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/

"Service is prayer."  

`Should Prayer take the form of an action?'

`Abdu'l-Baha has responded: "`Yes:  In the Baha'i Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship.  The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the best of his ability, conscientiously, concentrating all his forces on perfecting it, is giving praise to God.  Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity.  This is worship:  to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people.  Service is prayer." 

This truth explained by `Abdu'l-Baha directs the seeking minds to a totally different sphere of understanding. It transforms what has frequently been thought perhaps to be only an imaginary, a binding but illusionary submission to an invisible source--out of fear, helplessness, lack of vision and perception, or just a naive notion of going with the flow and what was accepted by the common and popular--to a dynamic real force and energy, and to a new height of freedom and bliss. It uplifts the pondering souls to an understanding and knowledge which recognizes, willingly and progressively, through one's own volition and actual experience, of a magnificent Source of Power and Knowledge.  Service could be said is the economy of appreciating and utilizing the Power of Divine assistance.  Such power, however, will be drawn to anyone who with an independent spirit and vigilant mind, with a sincere heart and free soul converses with the One Beloved--Who is there, always, and is ever-Hearing, ever-Watchful.  Prayer and service go hand in hand--and thus, it could be said that a simple daily act of worship and prayer which you and I may offer could bring down to the earth the heaven!

"If one friend loves another, is it not natural that he should wish to say so?  Though he knows that the friend is aware of his love, does he still not wish to tell him of it?...It is true that God knows the wishes of all hearts; but the impulse to pray is a natural one, springing from man's love to God."  (By Abdu'l-Baha, the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, no. 34, p. 12)

What better way of showing to God, and because of His love and out of His love to His people, that we truly and sincerely love, than directing its powers to guide our actions and by putting all our affection and sentiments for “service”, a service which would benefit everyone, whether young or old, whether poor or wealthy, whether ignorant or knowledgeable?

 

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/

“One of the bounties of religion and faith is the attainment of peace of the heart and soul and the joy of spirit and conscience. This station can only be gained through faith and understanding. Peace of mind is the soul's delight, as it is the means of acquiring that extraordinary state in which man finds happiness in times of affliction and tranquillity in trouble. In spite of poverty he acquires a sense of affluence and in a state of riches and power he offers help and protection to the weak because the well-assured soul is like a tree which has strong roots and is not shaken by any event. This cannot be attained except through complete faith and understanding.”

(Words of `Abdu’l-Baha, 29 November 1912, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

“Suffer me not, O my Lord, to be deprived of the knowledge of Thee in Thy days, and divest me not of the robe of Thy guidance. Give me to drink of the river that is life indeed, whose waters have streamed forth from the Paradise (Ridvan) in which the throne of Thy Name, the All-Merciful, was established, that mine eyes may be opened, and my face be illumined, and my heart be assured, and my soul be enlightened, and my steps be made firm. Thou art He Who from everlasting was, through the potency of His might, supreme over all things, and, through the operation of His will, was able to ordain all things. Nothing whatsoever, whether in Thy heaven or on Thy earth, can frustrate Thy purpose.”  (Prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Prayers and Meditations”, p. 4)

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.co.il/

Shining With Radiance, Goodness and Heavenly Light

in  Mind and Soul, in Heart and Thought, in Character and in Conduct; Like a crystal lamp with finest design and superb quality and polish which animates beauty, generously shining with the light burning within in all, and enlightening all!

“Today all people are immersed in the world of nature. That is why thou dost see jealousy, greed, the struggle for survival, deception, hypocrisy, tyranny, oppression, disputes, strife, bloodshed, looting, and pillaging, which all emanate from the world of nature. Few are those who have been freed from this darkness, who have ascended from the world of nature to the world of man, who have followed the divine Teachings, have served the world of humanity, are resplendent, merciful, illumined and like unto the rose garden. Strive thine utmost to become godlike, characterized with His attributes, illumined and merciful, that thou mayest be freed from every bond and become attached at heart to the Kingdom of the incomparable Lord. This is Baha’i bounty, and this is heavenly light.” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Selections from the Writings of `Abdu’l-Baha”, p. 206)

