stars with sunshines
The Baha’i writings boldly emphasize and state that the ultimate goal of human existence and purpose of life for every human soul is that each one should attain moral and spiritual excellence, which is in the highest sense the alignment of one's inner being and outward behavior with the will of an All-Loving, All-Merciful Creator; a Will that is so vividly and clearly crystallized in the revealed Texts and expounded in the teachings and exhortations of the Faith and Its Founders. Each individual has been bestowed with an innate potential and a unique destiny by God--a destiny which unfolds and shapes in accordance with the free exercise of one’s faculties and will power when faced with diverse choices and challenges, and presented by options and opportunities in one’s life—a freedom and right to practice and develop one’s potential which is not only everyone’s gift and advantage, but is at the same time his and hers responsibility and purpose in life. Through moral exercise of the divinely conferred free will, and vigilantly perceiving the manifold opportunities provided for the development of one’s potential, each could and shall only attain spiritual glory and advancement.
"Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds, and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct." (“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p, 172)
“We aspire to find true human beings in this world. Man becomes human only through spiritual life, and the foundation of such a life is made up of heavenly perfections, divine attributes, service to humanity, eagerness to receive eternal bounties, praiseworthy morals, unity, love of God, wisdom and knowledge of God. If the aim were this physical life only, then this creation would be in vain and men would not have more honor or be nobler than other creatures. The greatest of sensual pleasures, beauty of appearance and freedom are found among the animals. Birds excel all in sensual pleasures, for they build nests on the loftiest branches and breathe the purest air. All seeds and fruit are their property. Limpid streams, charming plains, beautiful fields, verdant hills, green valleys, exquisite gardens and lovely flowers are all for their pleasure and happiness. They have no grief, regrets, aspirations, ambitions, quarrels, contentions, wars or massacres. If the purpose of existence is sensual life and pleasures, then animal and man are equal. Happiness and pleasure are rather the possession of the bird and not those of distressed and sorrowful men." (Words Of `Abdu’l-Baha, 2 October 1912, San Francisco, “Mahmud’s Diary”)
As we each diligently exert ourselves to achieve our high destiny and the purpose of our life—and we should be doing just that with heart and soul and to the best of our abilities and more—aligning both our inner being and our outward behavior with the will of God and the lofty principles and exhortations which the revealed Words in the holy Scriptures introduce, guide and teach us; thus, unfolding and developing our potential through their transforming powers, and endeavoring every day a bit better to translate the truths enshrined in them into actions and our day to day life, however inadequately and in small ways, we positively influence the advancement of society and serve the betterment and happiness of others as a whole. When we through the knowledge and understanding of the Words of God—the divine elixir—exert to improve our character and conduct and likewise centre our thoughts on serving others by helping and reorienting their minds to exercise their own free will in doing the same; when we think of the advancements and needs of others beyond ourselves and our own needs, we find answers to our own prayers too. The power of example thus kindled, generating light and energy, elevates and inspires our own being and we grow spiritually and nobly, becoming ever happier and more blissful.
“Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race. Pay ye no heed to aversion and rejection, to disdain, hostility, injustice: act ye in the opposite way. Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only. Let each one of God’s loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. 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.” (Tablet of Hague”, revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha)
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Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings
