdom of Abha. And this has been accomplished not only without opposition
but by invitation, and in a spirit of the utmost love and fragrance. Consider
therefore the wonderful influence and importance of this in the future." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Howard MacNutt; ‘Star of the West, vol. 4,
no. 1, March 21, 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-17439669938035919422021-02-10T14:18:00.000-08:002024-03-01T14:20:01.751-08:00“‘Abdu’l-Baha finds the note of harmony which vibrates in every human heart.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my talks
with the reverend doctors of religion and men of the peace societies I have
spoken the Glad tidings Baha’u’llah, but always according to their varying need
and capacity. As capacities differ, the purpose must be to satisfy the degree
of hunger, destroy all possible antagonism and establish a point of agreement.
We cannot induce men to lay down their arms by fighting with them. War
intensifies the spirit of strife. War begets war. We are peacemakers, not
destroyers of peace. Therefore ‘Abdu’l-Baha finds the note of harmony which
vibrates in every human heart. This is our subtle basis. Build upon it. Follow
no other method. Talk about things upon which we agree and say nothing about
things upon which we differ. We must disorganize humanism in order to construct
a spiritual edifice in the world of humanity. This edifice is heavenly but its
foundations are planted in the unity of human hearts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of
the West, vol. 4, no. 1, March 21, 1913)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-8832038314338671702021-01-25T13:14:00.000-08:002024-02-29T13:16:48.881-08:00Teachings of Baha'u'llah, spirituality, spirit and body<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alliance Spiritualise of Paris</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">November 9, 1911</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am very grateful for the words and sentiments expressed by
the general secretary. I give thanks to God to find myself in Paris in such a
spiritual assembly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If we look at the atmosphere of this meeting, we see that
the spirit floats in it, the bounties of God descend, the aid of the Holy
Spirit is seen. Thanks to God, these hearts are endowed with spiritual
sentiments; the vibrations of the soul make themselves felt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The spirit is like the sea, this assembly like the waves --
though they are numerous, they all come from the same sea; though they
apparently have different forms and aspects, the unity of the spirit is
manifest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All the prophets and Divine Manifestations have come to
educate men, in order that the unity of the human world may shine clearly and
distinctly, so that there remain no authority to the waves; that the authority
be peculiar to the sea, for the spirit is like the sea and the bodies are like
the waves.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is said in the Gospels, “Jerusalem will come down out of
heaven from God." This heavenly Jerusalem is not made of stone, of lime
and of clay, but it is made of the divine teachings which shine among men by
the power of the spirit. For a long time, the divine teachings had been
forgotten, no trace remained of the light of the heavenl Jerusalem. When
Baha’u’llah manifested Himself from the Orient, the light of His divine
teachings shone forth in Persia unto otherer parts of the world. This divine teaching
is the heavenly Jerusalem which has again “come down out of heaven."
Although that edifice had fallen to pieces, it is founded anew. The corporal
and material forces ruled over the Orient; now the spiritual forces have taken
their place.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks to God, I see at Paris a respectable assembly which
lives by the breath of the soul. Man is not man by the body, he is man by the
spirit, for by the body he is the associate of the animal; that which
distinguishes him is the spirit. As the sun illumines the earth, so the spirit
illumines the body. It renders man celestial; gives him kindness by the breath
of the Holy Spirit; makes him understand the reality of things; discovers all
sciences; offers eternal life; unites the nations; joins the Orient and the
Occident, and changes the human world into a divine world. Consequently, those
who receive the bounties of the Spirit give life to others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, you who are spiritual ought to be glad and joyful for
the teachings of Baha’u’llah, who is the founder of spirituality in this age.
The teachings of Baha’u’llah are only spiritual. One should seek the Truth,
which is the cause of the manifestations of the spirit, for the spirit will not
make itself felt by the senses, but it will manifest itself by the hidden
faculties. Though the human body is sensitive, its spirit is hidden; it is the
spirit which commands the body.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The spirit acts in two ways: One way is by instruments; that
is, it sees with the eyes, it hears with the ears and speaks with the tongue.
These instruments work by the spirit, which is their motor; though its senses
are manifested by the body, they come from the faculty of the spirit. The other
way is that of being and acting without instruments as in dreams and visions,
it sees without eyes, hears without ears, speaks without the tongue, walks
without feet. All the faculties of the spirit are clear and distinct in the
world of visions. Hence it is evident that the spirit acts in two ways: First,
by the instruments of the body; second, without the instruments of the body.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thus it is that one's body may be in the Occident and the
spirit finds out the situation in the Orient, and it directs and conducts the
affairs there. Therefore it is evident that the spirit is powerful and the body
weak.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The body is like the crystal and the spirit is like the
light. Though the crystal be extremely transparent, its brilliancy and splendor
belong to the brightness of the light. To be luminous, the light does not need
the crystal, but the crystal to be bright needs the light. Even so the spirit
does not live by the body, but the body lives by the spirit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the body is mutilated, the spirit conserves always its
greatness and power. For example: If the hand of a man is cut off, the spirit
keeps its authority and sovereignty; if the eye becomes blind, the spirit
remains clear sighted; but if the attributes of the spirit leave the body,
immediately the body becomes nothing. Thus it is affirmed that man is man only
by the spirit and not by the body.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This spirit is one of the divine bounties, a manifestation
of the Sun of Truth; but if the human spirit receive the breath of the Holy
Spirit, then itis a pure spirit. The breath of the Holy Spirit is the divine
teaching; in it the spirit finds eternal life. It is the heavenly light and
illumines the human world by the divine qualities. Hence we must endeavor to
act according to the teachings of Baha’u’llah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us endeavor from day to day to become more spiritual, to
bring about the unity of the human world, to practice human equality, to
diffuse the divine mercy, to show the love of God to all those who are on the
earth, so that the spiritual faculties may shine in all their splendor; that no
authority remain to the body, so that the spirit, which sustains and rules the
human world, may form one being, one person. Differences and disputes will
exist no longer. The divine Jerusalem will be founded universally. All men will
be the inhabitants of the same kingdom and they will take their part in the
divine bounties.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I thank God to find myself in your assembly and I am
grateful for your spiritual sentiments. I pray God to increase your sentiments
each day; to strengthen this union and accord, so that the prophecies of the
Holy Scripture become visible, for this epoch will be great, this century will
be divine; the traces of all the scriptures will be seen; the signs given by
Christ will become manifest. It will be the great day of the Lord. Divine
justice will shine. It will be the time of peace, of justice, of union and of
happiness. I hope that at this epoch the corporal world will become the
reflection and echo of the divine world. Such is our hope, and, thanks to God,
we agree in this desire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ask God that you may live by the breath of the Holy
Spirit, that you be united, that all the hearts be filled with the love of God,
that your tongue pronounce often the Name of God, that your actions be
spiritual, that your sentiments be like those of the inhabitants of the
Kingdom, in order that the human light, which is the image of God, may shine
brilliantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">O God! Kind, generous, merciful; illumine this assembly with
the light of Thy love; vivify these souls with the breath of the Holy Spirit,
offer the heavenly lights and the great bounties, give us Thy help, show us
spirituality, give us the light of a good conduct, give to the spirits infinite
bounties and generosity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">O Creator! We are poor, give us of the treasure of the
Kingdom; we are humble, glorify us in Thy Kingdom; we are homeless, protect us,
shelter us; we are seekers, lead us by Thy limitless favors; we are silent,
give us an eloquent tongue; we are weak, give us the strength of the Kingdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">O Creator! He who pardons! Pardon our faults; grant us
bounties; forgive us our sins, teach us divine politeness. Thou art the One who
gives; Thou art the One who offers; Thou art kind!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, vol, 2, no. 17, January 9, 1912)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-88397252915737810012021-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:002024-02-29T13:14:18.256-08:00“Do the Will of God, do not only speak about it.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wish you to study the works of the Blessed Beauty and to
live according to His teaching. The basis of the teaching of Baha’u’llah is as
follows: "Bear in your heart great love to all races on earth, to the end
that unity maybe established between them. Take an interest in everyone and
find out how you can help them, so that all may see that your love is truly
universal. Do the Will of God, do not only speak about it; the elect of God do
this. People do much speaking to advance their own glory and to make themselves
appear superior to their neighbors. But if you do the Will of God and do not
blazon it abroad, then you will change the whole world. They who do most speak
least.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Man must ever be thinking of drawing nearer to God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Look at the Italians, they pretended to love humanity, yet
they wished to seize Tripoli for their own advancement, not for the good of
humanity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope that you will some day be able to hinder such
actions, and thus enable justice to reign everywhere. I hope you will be able
to make all hearts pure and tender, all efforts sincere, so that everyone may
work for the good of humanity. This is my prayer and desire. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk in Paris, October 17, 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16,
December 31, 1911)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-50706195694889803892020-12-16T08:34:00.001-08:002022-04-02T08:35:59.796-07:00“The greatest working basis for bringing about unity and harmony among the nations is the teaching of a universal tongue.”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Paris Esperanto Group</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">February 12, 1913 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the material world of existence, human undertakings are
divided into two kinds - universal and specific. The result of every universal
effort is infinite and the outcome of every specific effort is finite.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this age, those human problems which create a general
interest are universal; their results are likewise universal, for humanity has
become interdependent. The international laws of today are of vast importance
since international politics are bringing nations nearer to one another. It is
a general axiom that in the world of human endeavor, every universal affair
commands attention and its results and benefits are limitless. Therefore let us
say that every universal cause is divine and every specific matter is human.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The universal light for this planet is from the sun and the
special light here tonight, which is electric, illumines this banquet hall
through the invention of man. In like manner the activities which are trying to
establish solidarity between the nations and infuse the spirit of universalism
in the hearts of the children of men are like unto divine rays from the</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sun of Reality, and the brightest ray is the
coming of the universal language. Its achievement is the greatest virtue of the
age, for such an instrument will remove misunderstandings from among the
peoples of the earth and will cement their hearts together. This medium will
enable each individual member of the human family to be informed of the
scientific accomplishments of all his fellowmen.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The basis of knowledge and the excellencies of endeavor in
this world are to teach and to be taught. To acquire sciences and to teach them
in turn depends upon language and when the international auxiliary language
becomes universal, it is easily conceivable that the acquirement of knowledge
and instruction will likewise become universal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No doubt you are aware that in the past ages a common
language shared by various nations created a spirit of solidarity among them.
For instance, 1,300 years ago, there were many divergent nationalities in the
Orient. There were Copts in Egypt, Syrians in Syria, Assyrians and Babylonians
in Bagdad and along the River Mesopotamia. There existed among these peoples
rank hatred, but as they were gradually brought nearer through common
protection and common interests, the Arabic language grew to be the means of
intercommunication, and they became as one nation. They all speak the Arabic
language to this day. In Syria if you ask any one of them he will say, "I
am an Arab," though in reality he is not- some are Greeks, others Jews,
etc.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We say "This man is a German, the other an Italian, a
Frenchman, an Englishman," etc. All belong to the great human family, yet
language is the barrier between them. The greatest working basis for bringing
about unity and harmony among the nations is the teaching of a universal
tongue. Writing on this subject, 50 years ago, His Holiness Baha’u’llah said
that complete union between the various sections of the world would be an
unrealized dream as long as an international language was not established.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Misunderstandings keep people from mutual association and
these misunderstandings will not be dispelled except through the medium of a
common ground of communication. Every intelligent man will bear testimony to
this.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The people of the Orient are not fully informed of the
events in the West and the West cannot put itself into sympathetic touch With
the East. Their thoughts are closed in a casket - the universal language will
be the master key to open it. Western books will be translated into that
language and the Easterner will be informed of the contents; likewise Eastern
lore will become the property of the West. Thus also will those
misunderstandings which exist between the different religions be dispersed.
Religious prejudices play havoc among the peoples and bring about warfare and
strife and it is impossible to remove them without a language in common.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am an Oriental and on this account I am shut out from your
thoughts and you likewise from mine. A mutual language will become the
mightiest means of universal progress towards the union of the East and West.
It will make the earth one hone and become the divine impulse for human
advancement. It will upraise the standard of oneness of the world of humanity
and make the earth a universal commonwealth. It will be the cause of love
between the children of men and create good fellowship between the various
creeds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Praise be to God, that Dr. Zamenhof has constructed the
Esperanto language. It has all the potential qualities of universal adoption.
All of us must be grateful and thankful to him for his noble effort for in this
matter he has served his fellowmen well. He has constructed a language which
will bestow divine benefits on all peoples. With untiring efforts and
self-sacrifice on the part of its devotees it gives promise of universal
acceptation. Therefore everyone of us must study this language and make every
effort to spread it so that each day it may receive a wider recognition, be
accepted by all nations and governments of the world and become a part of the
curriculum in all the public schools. I hope that the business of the future
conferences and congresses will be carried on in Esperanto.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the future two languages will be taught in the schools,
one the native tongue, the other the international auxiliary language. Consider
today how difficult is human communication. One may study 50 languages and yet
travel through a country and still be at a loss. I, myself, know several of the
Oriental languages, but know no Western tongue. Had this universal language
pervaded the globe, I should have studied it and you would have been directly
informed of my thoughts and I of yours and a special friendship would have been
established between us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please send some teachers to Persia, if you can, so that
they may teach Esperanto to the young people. I have written asking some of
them to come here to study it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope that it will be promulgated very rapidly - then the
world of humanity will find eternal peace; all the nations will associate with
one another like mothers and sisters, fathers and brothers, and each individual
member of the body politic will be fully informed of the thoughts of all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am extremely grateful to you and thank you for these lofty
aims, for you have gathered at this banquet to further this language. Your hope
is to render a mighty service to the world of humanity and for this great aim I
congratulate you from the depths of my heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 2, April 9, 1913)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-45758217114933654602020-11-04T22:41:00.001-08:002021-12-04T22:50:11.620-08:00‘Abdu’l-Baha answers questions by Pasteur Monnier of Theological Seminary of Paris<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sunday Evening, February 17, 1913, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Paris</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">[The audience was composed of professors, clergy and
theological students]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: How are you?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: We are all feeling well and are exceedingly
pleased to have you bless our Seminary.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: I am likewise most happy to find myself
amongst you, and associate with you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: We are very happy to find amongst us a
person who has come on the part of God, and has brought to us a divine message.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: A person endowed with the power of hearing
shall hear the mysteries of God from all things, and all creation will convey
to him the divine message.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: If you permit us, we would like to ask a
question.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Very well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: As we are students of theology, and are in
the rank of clergy, we would like to know who was Christ, and what was He? What
is your belief about Him?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Our belief in regard to Christ is exactly what
is recorded in the New Testament; however we elucidate this matter, and do not
speak literally or in a manner based merely on the foundation of blind belief.
For instance, it is recorded in the Gospel of St. John, that in the beginning
there was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now the majority of Christians accept this principle as a
matter of belief, but we give an explanation and exposition which is accepted
by reason, and in such a way that no one may find occasion to reject it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Christians have made this statement the foundation of
the Trinity—but philosophers deny it as mere superstition, stating that the
Trinity as regards the identity of the Divinity is impossible; and in turn the
Christians do not give a satisfactory explanation and interpretation to be
accepted by philosophers.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the former base their whole exposition of this subject
upon the authority of the Holy Scriptures, the latter do not accept it, saying,
"Is it possible to have three in one, and one in three?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We explain this subject as follows: The eternality of the
Word is not an eternality of time, for if this were an eternality of time, the
Word would have been accidental, and not eternal. By the Word we mean that this
creation with its infinite forms is like unto letters, and the individual
members of humanity are likewise like unto letters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A letter individually has no meaning, no independent significance,
but the station of Christ is the station of the Word. Complete and independent
significance is implied in a word. That is why we say Christ is the Word. By
complete significance we mean that the universal bestowals of the perfection of
Divinity are manifest in Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is obvious that the perfections of other souls are
particular, or only a part, but the perfections of the Christ are universal or
the whole. The reality of Christ is the collective center of all the
independent virtues and infinite significances.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For instance, this lamp sheds light, the moon also illumines
the night with its silvery beams, but their light is not in their essence, they
receive their light from another source; but His Holiness the Christ is like
unto the sun, His light issued forth from His own identity. He has not received
it through another person, therefore we give Him the comprehensive title of the
Word. By this we mean the all-comprehending Reality, and the depository of the
infinite divine virtues.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This Word has an (honorary) beginning and not a beginning of
time. For instance, we say this person has precedence over all. This precedence
comes to him through the station and honor which he has now in life, but it is
not a precedence of time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In reality the Word has neither a beginning nor ending. It
means those perfections which appeared in Christ and not His physical body.
Those perfections were from the part of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is similar to the rays of the sun which are reflected in
a clear mirror. The rays, the light and the heat of the sun are its perfections
which have become manifest in the mirror.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The perfections of Christ were the splendor and bounty of
God. It is evident that these qualities were ever with God, even at this time
they are with Him, they are inseparable from Him, because divinity is not
subject to division. Division is a sign of imperfection, and as God is the
Perfect One, He cannot be divided.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is clear that the perfections of the Divinity are
co-equal and co-existent with the Essence. In that station there is absolute
Unity. This in brief is the exposition of the Station of Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: What is the similarity between the Cause of
Christ and that of Baha’u’llah? And what relation do they hold towards each
other?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: The foundation of the religion of God is one.
The same basis which was laid by Christ and later on was forgotten, has been
renewed by His Holiness Baha’u’llah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we said, the object of divine religion is one—each
religion is divided into two parts. The first part is essential, and it belongs
to the world of morality. It is the exposition of significances and realities.
It is the expression of the love of God, the knowledge of God. This is one in
all the religions, unchangeable and immutable, because it is the reality, and
the reality is immutable and unchangeable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The second part is non-essential. It belongs to practical
life, to transactions and business. This changes according to the requirements
of the time in which the Prophet lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For example, during the days of His Holiness Moses, the
foundation and the origin of the religion of God spelled morality, and that was
not changed in the Christian dispensation, but certain differences crept in
through the change of the second part of the religion. For during the Mosaic
period the hand of a person was cut off because he had committed a small theft;
there was the law of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. This was
according to the spirit of the age, but as these laws were impracticable at the
time of Christ, they were abrogated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Likewise divorce: It had become so universal and so easily
put into practice, that the laws of marriage were too easily broken, therefore
His Holiness Christ forbade it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to the exigencies of the time, His Holiness Moses
revealed ten laws for capital punishment. It was impossible at that time to
protect the body politic and preserve social security without these severe
measures. For the children of Israel lived in the wilderness of Tah, they could
not protect their rights and establish safety without these severe measures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As they were too antiquated in the time of Christ, they were
abolished. The difference in the second part of religion is unimportant,
because it belongs to the customs of life only, but the foundation of the
religion of God is one. Therefore His Holiness Baha’u’llah has renewed that
foundation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Cause of Christ was wholly spiritual. He did not change
anything save the Sabbath and the law of divorce. All the sayings of Christ deal
with the knowledge of God, with the oneness of the world of humanity, the moral
relations between the hearts, spiritual susceptibilities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His Holiness Baha’u’llah created these merciful sentiments
in the most complete form and deposited them in the hearts of men. This is in
keeping with the teachings of Christ, because it is the reality and the reality
does not change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is it possible to say that divine unity is divisible, or the