However we might be occupied and busy at every pace of life, hopefully living each of its days in full and effectively, we may be fortunate enough to notice, if not all the time, but once in a while that how swiftly time passes by. Naturally we cannot stop them of passing, or expand the number of hours, nor have we any power over the forward pace and the limitation of time. What we can do, is to improve our relation, attitude and degree of presence towards every single day and its units—hours, minutes, and seconds—the smaller, the better, keeping vigilant and alive to each breath. Conscious vigilance and presence of mind and senses of both the within and without sharpens our vision and focus, elevates our perceptions and develops our natural potency, however its measure and degree, in receiving and appreciating the gifts of life, enabling every moment to be enjoyed and lived happily and gratefully. Then every hour is counted and treasured and every single day is given the opportunity and potential to bear and offer ample chances, being utilized intelligently, efficiently and effectively. Of course, while such consciousness and presence is a gift and bliss by itself, ascending to a higher point and glancing over, it then is seen as prerequisite and a binding base, but not alone enough to sustain our feelings of fulfillment—and it cannot always indicate progress and ensure a true advancement forward and up. Knowledge and awareness of the value of time and being present in time ought to be supported and lead by high and consciously accepted ideals, disciplined by meaningful and intelligent sense of purpose, willfully nourished by and guided on equally noble and sensible directions. Within such apex of reflection and understanding the passage below inspires wonderful thoughts. If one may seek its light and supreme wisdom, at the rise of each morning waking up to a new day, one welcomes its start at sunrise as an opportunity desired for, having a clear, fresh and reachable goal in mind. One tries to set that morning at a higher point, better than the night preceding it—however that its height might have been and whatever sever its plight. Such a greeting and wake-up call from the within, on our own volition and delight, creates and aligns our mind and spirit with a wonderful upbeat sense which is positively real, efficiently active, and very kind. With such a perception and spirit the mind is developing in power and might, aware and humbled, knowing and appreciating the truth of perfection, that it is relative, on-going, calling for effort and unflinching will. That realization in turn inspires the heart and soul to ever grow bigger and generous, patient and understanding and ever a bit more accepting and encouraging, of others and ourselves too, knowing that each one is trying and doing the best that can then and knows best how at that time , as the days advance at that pace, and the clock keeps on counting and marches on…

“Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday.  Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches.  Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion.  Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavours be spent in promoting your personal interest.  Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour of loss… Set your reliance on the army of justice, put on the armour of wisdom, let your adorning be forgiveness and mercy and that which cheereth the hearts of the well-favoured of God.”  ("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", p.138)

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

Our Precious Time..... “..”
  Each moment counts!

“Guard against idleness and sloth, and cling unto that which profiteth mankind, whether young or old, whether high or low.” (“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 138)

Time is a precious commodity—indeed it is the most precious wealth that one posses. It lives through every breath and breaths one moment at a time.  Time is life.  To spend it well and efficiently, it does not mean that we should live it with rigidity and dry seriousness; but one meaning is to be selective on what every precious hour, nay each minute and moment is invested upon and for what it is being used.  We ought to learn how to differentiate and set priorities, being able to distinguish between the frivolous engagements and passing thoughts, and tendencies and practices of the kind, than those which are worthwhile, indispensable and meaningful.  Naturally our priorities and what we may each call as frivolous or indispensable, not worthy enough or noble and meaningful, could very well be not the same—because of varying interests, objectives and expectations that we may have in life and of ourselves; again, depending on each of our potential and characteristics, upbringing and experiences, overall mental, emotional and spiritual developments, and the dreams and ideals which thus we may have drawn and noted to write and engrave on the tablet of our lives and destinies.  However colorfully diverse and interestingly varying in measures and intensity, it is our responsibility and our right to treasure time and give each day and every breath a chance of being used for the best that we can each know and accept.

“Abandonment of ‘frivolous conduct’ dose not imply that a Baha’i must be sour-faced or perpetually solemn. Humour, happiness, joy are characteristics of a true Baha’i life. Frivolity palls and eventually leads to boredom and emptiness, but true happiness and joy and humour that are parts of a balanced life that includes serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God, are characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance.”, “He dose not forbid ‘trivial’ pleasures, but he dose warn against ‘excessive attachments’ to them and indicates that they can often be ‘misdirected’. One is reminded of `Abdu’l-Baha’s caution that we should not let a pastime become a waste of time.” (Letter dated 1979 written on behalf of The Universal House of Justice to an individual believer – elucidating Shoghi Effendi’s description of ‘chaste and holy life’ and his reference to ‘frivilous conduct’.)

“That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race.  The Great Being saith:  Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.” (“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 167)

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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/

 

Radiant acquiescence, happiness and true joy, conscious existence and understanding, confidence and trust, positive fairness and willing respect, optimism however stilled in dark and cheerfulness though crushing be everything that surrounds, signify power and unflinching will, the inner purity and spiritual radiance.  All are signs of a resplendent character and each a shining reflection of an understanding brilliant mind.  To develop these sterling traits and possess such growing spiritual capacity and wealth in one’s being is the highest perfection and ultimate fruit and meaning of the human existence.  As the truth is that, “The troubles of this world pass, and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.”

“God loveth those who are pure... God desireth not to see any soul deprived of joy and radiance. He indeed desireth that under all conditions, all may be adorned with such purity, both inwardly and outwardly, that no repugnance may be caused even to themselves, how much less unto others.” (Revealed by The Bab, “Selections From The Writings Of The Bab”, p. 80)

“The whole earth is one globe. All nations are one family. All are the servants of one God. Therefore he who causes grief to another's heart has sinned against the Lord. God desired the joy of all hearts. He wishes that every individual may pass his life in utmost happiness and felicity and should abandon religious, racial, patriotic and political prejudices… We must be grateful to God and the way to express gratitude for His bounty is to love each other, show amity and affection and evince friendship and kindness toward all.” (Words of `Abdu’l-Baha, 5 December 1912, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

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/