“Happiness has a direct influence in preserving our health while being upset causes illness. The basis of eternal happiness is spirituality and divine virtue, which is not followed by sorrow. But physical happiness is subject to a thousand changes and vicissitudes.”  (Words of `Abdu’l-Baha, 19 June 1912, in New York, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

The human body like that of the animals’ is subject to nature's laws. But man is endowed with another nature, the rational and intellectual reality; and the intellectual reality of man predominates over the nature.  All these sciences and advancements which we enjoy and benefit from once been hidden and the recondite secrets of nature, all were unknowable to it itself, and the nature has been and is captive by the rules of the hidden mysteries that is concealed in it. Man, however, was enabled to discover these mysteries, progressed in unraveling the secrets of the existence; he brought the hidden realities out of the plane of the unseen into the plane of the visible and seen.  This proves that human being's existence endows powers and capacities which the nature does not possess. The intellectual faculties and potential capacities of the man are themselves the powers of his superior nature and spiritual reality; that is, his spirit—'the human spirit'.

"This material world has an outward appearance, as it has also an inner reality. All created things are interlinked in a chain leading to spirituality and ultimately ending in abstract realities. I hope that these spiritual links will become stronger day by day and that this communication of hearts, which is termed inspiration, will continue. When this connection exists, bodily separation is not important; this condition is beyond the world of words and above all description." (Words of `Abdu'l-Baha, on 28 April 1912, "Mahmud's Diary")

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You are welcome to visit the recent posts on my two bilingual and English blogs below:

Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings

http://timelesstreasureswordswithmeanings.blogspot.ca/

Learning Felicityhttp://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

 

“Universality is of God, while every limitation is human.”

What would be the profit to agree in global union, consent to the goodness of universal friendship and talk of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? , “Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action...”

While no act of sincere service and assistance, no genuine thought and intention, not even a gesture of kindness and good-will should be taken for granted, but ought to only fairly and wholeheartedly be appreciated and treasured by the receivers of such favors and gifts, the “noble people” are those who “love you with heart and soul” and offer goodness and service “without any fear, hope or expectation of reward”.  Their sole motive and sincere desire is merely to be of some benefit, positive energy and joyous good to people.  True happiness of a person who owns and enjoys integrity and trust, who endeavors to live a noble life—one which increasingly translates into action and aspires to reflect matching attributes and qualities—greatly lies in his and her sincerity and loving kindness to all the kindreds of the earth. A kind which is unconditional and generous, flowing like a pure stream that knows no limitation, no exhaustion and no calculating inhibitions—a loving kindness that could best be described and understood by the example of loving, compassionately caring and magnanimously generous parents, whose sole motive is the well-being, advancement and worthy happiness of the children.  Souls with such love, such compassionate wisdom and generosity—selfless and polished in character, brilliantly refined in mind and spirit, and intelligently pure and vigilant in heart—are not on marginal and passing mission for individual recognitions and distinctions, having ulterior intensions and desires, coveting to receive personal benefits through the display of good deeds and putting on the show their charitable acts and devotions.   Theirs is, rather, a pure service, a sincere effort, wanting only to be the cause of goodness and high spirit, aiming to be effective, informed and humble contributors to progress and happiness in the world of humanity. 

“For universality is of God and all limitations earthly. Thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections, the light whereof may shine upon everyone. The light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful showers of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. The vivifying breeze reviveth every living creature and all beings endued with life obtain their share and portion at His heavenly board.  In like manner, the affections and loving-kindness of the servants of the One True God must be bountifully and universally extended to all mankind. Regarding this, restrictions and limitations are in no wise permitted.  Wherefore, O my loving friends!  Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, good-will and friendliness.”  (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Baha’i World Faith”, p. 445)