knowledge of God, the oneness of the world of humanity, universal love, and the
solidarity of the human race, are ever subject to transformation? No, I declare
by God they are immutable, for they are the reality.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: What is the relation of Christ and
Baha’u’llah with God?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: His Holiness Christ said "The Father is
in me"—this we must understand through logical and scientific evidences,
for if we do not conform religious principles and science and reason, they do
not inspire the heart with confidence and assurance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is said that once John of Chrysostom was walking along
the seashore and was thinking over the question of the Trinity, the possibility
of three becoming one, and one three, trying to reconcile this with reason. He
was absorbed in this subject, when suddenly his attention was attracted by a
boy sitting on the shore and putting water in a cup. Approaching him, he asked,
"My child, what art thou doing?" "I am trying to put the sea in
this cup," he answered. "How foolish art thou," John replied,
"in trying to do the impossible." The child rejoined, "Thy work
is stranger than mine, for thou art laboring to bring within the grasp of human
intellect the conception of the Trinity." Then John thought to himself
that to understand this matter logically is beyond the comprehension of the
human mind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But we stated that every religious question must be tested
by the criteria of science and reason, otherwise how can one accept it? If I
propound a question which is rejected by the deduction of reason, it is not
worthy of your acceptance. Therefore let us investigate independently the
reality of this matter and let us always be guided in our exposition by the
light of reason and science.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is the meaning of the Father and the Son? We say that
this Fatherhood and Sonship are allegorical, and symbolical. The Messianic
Reality is like unto a mirror through which the Sun of Divinity has become
resplendent. If this mirror states "The Light is in me" it is sincere
in its claim; therefore Jesus was truthful when He said "The Father is in
me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we look at the question from the above standpoint we
see that the principle of the Trinity is explained. The sun which is in the
sky, and the sun in the mirror are one, are they not? We do not believe that
there are two suns, and yet we see that there are two suns.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must investigate the reality, and not follow the
imitation, for the Jews were expecting the coming of the Messiah, lamenting day
and night—saying: "O God send to us our Deliverer!" But as they
walked in the path of dogmas, rather than reality, when the Messiah appeared
they denied Him. If they had been the investigators of reality, they would not
have crucified, but have worshipped Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: Is the unification of religion possible? If
so, when and how and through what channel will it be realized?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: When the devotees of religion cast away their
dogmas and ritualism then the unification of religion will be in sight, and the
realities of the Holy Books will become unveiled. In these days
misunderstandings hold the upper hand. When these misunderstandings and blind
imitations are relinquished then the Sun of Unity of religions shall dawn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I was in San Francisco I was invited to speak in a
Jewish synagogue; there were nearly 2000 Israelites present in the Temple. I
said, I desire to propound before you a question, but I request you to listen
to it carefully, till I finish, and then if you have any objections, state
them:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is about 2000 years that between you and the Christians
there has been friction and opposition, but when we investigate the reality we
find that such a state of affairs should not exist. Owing to the
misunderstandings which today have blinded the eyes and exist among you and the
Christians, you conceive that His Holiness the Christ was the enemy of Moses,
the destroyer of the laws of the Pentateuch, the abrogator of the commandments
of the Bible. Let us now search after the truth, and discover whether this
supposition on your part corresponds with fact or not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we investigate the reality we observe that Christ
appeared amongst you at a time when according to your own historians the laws
of the Torah were forgotten, the foundation of religion and faith was shaken.
Nebuchadnezzar had come, burning the context of the whole Bible, and taking
into captivity many Jewish tribes. For the second time Alexander the Great had
come. For the third time Titus, the Roman general, devastated the land, killed
the Jews, pillaged their property, and imprisoned their children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At such a time, under such gloomy conditions, His Holiness
the Christ appeared. The first thing He said was: "The Torah is the Divine
Book, Moses is the Man of God, Aaron, Solomon, Isaiah, Zechariah, and all the
Israelitish prophets are valid and true." Throughout all regions He spread
the Bible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For 1500 years the Bible was not sent out of Palestine, but
Christ promulgated it in all countries. Were it not for Christ the name of
Moses and His Book would not have reached America. During 1500 years the Torah
was only once translated, but Christ was the cause of its being translated into
600 languages. Now be just, was Christ the friend or the enemy of Moses?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You say that He abrogated the Torah, but I say he
promulgated the Torah, the Ten Commandments and all the questions which belong
to its moral world. But He changed the following, that for a small theft one
cannot cut off the hand. If a person blind another he must not be blinded, or
if he breaks another's teeth, his teeth should not be broken.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is it possible nowadays that for $1,000,000 the hand of the
culprit be cut off with the law? Or to establish the archaic laws of an eye for
an eye, and a tooth for a tooth?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore Christ changed only that part of the Mosaic
religion which was not in accord with the spirit of His time. He did not desire
to abolish the Torah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You, yourselves, are of the opinion in this day that these
laws are not timely but are out of date and impracticable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is it not true that the Christians believe that Moses was
the Prophet of God, and all the Israelitish seers were the Messengers of God,
and the Bible is the Book of God? Has this belief of theirs harmed their
religion? They answered "no." Then you may just say from your heart
that Christ is the Word of God, then all these differences will end. The
persecutions of the last 2000 years have been on account of this fact, that you
were not willing to proclaim these two words.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But I hope it is proven to you that Moses had no better
friend that His Holiness Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In short, misunderstanding between the religions is
conducive to differences. When these misunderstandings and blind imitations are
forgotten then the unification of the religions will become a reality. Today
the enmity and rivalry existing between the religions are over mere words.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is an established fact that the followers of all the
religions believe in a Reality, the benefits of which are universal; that
Reality is a medium between God and man. The Jews call that Reality Moses, the
Christians, Christ, Muslims, Mohammed, the Buddhists, Buddha, and the
Zoroastrians, Zoroaster.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now mark well that none of these religionists have ever seen
the Founders, they have only heard His name. If they overlooked these names
they would realize that they all believed in a perfect Reality which is an
intermediary between the Almighty and His creatures. Their dissension is over a
word, otherwise they all share in common the belief of the Mediatorship between
the Creator and the creature.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you speak to a Jew about the medium or channel between
God and man, without referring to any particular name or trying to make him
believe in any special person, he would say—"Yes, this is right, but I say
the name of this medium is Moses."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you go on giving the exposition of this divine philosophy
to the followers of each religion they will all agree with you in the abstract,
but they will stick to the names of their own prophets, and arise in contention
and strife over these names. But in reality and in significance they are all
believers and agreed. The Jew believes in Christ, but he knows nothing about
it, he is quibbling over the mere word.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In short there have been wars and rumors of war amongst the
people of the world for many thousand years; much innocent blood has been shed,
many kingdoms and empires have been laid waste. Now it is enough! Religion must
be the means of good fellowship and love. It must upraise the standard of
harmony and solidarity. If religion is conducive to hatred and enmity,
irreligion is better, because such pseudo-religion gives no result, nay rather
its existence is harmful to the welfare of the body-politic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">God has founded the religions so that they might be the bond
of amity and mutual association between the people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His Holiness Christ did not sacrifice His own life so that
the people might believe that He is the Word of God; nay rather He gave up His
life so that He might bestow Eternal Life to the world of humanity. That is why
He said, "The Son of Man is come to give life to the world."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Later on this subject was forgotten by the people, certain
blind imitations crept in, and the words Father, Son and Holy Spirit became
current. The original foundation was lost sight of. Christ said, "If
someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the left." Is there any
relation between this commandment and the bloody events taking place in the
Balkans? No!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The religious differences between the Catholics and
Protestants have caused in the past the destruction of 900,000 lives. No doubt
you are aware of this fact. What relation have these events with the statement
of Christ when He addressed Peter: "Put thy sword into the scabbard"?
