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)
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Learning Felicityhttp://learningfelicity.blogspot.ca/
Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings
