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)

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“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)

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“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)

 

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Learning Felicity

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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/

"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

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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/