Therefore when we hold fast to the foundations of the religions of God, all
these differences are dispelled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: Is your aim to found a new religion?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Our aim is to free the foundations of the
religion of God from dogmas, for the Sun of Reality is prevented from shining
forth by black impenetrable clouds. We desire to dispel these clouds, so that
the regions of the world may be flooded and illumined with its luminous rays,
so that these foul clouds may never return. The rays of the Sun of Reality may
encircle all countries, for this Sun has no beginning and no ending.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Abdul-Baha arose.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Pasteur Monnier: Our hope is likewise the spread of such
ideals of unity, peace, and concord. We hope to be your co-workers, and
co-laborers in this field.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: This is likewise my hope, that the utmost
unity may be established between us, such a unity which is not ended by
separation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Abdul Bahá went into the library, where several clergy and
professors came to Him to be presented. One of them said):</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I desire to express our deepest gratitude and pleasure on
the part of those present. In reality what you said was in keeping with facts.
Our aim is likewise the establishment of universal peace and brotherhood.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Praise be to God that our aims and hopes are
one, but we must strive to make this purpose realized.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>A Professor: The International Congress of Religions will be
opened in Paris during the month of July. We hope that you will be able to
accept the invitation to take part in the proceedings of that Congress.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha.: It is nearly two years that I have been out
of Haifa. I must return. After 40 years of confinement and two years of
continual traveling, all my powers are exhausted. I can hardly speak.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Professor: The invitation of the Congress will be sent to
you, and we hope you will write a message that may be read during one of the sessions.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Very well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 3, April 28, 1913)</span></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-73765069466112258102020-10-10T05:09:00.005-07:002021-12-01T05:14:08.653-08:00Following the Pathway of the Disciples of Christ<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">June 11, 1912, at 309 West 78th Street,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">New York City<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>[After instructions upon certain matters, ‘Abdu’l-Baha
continued:]</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The essence of the intention is that I wish you to pray for
me and I will pray for you. The pathway we shall walk together is the pathway
of the disciples of Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the departure of His Holiness to the Supreme Paradise,
the disciples who had followed His teachings met together in consultation upon
the summit of a mountain near Jaffa. Such a consultation was never before held.
They said to each other:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"His Holiness Jesus Christ has been crucified. He
offered His life in this way, gave up His rest and comfort, forfeited His
happiness, renounced His possessions, family and life, and quaffed the chalice
of martyrdom. He educated us in order that we might arise after Him in His
Cause. He sacrificed His life that the oil in the lamps of our souls might
become ignited and His Light shine forth from them. He suffered on the cross
that we may irrigate the tree of His planting. He consented to a cruel death in
order that the seed of His sowing might be cultivated and preserved by us. Now
must we be loyal to His Holiness. If we wish to be loyal we must arise to carry
out the duties of loyalty. Otherwise each of us will continue to seek after his
own livelihood, rest and comfort; each, like other people, find repose, enjoy a
family, have a household, provide food and strive to gain glory and power.
Shall we do this?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All said, "No! We must be loyal and faithful to His
Holiness Jesus Christ. Therefore with our worldly attachments we cannot attend
to His service in a true spirit of severance. We must either be occupied with
ourselves or engaged in His service. This Cause is a very great Cause; a Cause
that is weighty and important, not light and trivial; a Cause that is not easy
to carry and serve. First, to be severed and free from all other occupation we
must give up and relinquish our family ties and that which pertains thereto.
Because the management of a household and family is a hindrance to service. God
has not created two hearts for man, one for living in the world and one for
service in His Cause. Therefore either must we be occupied with our own service
and affairs or with service to Christ. Is not this the ultimate arrangement?
Yes! it is the ultimate arrangement! He who is tied to a family, let him then
arrange to leave it; he who is not should not take a wife and the duties of a
family; then will he be free, severed and without burden or hindrance in the
service of God. Is this right? Is this the ultimate arrangement? Are we united
upon this? Yes!”<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Second, in the pathway of Christ there is strife,
persecution, blame, imprisonment, banishment, suffering and many other burdens
which we must accept. Have we accepted them? Yes! we have assuredly!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Third, we must go among the peoples of the world,
proclaiming the gladtidings of the Kingdom of God, spreading the fragrances of
Christ, summoning them to the Sun of Reality in order that this dark world
shall become illumined. Is this the ultimate arrangement? Yes!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then they took an oath and covenant among themselves,
embraced each other and descended from the mountain, some going Eastward, some
to the West, North and South. So they were scattered. Some became traceless, as
it is not known where they traveled or where they died. It is said some died in
India.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reality of the condition is this: We must be loyal to
the Threshold of the Blessed Beauty and be willing to give our lives for Him.
We must sacrifice our comfort for Him; sacrifice all our conditions in the
pathway of His service. If we do this, our service will be productive of great
results. Otherwise God will raise up souls to do this work in our stead. Our
purpose is that we shall arise in His Cause—not fettered by world conditions,
not burdened by weight of material responsibilities. We must draw our thread
from one direction whether it comes or not. There are many threads; the right
one will come to us. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now therefore I will pray for you and you must pray for me:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"O Baha’u’llah! This is ‘Abdu’l-Baha! Confirm
‘Abdu’l-Baha in Thy Threshold! Strengthen him in loyalty to Thee! Make him
self-sacrificing! Make him homeless, and without rest! Fill his heart with Thy
love, so he will forget all else save Thee, seeking no other comfort, grace,
health or life, and sacrificing all for Thee!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pray in this manner for me and I will pray so for you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Admonish the Friends so they will not backbite and
criticize, voicing the mistakes and sins of others. Have a sin-covering eye. As
soon as you see a trace of the Love of Baha’u’llah in a soul, revere that soul
under all conditions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 2, April 9, 1913)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">[1] Reference to one seeking the right thread to unravel a
skein.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-81083658860360418782020-09-15T22:29:00.001-07:002021-12-01T05:06:15.221-08:00Individuality and Personality<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">February 14, 1913,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">at 30 rue St. Didier, Paris<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today one of those present asked a question on personality.
From what source does it come? What are its attributes? What are its
characteristic features or aspects?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Personality is one of two kinds. One is the natural or
God-given personality which the Western thinkers call individuality.
Individuality is the inner aspect of man which is not subject to change. The
second is personality based on the acquired virtues and perfections, with which man
is adorned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the individuality of man, i.e., his God-given natural
virtues, is adorned with acquired virtues and perfections then we have
character. When the infinite effulgences of God are revealed in the individual,
then divine perfections which are invisible in all creation will become
manifest in him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For instance, one man is the manifestor of knowledge, i.e.,
divine knowledge is revealed to him. Another man is the dawning place of power,
a third is wealthy, another is generous. Again, a person is faithful, and
another with whom you come in touch is merciful. All these attributes are
God-given and natural in man.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are the manifestations of the unchangeable
individuality. All of them are praiseworthy, because they are divine in origin.
