Perfection & Paradise

“The fruit, ere it is formed, lieth potentially within the tree.  Were the tree to be cut into pieces, no sign nor any part of the fruit, however small, could be detected. When it appeareth, however, it manifesteth itself, as thou hast observed, in its wondrous beauty and glorious perfection.”  (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p. 155)

As humanly it is, we often may say or hear different words and opinions, not all always and fully being in one supportive direction and harmony—because we change, and so our opinions change; at times independently, at times influenced by results and experiences, or by others, rightfully or unfairly—some of us change in positive ways, a few always positively, but many of us also in other diverse directions.  And the fear is that when the clock of life stops, where does one stand at that very moment? 

It is overwhelming actually, when we think about it, perhaps even scary; not just the thought of being extinguished and being no more, but for those who believe that this contingent world—that is the world of matter, the physical one alive to the five bodily senses—is just a stage in the unfolding and developing process of a human being’s reality and existence, the true and responsibly positive concern is that how and at what level of progress and advancement the clock in this mortal world will stop for them.  Will it end at a high note with flying colors, at a state where one will be in a tranquil peace of having at least tried his and her best with whatever circumstances and conditions which one had been gifted with and endowed? Or, would it be a case in which one sees and realizes the lost opportunities, negligent denials, missing the points and a withered life-time? While these conditions and circumstances shall of course remain mysteriously unknown until the unheralded destined time in each of our cases, there are two facts and real points in relation which to minds that ponder fairly and perceive could not seem otherwise—one, is that regardless of anyone’s endeavors and highest possible exertions and trying, no human being is or can ever be perfect, as it is not possible to be a perfect human being as mortal and finite, dependant and limited that we all are in relation to the Creator of the universe and its dominating powers beyond the human realm’s control; other one, is that no matter at which point the clock in this world may stop for us and in whatever degree of progress and development our beings and souls might be at that time, we can always and shall ever continue to advance and keep on our journey in the limitless realms beyond by the mercy and favors of the Fashioner of all.  It is just that the more we advance here during our life-time on this earthly planet, the continuing point from this world onwards shall be higher up and forward.  To advance and upgrade, to reach to its best degree and obtain relevant perfection, is in fact the purpose of each and every existent being below the human realm too—whether from the mineral and vegetable world, or the animal kingdom alike.  It is the truth and philosophy, the innate nature and the law of the creation, and there is an objective and purpose for each and every creature which constitute the whole.  The objective is to yield the desired outcome and ultimate possible perfection.  Of these processes in existent world, there are those which have a definite start and a defined end.  As for the ones which relate to human beings’ development and the progress of our realities, however, each process has a definite beginning, blessed with a noble purpose and a potentially unique position in the case of each one, supported and guided by defining principles, values and means, of both the earth and the heaven; but, its end is infinite and eternal.  Therefore, the unfolding growth and advancement of the reality of each human being, and the humanity as a whole, constitute perfection in its every level and aspect, as is itself a process which is progressive and ever-advancing forward and towards the ultimate Perfection.

Human perfection is relative, not absolute. The absolute perfection belongs to the Creator. That relative perfection is the “paradise” of man—the embodiment and abode, the token and reflection of the merging of our free wills with the Will of the All-Mighty—His is the invitation and unerring command, the favoring mercy and limitless bounty, the admittance, the justice and the loving acceptance; and ours, is the yearning welcome and joyous thanksgiving in words and actions, is in attitudes and choices, intelligent discoveries and vigilant submissions, nay is in radiant acquiescence, with "Combination of courage and restraint, magnanimity and power, broad-mindedness and loyalty", and “with a heart even as the day-star, a shining brow, a musk-scented breath, an exposition crystal-clear, a high resolve, a spiritual character”, to the Will from which all were born and the One that empowered all of ours.  As humans’ perfection is relative—so is their abiding place in “paradise”.  We can have a say—we do, and we should—trying more and exerting better and higher in all that fall on our parts, for our own good and the good of the whole, lovingly, knowingly, freely!

"No created thing shall ever attain its paradise unless it appeareth in its highest prescribed degree of perfection. For instance, this crystal representeth the paradise of the stone whereof its substance is composed.  Likewise there are various stages in the paradise for the crystal itself... So long as it was stone it was worthless, but if it attaineth the excellence of ruby—a potentiality which is latent in it—how much a carat will it be worth?  Consider likewise every created thing."   

("Selections from the Writings of the Bab", p.p. 88-89)

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

Learning Felicityhttp://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings

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Bringers of Joy!

“Never is it the wish of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to see any being hurt, nor will He make anyone to grieve; for man can receive no greater gift than this, that he rejoice another's heart. I beg of God that ye will be bringers of joy, even as are the angels in Heaven.”  (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp.203-204)

The image of God, the essence of His light, placed in the inner reality of each of our beings and gifted by the hands of  His power, mercifully, bountifully, is a Truth which while emphatically testifies to the nobility of the human beings and its preciousness and distinction—so highly and uniquely standing and dazzling in reality above all the other existent beings in the universe by God Himself—it in no ways implies or should ever be misunderstood as such that the Creator’s peerless Essence and absolutely exalted station beyond the understanding and knowledge of every human being, however keen and brilliant in mind and abilities, could even remotely be co-possessed and shared by mortally finite and feebly imperfect humans.  God’s could be likened to the existence and station of the shining sun in the firmament of the physical world, gracefully rising from the horizon and enlightening this world of dust, the planet earth, and sustaining with its life-giving and generous light and warmth every existent.  Ours, the humans’, could in its best possibility be as the rays of that sun—which while emanated only from the sun, each potentially bearing a relative capacity to carry and transfer its light and its empowering heat and glowing brightness.  The existence and power of the ray depends upon the sun and however bright the sparking light emanated from the sun, its status in comparison is like that of a drifting shadow.  And to the extent the ray is faithfully conscious of its inner potential gifts and its relation to the source of its light, free from the veils and clouds, and above blinding arrogance and pride, it not only shines radiantly and high, its light brightens many lives and fills their days with happiness and delight, with goodness flowing freely and natural, transforming lightly and wafting like a breeze, it gives and only gives—and flying in haste without any expectations and waiting, waves of joy and smiles is all that it aspires for and reaps. 

“My fatigue does not matter –as long as I find loving souls like yourselves, my heart is happy… The sea of materialism is at flood tide and all the nations of the world are immersed in it.  It is my hope that the fish will rise to the surface, so that they may behold other wondrous aspects of creation; for the people are like unto the fish swimming in the deep – ignorant of the rest of the universe. May they be transformed into birds of the air and soar in the nether atmosphere! May they break all bonds of limitation, so that they can observe from the height the lordly processions of infinite creatures; they will see the blue heavens studded with luminous stars, rivers flowing with salubrious water, gardens bedecked with fragrant flowers, trees adorned with blossoms and fruits, birds singing songs of light, humanity ever striving forward, every atom of existence breathing life and force—the universe of God a wonderful theatre upon the stage of which every created thing plays its part.”  (By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Divine Philosophy”, p.138)

“O Thou Whose face is the object of my adoration, Whose beauty is my sanctuary, Whose habitation is my goal, Whose praise is my hope, Whose providence is my companion, Whose love is the cause of my being, Whose mention is my solace, Whose nearness is my desire, Whose presence is my dearest wish and highest aspiration, I entreat Thee not to withhold from me the things Thou didst ordain for the chosen ones among Thy servants.  Supply me, then, with the good of this world and of the next.   Thou, truly, art the King of all men.  There is no God but Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.”  (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Prayers And Meditations”, p. 259)

I just wrote another post on the related theme in my other blog below.  You are welcome to visit at:

Learning Felicity

http://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

 

Faithfulness

“In the world of existence nothing is greater than faithfulness, for it allows love to remain unimpaired in spite of the length of time.”

(Words by `Abdu’l-Baha, 26 August 1912, Boston, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

A common saying depicts that, ‘so will go from the heart and be forgotten, whoever that goes away from the eyes and be seen no more’.  Alas! This seems to be how the most of the world and its relationships, friendships and love have become—love and fellowships, affectionate bonds and friendships of the kind which all, sadly, and only depend on physical presence and revolve around the material relations and worldly visions.  Whereas, the real love and friendship that has made its abode in the chambers of inner soul and heart, present in mind and vision all, is deep and lasting, is alive, vigilant and growing, is tender yet strong, starts tiny like a seed, but genuine, healthy and authentic, it develops and becomes a blooming, a fruitful tree; a kind of love and friendship which regardless of extended durations and long passages of time, when present and near do not lose their spirits and thrilling color and are not taken for granted and devalued; and when absent, often indeed a temporal distance, or  physical separation and far advance only consolidates and intensifies its power and energies, unfolds its potent mysteries and gems, brightening its prospects and meaning; a separation of a kind which becomes nearer than oneness, elevates love’s true value and its rank, and reveals its radiance and beauty at every twist of the loving path.  “Faithfulness is a matchless quality and virtue”, free and above the conditions of time and the place; it is a spiritual and peerless trait encompassing all on its own of the earth and heaven, and an indispensable accompaniment too as the Leaves of Utterances below gently unveil, intertwined closely with sterling attributes and individual perfections, brilliant heritage and the wholeness and oneness of humanity, and the conquerors and champions of the castles and cities of love and honor. It is the supreme essence of one’s character; it indicates nobility and magnanimity, holds on to peerless treasures and upholds excellence, and treading lofty heights it develops a soul, and a heart and mind into “the first, the pure and the wise”, “shining examples unto all mankind”, “stars in the sky of humanity”.

“Have they not told thee that faithfulness is a duty on those who follow the mystic way, that it is the true guide to His Holy Presence?” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys”, p. 48)

“The first call of the Beloved is this:  O mystic nightingale! Abide not but in the rose-garden of the spirit.  O messenger of the Solomon of love!  Seek thou no shelter except in the Sheba of the well-beloved, and O immortal phoenix! dwell not save on the mount of faithfulness.  Therein is thy habitation, if on the wings of thy soul thou soarest to the realm of the infinite and seekest to attain thy goal.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “The Persian  Hidden Words”, p. 1)

“He shone forth from the Sinai of light upon the world.  He summoned all the peoples and kindreds of the earth to the kingdom of eternity, and invited them to partake of the fruit of the tree of faithfulness.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Kitab-i-Iqan”, p. 11)

“Whereupon there was asked, Why the wailing and weeping?  He made reply: As bidden I waited expectant upon the hill of

faithfulness, yet inhaled not from them that dwell on earth the fragrance of fidelity.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p. 91)

“Worldly friends, seeking their own good, appear to love one the other, whereas the true Friend hath loved and doth love you for your own sakes; indeed He hath suffered for your guidance countless afflictions. Be not disloyal to such a Friend, nay rather hasten unto Him.  Such is the daystar of the word of truth and faithfulness, that hath dawned above the horizon of the pen of the Lord of all names.  Open your ears that ye may hearken unto the word of God, the Help in peril, the Self-existent.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “The Persian  Hidden Words”, p. 52)

*

“We exhort mankind in these days when the countenance of Justice is soiled with dust, when the flames of unbelief are burning high and the robe of wisdom rent asunder, when tranquillity and faithfulness have ebbed away and trials and tribulations have waxed severe, when covenants are broken and ties are severed, when no man knoweth how to discern light and darkness or to distinguish guidance from error.   O peoples of the world!  Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good.  Strive to be shining examples unto all mankind.”  (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah ”, p. 138)

*

“Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a center of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world.” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “The Advent of Divine Justice”, p. 26)

“Verily, I have heard Thy call, O All-Glorious Beloved; and now is the face of Baha flaming with the heat of tribulation and with the fire of Thy shining word, and He hath risen up in faithfulness at the place of sacrifice, looking toward Thy pleasure, O Ordainer of the worlds.” (Prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Baha’i Prayers”, p. 219)

“O friends of God, verily the Pen of Sincerity enjoineth on you the greatest faithfulness.  By the Life of God, its light is more evident than the light of the sun!  In its light and its brightness and its radiance every light is eclipsed.  We desire of God that He will not withhold from His cities and lands the radiant effulgence of the Sun of Faithfulness.”  (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “The Traveler’s Narrative”, p. 46)

“God has not created men that they should destroy one another.  All races, tribes, sects and classes share equally in the Bounty of their Heavenly Father.  The only difference lies in the degree of faithfulness, of obedience to the laws of God.  There are some who are as lighted torches, there are others who shine as stars in the sky of humanity.”  (`Abdu’l-Baha, “Paris Talks”, p. 148)

“One of the requirements of faithfulness is that thou mayest sacrifice thyself and, in the divine path, close thine eye to every pleasure and strive with all thy soul that thou mayest disappear and be lost, like unto a drop, in the ocean of the love of God.”  (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Tablets of `Abdu’l-Baha”, p. 552)

 

Just wrote new post on the other blog below.  You are welcome to visit at:

Learning Felicity

http://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

To learn more about the Baha'i Thoughts and Principles visit: http://www.Bahai.org/

The light and the language of love

“The first sign of faith is love. The message of the holy, divine Manifestations is love; the phenomena of creation are based upon love; the radiance of the world is due to love; the well-being and happiness of the world depend upon it. Therefore, I admonish you that you must strive throughout the human world to diffuse the light of love.” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 337)

 

War is darkness.  It is immensely destructive, terribly inhuman, unimaginably negative and unfortunate.  In whatever measure the darkness may vanish and disappear, to that extent the light and felicity would take its place.  Of course, there is another way of looking at it as well:  once a light is kindled, however dimly, perhaps just a little flame dancing for its life over a wick, the darkness fearing away instantly, diminishes in no time.  Bigger and stronger the flame and brighter the light, frail and weaker shall become the darkness.  Because, "darkness has no existence; it is only the absence of light".  Soon as the light appears, the shadow withers away.  On this evident logic and lucid thought, however we may have grown with wearying doubts, having been ever-disappointed and long on disbelief that the "peace"—that is, the real one and not just a recurring ceasefire, a suspicious agreement to a break in conflicts, or a quiet submission to a suspending silence in severe dissensions—could and shall indeed one day be materialized.  Pondering, intelligently and through the potent powers of our faculties and vision, on the true logic and reality of the light and its dominating and unfailing forces upon darkness, we ought to be able and shall acquire a fair and firm conviction that our conscious efforts and universal focus on the theme, if done genuinely, resolutely, and with good-will, could indeed contribute greatly to the forces of light, dissipating the darkness, pushing the humanity up closer and nearer to the solid peaks of the state of "no war".   Once there, standing unburdened and free in celebration and glory, as we turn our visions to the refreshing magnificent sights all around, overwhelmed by awe and enraptured in thrill, we shall witness the loftier heights appearing and rising majestically in front of our eyes, chained one after and higher than the other, heralding and leading to the apex of the splendid glory, the culmination of long-awaited promise made by all the Religions of God, having invited and moving the humanity in progressive stages towards its worthy destination and perfection—the realization of the Most Great Peace.

“Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him.  Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind:  for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest.  O friends of God!  That the hidden Mystery may stand revealed, and the secret essence of all things may be disclosed, strive ye to banish that darkness for ever and ever.” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Selections From the Writings of `Abdu’l-Baha”, p. 3)

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

Learning Felicityhttp://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings

http://timelesstreasureswordswithmeanings.blogspot.ca/

Pondering simple and beautiful truths:  a journey in mind and heart — the abodes of intelligence, power of imagination and comprehending sights

“Some men and women glory in their exalted thoughts, but if these thoughts never reach the plane of action they remain useless:  the power of thought is dependent on its manifestation in deeds.” (`Abdu’l-Baha, “Paris Talks”, p.18)

There would be no action, no advancement if there was no thought and imagination. The powers of imagination and vision and the faculties of thinking and comprehension—which are themselves the forces and off-shoots of the human spirit—distinguish the humanity from all the other existents and their realms which stand below its kingdom. These faculties and energies, once utilized, imbued and absorbed in actions, however, would yield the desired benefit and fruit, and by meeting the purpose for which have been created merit the actual distinction and superiority.  A good thought, a fresh vision and a thrilling fine imagination, is like a potent seed—sown, intelligently and purposefully, cared for by prudent knowledge, wisdom and perseverance—it will grow wonders. 

The materialists “believe that whatever is perceptible to the senses is a verity, a certainty and without a doubt an existent.  For example, they say, ‘Here is a lamp which you see, and because it is perceptible to the sense of sight, you cannot doubt its existence.  There is a tree; your sense of vision assures you of its reality, which is beyond question.  This is a man; you see that he is a man; therefore, he exists.’  In a word, everything confirmed by the senses is assumed to be as undoubted and unquestioned as the product of five multiplied by five; it cannot be twenty-six, nor to be less than twenty-five. Consequently, the materialistic philosophers consider the criterion of the senses to be first and foremost.” (By `Abdu'l-Baha,"The Promulgation of Universal Peace", p. 253)

If what the materialists believe; that is, the validity of physical senses as criterion to perceive mysteries and discover the unknown, how can then almost anything that we  know and accept as facts could actually be true?!  The faculties and processes of understanding and thinking to arrive at such conclusion, and the powers and means by which it would need to be communicated and expressed ought to itself be annulled and assumed non-existent; or highly doubtful to say the least! Assuming the impossible logic, how and why then the humans have been different than the animals and vegetables? Humans have formed civilizations with sophisticated complexities, made advancements and created wonders through ages and centuries—what the cows and eagles and wales with all their nurturing charm and fascinating glories have not been able to accomplish? It cannot be just in looks and charm always! Merit is in the innate nobility and lofty station of humankind, being potentially singled out.  Said potentially, as however learned and possessed of means for thinking and seeing, if not reached high enough or turned upside down direction instead, not yet there always to perceive simple realities and obvious truths.  As a limitless reservoir of crystal water could be blocked only by a tiny hitch on a tab, a far-reaching vision covered gently by a delicate layer of eyelid, and dazzling daystar, the sun, being veiled by a puffy and pompous piece of a cloud—the human mind and vision could likewise be blocked and veiled at times by innocent weaknesses, or serious bias, misconceptions and ignorance, by self and passion, glory of learning and pride, or by giving in its lazy and comfortable and pity and shallow side. Perhaps a varying combination of all?

“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 criterions according to the declarations of men are:  First, Sense Perception; Second, Reason; Third, Traditions; Fourth, Inspiration.” (By `Abdu'l-Baha,"Foundation of World Unity", p. 45)

While these four criteria each in itself has a commendable place and of course constitute a necessary and appreciated trait of every human being, however varying in contributing factor and the intensity and degree as possessed by each according to one’s potential and unique nature, none is free of imperfection and error.  Because humans’ perfection and powers are relative and not absolute, thus the applied criteria are relative and conditioned, not unlimited and infinite.  Evidently then, however qualified and unique and regardless of varying degrees and abilities, we all are equal in essence, in our rights and the innate nobility and authenticity of our singular beings as the humankind.

“In the human material world of phenomena these four are the only existing criterions 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 criterions 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 standard of judgment is faulty.” (By `Abdu'l-Baha,"Foundation of World Unity", p. 47)

Pondering on these and realizing in practice that how true, simple and beautiful the truth is, when one’s intelligence and faculty of comprehension operates freely and fairly, shining as dazzling sun and piercing through veiling clouds, one cannot but marvel and cherish it and its abode, the mind, and the heart which supports its visions and wisdom with gentle sentiments and radiance.

“The intellectual faculty of man is unlimited in its sphere of action. The eye views details perhaps a mile, but the intellect can perceive the far East and West.”  (`Abdu'l-Baha, "Foundation of the World Unity", p. 63)

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

Learning Felicityhttp://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/

Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings

http://timelesstreasureswordswithmeanings.blogspot.ca/