All these qualifications are created by God, they are loved by every one, for
they are the significances of His names and attributes. The rays of His names
and attributes have illumined the very essence of these qualifications.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As regards the personality which is the result of acquired
virtues, that is also good. For instance, this mirror had once an individuality
of rock. The rock going through the processes of purification, has reached to
its present status of transparency. Now the rock in its original state was
praiseworthy, but having acquired the second state, which is personality, it
has become a mirror. In the beginning it was a piece of black stone, now it has
become a pure looking-glass. Therefore you can easily see that the personality
or the acquired virtue has become the means of the appearance of greater
perfections, which perfections are clearly visible in the mirror.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rock was endowed by God with a distinct individuality.
It acquired personality through the process of education. The individuality of
all people is laudable, for everything God creates is based upon divine
wisdom. In the creation of God there is no defect. However, personality has no
element of permanence in it, it is a shifting, changeable quality in man which
can be turned either way.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For instance, when man is the manifestor of virtues it
strengthens the individuality, and suffers his hidden forces to come into
active play. But if he acquires defects the beauty and simplicity of the
individuality will be lost, and its God-given qualities will be stifled in the
foul atmosphere of these imperfections.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is self-evidently manifest that every human being created
by God is original; that is, those heavenly attributes which are the
distinguishing features of the individuality are created by God and deposited
in man. But if later on the personality acquires sciences, he will become a
wise man. If he is engaged in praiseworthy deeds he will be appreciated. If he
strives in the study of knowledges he will become perfect. If, on the contrary,
he runs after blameworthy vices he will be adorned with exactly the same
attributes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For instance, God has created man to be just; if he does not
practice justice, he has gone against the attributes of his individuality. God
has created man to be merciful, but he becomes a tyrant. God has created man to
be kind to all the children of men; on the contrary he is inimical and hateful.
God has created man to confer life, but he becomes conducive to the destruction
of life. All of these are the perversions of the characteristics of the
individuality and they are blameworthy, and disliked by all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Personality is obtained through the effort of man, and
through training and education. If a fruitless tree comes under the influence
of a wise gardener, through the process of training it becomes fruitful. If a
piece of rock comes under the hand of a sculptor it will become a beautiful
piece of statuary. The ruined places are built up by captains of industry. The
ignorant children learn the secrets of phenomena under the tutorship of a wise
teacher. The crooked branch becomes straight through the influence of the
gardener.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consequently, it is evident that we have two modes for the
expression of life—Individuality and Personality. The former is the handiwork
of God and the latter that of man. In short, the personality of some people is
illumined, that of others is dark—the personality of some is the manifestation
of divine justice, while that of others is the embodiment of infinite tyranny.
The personality of some is guidance, while that of others is error. That which
was hidden in the capability of these souls has been manifest. For instance,
when you sow a seed, that which is hidden in the reality of that seed will
become revealed and unfolded—the trunk, the branches, the leaves and the
blossoms and the fruits which are in the seed as potentialities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When pupils are being trained under the tutorship of a
teacher, education will bring out what is hidden in their beings. The clouds
pour down, the sun shines, and all that which was hidden in the bosom of the
earth will come forth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore, the personality of man is developed through
education, while the individuality, which is divine and heavenly, is
praiseworthy in origin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">God has created poison and has shown that it is harmful to
man. On the other hand, sweet things are created by Him and are enjoyed by man.
Thus it is in the nature of man to be harmed by poison, and to find enjoyment
in sweets; but he changes his nature to such an extent that he takes poison,
such as opium and arsenic in the form of a drug, and he accustoms himself to it
to such an extent that if he does not receive it he may die.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore man is capable of subjecting his individuality to
such a degree that poison which was the means of death, becomes the means of
life. His nature becomes so degraded and his individuality so distorted that he
will long for the poison if it is not given to him in time. What is the cause
of the change in the individuality? It is the acquirement of evil habits.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">God benignly endows man with an individuality which enjoys
the sweet and shuns the poison, but man through evil habits changes the
creation of God, and transforms the divine illumination into satanic darkness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So long as man is a captive of nature, submerged in the sea
of materialism, pursuing the dictates of self and desire, he is vanquished and
defeated. This passionate ego takes the reins from his hands, and changes him
into an animal. He will fall so low that he will be unable to judge good from
evil. He will not be able to distinguish light from darkness, neither will he
be able to behold the angelic attributes. Therefore this acquired individuality
which is the result of evil customs becomes the dominant note of his life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope that all of you may be freed from these dangers,
delivered from the world of nature, enter into the realm of light, and become
divine, radiant, merciful, God-like and confirmed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Star
of the West, Vol.</span> 4, No. 2, April 9, 1913)<o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-58543800696398430342020-08-09T21:28:00.002-07:002021-08-14T21:30:34.021-07:00Through “the breaths and promptings of the Holy Spirit, which is light and knowledge itself” “the human mind is quickened and fortified into true conclusions and perfect knowledge.”<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">17 April 1912</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">New York<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During my visit to London and Paris last year I had many
talks with the materialistic philosophers of Europe. The basis of all their
conclusions is that the acquisition of knowledge of phenomena is according to a
fixed, invariable law—a law mathematically exact in its operation through the
senses. For instance, the eye sees a chair; therefore, there is no doubt of the
chair’s existence. The eye looks up into the heavens and beholds the sun; I see
flowers upon this table; I smell their fragrance; I hear sounds outside, etc.
This, they say, is a fixed mathematical law of perception and deduction, the
operation of which admits of no doubt whatever; for inasmuch as the universe is
subject to our sensing, the proof is self-evident that our knowledge of it must
be gained through the avenues of the senses. That is to say, the materialists
announce that the criterion and standard of human knowledge is sense
perception. Among the Greeks and Romans the criterion of knowledge was
reason—that whatever is provable and acceptable by reason must necessarily be
admitted as true. A third standard or criterion is the opinion held by
theologians that traditions or prophetic statement and interpretations
constitute the basis of human knowing. There is still another, a fourth
criterion, upheld by religionists and metaphysicians who say that the source
and channel of all human penetration into the unknown is through inspiration.
Briefly then, these four criteria according to the declarations of men are:
first, sense perception; second, reason; third, traditions; fourth,
inspiration.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Europe I told the philosophers and scientists of
materialism that the criterion of the senses is not reliable. For instance,
consider a mirror and the images reflected in it. These images have no actual
corporeal existence. Yet if you had never seen a mirror, you would firmly
insist and believe that they were real. The eye sees a mirage upon the desert
as a lake of water, but there is no reality in it. As we stand upon the deck of
a steamer, the shore appears to be moving, yet we know the land is stationary
and we are moving. The earth was believed to be fixed and the sun revolving
about it, but although this appears to be so, the reverse is now known to be
true. A whirling torch makes a circle of fire appear before the eye, yet we
realize there is but one point of light. We behold a shadow moving upon the
ground, but it has no material existence, no substance. In deserts the
atmospheric effects are particularly productive of illusions which deceive the
eye. Once I saw a mirage in which a whole caravan appeared traveling upward
into the sky. In the far North other deceptive phenomena appear and baffle
human vision. Sometimes three or four suns, called by scientists mock suns,
will be shining at the same time, whereas we know that the great solar orb is
one and that it remains fixed and single. In brief, the senses are continually
deceived, and we are unable to separate that which is reality from that which
is not.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As to the second criterion—reason—this likewise is
unreliable and not to be depended upon. This human world is an ocean of varying
opinions. If reason is the perfect standard and criterion of knowledge, why are
opinions at variance and why do philosophers disagree so completely with each
other? This is a clear proof that human reason is not to be relied upon as an
infallible criterion. For instance, great discoveries and announcements of
former centuries are continually upset and discarded by the wise men of today.
Mathematicians, astronomers, chemical scientists continually disprove and
reject the conclusions of the ancients; nothing is fixed, nothing final;
everything is continually changing because human reason is progressing along new
roads of investigation and arriving at new conclusions every day. In the future
much that is announced and accepted as true now will be rejected and disproved.
And so it will continue ad infinitum. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we consider the third criterion—traditions—upheld by
theologians as the avenue and standard of knowledge, we find this source
equally unreliable and unworthy of dependence. For religious traditions are the
report and record of understanding and interpretation of the Book. By what
means has this understanding, this interpretation been reached? By the analysis
of human reason. When we read the Book of God, the faculty of comprehension by
which we form conclusions is reason. Reason is mind. If we are not endowed with
perfect reason, how can we comprehend the meanings of the Word of God?
Therefore, human reason, as already pointed out, is by its very nature finite
and faulty in conclusions. It cannot surround the Reality Itself, the Infinite
Word. Inasmuch as the source of traditions and interpretations is human reason,
and human reason is faulty, how can we depend upon its findings for real
knowledge? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fourth criterion I have named is inspiration through
which it is claimed the reality of knowledge is attainable. What is
inspiration? It is the influx of the human heart. But what are satanic
promptings which afflict mankind? They are the influx of the heart also. How
shall we differentiate between them? The question arises: How shall we know
whether we are following inspiration from God or satanic promptings of the
human soul? Briefly, the point is that in the human material world of phenomena
these four are the only existing criteria or avenues of knowledge, and all of
them are faulty and unreliable. What then remains? How shall we attain the
reality of knowledge? By the breaths and promptings of the Holy Spirit, which
is light and knowledge itself. Through it the human mind is quickened and
fortified into true conclusions and perfect knowledge. This is conclusive
argument showing that all available human criteria are erroneous and defective,
but the divine standard of knowledge is infallible. Therefore, man is not
justified in saying, “I know because I perceive through my senses,” or “I know
because it is proved through my faculty of reason,” or “I know because it is
according to tradition and interpretation of the Holy Book,” or “I know because
I am inspired.” All human standards of judgment are faulty, finite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks
Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912’) </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-75272771188860611272020-07-25T19:12:00.011-07:002021-04-14T19:14:06.182-07:00Soul, Mind, and Spirit<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">January 30, 1913, at 30 rue St. Didier, Paris</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the ladies present has asked me to speak on the
subject of soul, mind and spirit. She desires an explanation of these terms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The terminology of ancient philosophers differs from that of
our time. In later ages certain terms have developed through which we see these
subjects in a different light. According to some ancient philosophers, the
words soul, mind and spirit imply the underlying principles of life, expressing
the various phases of the one absolute reality. They were different names for
the operations of one essence. For instance, we say a man sees, hears and
speaks - seeing, hearing and speaking are the different performances of the
same power which animates man.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Different schools of thought have given different names to
the various operations of the one essence. For instance, when some speak of the
emotions of consciousness, they call it soul; When they express the discovering
power of man they call it mind, and when they refer to the animating essence of
the world of creation, they call it spirit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The differentiation which we make of these subjects is as
follows: By soul we mean that power which is the mover of this physical body
which is entirely under its control and lives in accordance with its dictates.
The soul that lives in the material world is dark - for in the material world
there is aggression, struggle, greed, vice and transgression. If the soul
remains in this station, and moves along these paths it will receive no uplift,
but if it becomes the recipient of the world of mind, its darkness will be
transformed into light; its tyranny into justice, its ignorance into wisdom and
its aggression into loving kindness. There will be no more struggle for existence
and man will become free from egotism. He will be released from the material
world and become the embodiment of justice, the personification of the virtues.
He will become a sanctified soul and be the means of the illumination of the
world of humanity and an honor to human kind. He will confer life upon the
children of men so that all nations will attain to the station of perfection.
To such a person we may apply the name of "a holy soul."<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The soul in itself cannot unravel the mysteries; but the
mind is superior to the soul. The mind is a power whereby man can investigate
the reality of every object. It unfolds to his vision the secrets of existence
and leads him on and on to the station of divine sublimity. It frees man from
the fetters of self and causes him to ascend to the pure heaven of sanctity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The third power of man is the power of the Spirit. It is an
emanation from the Divine Bestower. It is the effulgence of the Sun of Reality,
the radiation of the celestial world. In short it is the essence of the Spirit
of Faith of which His Holiness Christ speaks when He says, "Those that are
born of the flesh are flesh and those that are born of the spirit are spirit.''
The spirit is the axis around which the eternal life revolves. It is conducive
to everlasting glory; it is the cause of the exultation of the world of
humanity. Again His Holiness Christ says, "Whosoever has not received a
portion of the spirit is as dead. Let the dead bury their dead." In
another place Christ says, "You must be baptized with the spirit"
This Spirit is the life of the world of humanity; the cause of eternal
illumination. It inspires man to attain to the virtues and perfections of the
divine world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">May each one of you become the recipient of the Spirit. This
is my hope.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 2, April 9,
1913)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-82247149373145547042020-07-10T15:37:00.003-07:002021-04-14T19:14:22.383-07:00Condition of those who have passed on<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFN3zQczZJLh49eVVPeQ40sscF9PNojNOIWk4U_dHzTQYJti_cmAUNieQxhrNTIzcC2QhW5QndUz-RMnI-VBI8_f64GdD5XOAx647aL09CTkeh1qheLixMWXp85NuKOLoKvuY_TZQuzf3/s100/2823_Paintings-57-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFN3zQczZJLh49eVVPeQ40sscF9PNojNOIWk4U_dHzTQYJti_cmAUNieQxhrNTIzcC2QhW5QndUz-RMnI-VBI8_f64GdD5XOAx647aL09CTkeh1qheLixMWXp85NuKOLoKvuY_TZQuzf3/s0/2823_Paintings-57-1.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Question: If one refuses the Cause of Baha’u’llah during his
life time, may be hear of it after death?</i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Yes, he will hear of it in his next life, but
through the mercy of God alone, not through his own ability.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Question: Are we not able, through love and faith, to make
those on the other side hear of the Cause who had not heard of it while on
earth?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Abdu’l-Baha: Yes, surely sincere prayer always has its
effect, and it has a great influence in the other world. We are never cut off
from those who are there. The real and genuine influence is not in this world
but in that other. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)</span></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-16817927535328091842020-06-26T10:34:00.003-07:002021-04-14T19:14:34.264-07:00Thoughts & Action<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk05H76k3YcuMMPltrXKJMaaA55ULeI4Da8_4hrchHmBztDKt8PSDCnCFwUIVQW_nMCxomW8qP43d-Vg7cU_JCA8s-5ThTMXDgWR8lMvthdZcnOTjB7k83ndj_9AwDR3JdWNrzkQkQYhK/s100/7536_art-72-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="58" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk05H76k3YcuMMPltrXKJMaaA55ULeI4Da8_4hrchHmBztDKt8PSDCnCFwUIVQW_nMCxomW8qP43d-Vg7cU_JCA8s-5ThTMXDgWR8lMvthdZcnOTjB7k83ndj_9AwDR3JdWNrzkQkQYhK/s0/7536_art-72-1.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You must not only think thoughts, but do actions. The
reality of men is their thoughts and their spirits, not their material bodies.
Man and animal with regard to matter are partners. The difference is that man
has the power of thought.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thoughts may be divided into two classes: 1. The world of
thought alone. 2. The world of thought which expresses itself in action. For
instance, philosophers belong to the first class, for they only think heavenly
thoughts and do not do heavenly deeds. Whereas spiritual teachers belong to the
second class, for they express their high and noble thoughts in actions as soon
as they think them. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-66821234807678133912020-06-15T09:37:00.004-07:002021-04-14T19:14:48.188-07:00Physical sun resembles the spiritual Sun – the Manifestation of God<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZG1rXTFGZGogOQhi1ovqb5zOFCpvO9KHrDDYpaHHt11nbGrlS9HEANrISWQUkvo3-2mKjd4VGO5a7Bbee03ivQciCRX3UbauOIwngfseW_Qv9RG0oAO323kvbbJyKUXhdKggw_RXEz9C/s100/1310_Paintings-93.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZG1rXTFGZGogOQhi1ovqb5zOFCpvO9KHrDDYpaHHt11nbGrlS9HEANrISWQUkvo3-2mKjd4VGO5a7Bbee03ivQciCRX3UbauOIwngfseW_Qv9RG0oAO323kvbbJyKUXhdKggw_RXEz9C/s0/1310_Paintings-93.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sun shines upon the earth, giving light and warmth to
all creatures. The Sun of Truth also shines, giving light and warmth to the
souls of men.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All existing creatures need the sun to shine upon them and
develop them that they may grow. The souls of men also need the Sun of Truth to
shine upon them, to educate and encourage them. Circumstances that benefit the
body do not benefit the soul, and the soul of man is his reality, not his body,
i.e., there are some men who are perfected in material things and very backward
in the spiritual. Likewise many who are at the bottom of the social and
material ladder, are very much advanced spiritually.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Galen, a Greek Philosopher who died at the time when the
Christian religion was in its growth - and was not himself a Christian - wrote
many books about material civilization and development. He states as his belief
that Religion is the basis of all true civilization, that is to say that not
only must the brain and gifts of a nation be educated, but also the moral
character. The Christians, he points out, are an example to show the truth of
this theory, for theirs was the basis upon which the largest and most
prosperous civilization of the world had been founded and their morals were
very high. They were taught not to fear death, and to love their neighbors as
themselves and live only for the good of humanity, and only to think of doing
good to mankind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If these principles had been carefully carried out by the
followers of Jesus Christ, then there would be no need for the world to be
reawakened. But winter fell upon the hearts of men, and God sent His prophets
to shine upon them with the Spring of the Sun of righteousness that they may be
again awakened and blossom forth and bear fruit. Because mankind has shut its
ears to the Voice of God and has neglected His teachings, wars and tumults,
unrest and misery have fallen upon them. Let us make every effort to reopen the
hearts of men to the Will of God. I pray God to give you power to bring
humanity beneath the rays of the Sun of Truth and Peace. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">(Star of the West,
vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122852759764534058.post-27435311960307108552020-05-20T09:13:00.003-07:002021-04-14T19:15:02.793-07:00“Healing comes from God… Medicine is merely an outward form or means by which we obtain heavenly healing”<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LaZJ7qPunJajgE1h91Bx1J8ub6r33uOqDNBfqXbdNDEiHga4zCK5_vNyf_Ki1bs_Ctp23jJh1LsBi0j7IhH4kmI8DqfYiWF5vO4dWKGS3-HsGyk630wS1fxwhI0cIyRWmK618nrebI5j/s100/3072_9_Paintings-68.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="74" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LaZJ7qPunJajgE1h91Bx1J8ub6r33uOqDNBfqXbdNDEiHga4zCK5_vNyf_Ki1bs_Ctp23jJh1LsBi0j7IhH4kmI8DqfYiWF5vO4dWKGS3-HsGyk630wS1fxwhI0cIyRWmK618nrebI5j/s0/3072_9_Paintings-68.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Healing comes from God. If the heavenly benediction be upon
us while we are being healed, then only can we be truly healed. All depends
upon God. Medicine is merely an outward form or means by which we obtain
heavenly healing; without the Heavenly Benediction it is worth nothing.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If man looks at the nature of the world around him he will
see that all created beings are dependent upon something, i.e. man is dependent
for his life upon the air which he breathes, likewise the animals which are
upon the earth, and each created being is dependent for its life upon some
material circumstances. Man, therefore, and all creatures are prisoners of
nature. The sun must follow its law, the earth must follow its law of motion,
the sea also. But, by the spiritual power of God, which, through His Bounty, He
has bestowed upon men alone, man is enabled to defy the laws of nature in many
and wonderful ways, i.e. it is the law of nature that man should walk upon the
earth, but he defies this law, for he sojourns upon the water and also flies,
like the bird, through the air.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Through the wonderful spiritual power which God gives to
man, man is enabled to reach the Kingdom of Heaven; but behold! man is not
grateful and is careless of the great mercy which God has shown him. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- 'Abdu'l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Star of
the West, vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com