“Lift the hem of your garment to receive” God’s abounding gifts and favors

To count our blessings is to understand the true meaning of infinity and life!

Gratitude and appreciation begins when we empower our attitudes and visions with positive energies and optimism, pausing with eager and active vigilance, natural humility and fair recognition to count our blessings, not taking for granted anyone, and anything, not a bit, not a moment of our lives. Such a spirit and celebration of life is the secret of true longevity and real youth.  After all what relates to the time and the place, is only relative, very passing and so mortal a condition, and the age units and counts of birth years and the adding months and days are merely physical contracts—which are there for certain purposes and needed order in life of course, but really are not more, are less.  Stepping up a bit or two above the worldly grounds and its bumps and pompous rocks, we change how they operate and influence us and our moods. We sit then in command and take charge in altering their rules by rising in thoughts and spirits, widening visions and spreading wings to consort with stars, and living in the joy of becoming a one we follow the Moon!

“The earth is in the motion and growth; the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant; the bounty is overflowing; the mercy universal; the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy; the brilliant Sun is shining; the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether; the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream; the gifts are successive; the favors consecutive; and the refreshing breeze is blowing, wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms. Boundless treasure is in the hand of the King of Kings! Lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it.” (`Abdu’l-Baha; “Baha’i World Faith”, p. 351)

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While over-attachment to material possessions and excessive focus on physical living could and is indeed detrimental to one’s spiritual growth and highest advancement, these two, that is material and spiritual aspects of human life, are in no ways contradictory, but only complementary. In fact the more both advance in parallel and in harmoniously balanced measure—guided by lofty and time-relevant principles and values, and governed with progressive laws and ordinances—the human life, individually, and consequently with each one’s relevant influence and share, collectively as a whole, shall attain perfection.  Spiritual development and material growth are like indispensable and inseparable wings of the bird of life—the stronger the two wings and the more well-balanced, well coordinated their growth and movements, the higher and splendidly more fulfilling the flight of life shall be.  Just as it truly deserves!

"Provided they behave moderately, the more people advance in the material realm, the more their capacity for attaining spirituality is augmented. The sounder the body, the greater is the resplendency and manifestation of the spirit. Truly, what impedes spirituality are the dogmas and imitations that are contrary to true science and a sound mind."

(Words of `Abdu'l-Baha, 4 June 1912, in New York, "Mahmud's Diary")

                                                

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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)

            

                                  
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rare as demon as phoenix

a True Friend

“The poet spoke truly when he said that three things are scarce, namely, the demon, the phoenix and the faithful friend. Yes, like the demon and the phoenix, the true friend is rare.”  (Words by `Abdu'l-Bahá, August 9, 1912, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

                                  

`Abdu'l-Bahá, the Appointed Successor of Bahá’u’lláh—the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith—and the Authorized Interpreter of His Writings, was the Perfect Exemplar and the embodiment of every Bahá'í ideal. Every word that He uttered and every act manifested by Him, taught and inspired spirituality, unity, and love.  He spoke of love, promoted love and exemplified love and fellowship at every moment of His life, in His conduct and His dealings with every person, gracefully and with utmost dignity, magnificently generous and utterly magnanimous. His was the love which was abundant, universal and divine, transcending every limit and going beyond every color and race, country and religion, status and ranks, relations and ties; in brief, His love and friendship, His compassion and fellowship was not mixed and influenced by ‘self’, was not tarnished by any traces of selfishness; it soared high above any conditions and expectations, winged far up and beyond any recognitions and distinctions.  His love originated from the love of the One Beloved, the Creator; hence, He saw God’s image in every human being, and loved every soul for His sake, ‘God said, “Let us make a man with our image and resemblance.” (Genesis, 1:26)’—a love thus reaching from Him to everyone was naturally and abundantly sincere, spotless and infinitely generous.  His acts translated His own Words, “When you love a member of your family, a friend, or a compatriot, let it be with a ray of the Infinite Love! Let it be in God, and for God.”

“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.” 

(Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, "Hidden Words", Persian #52)

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 Perfection   and   Paradise

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 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, finite and weak that we all are in relation to the Creator of the universe and its Fashioner; other one, is that no matter at what point the clock in this world may stop for us and in which degree of progress and development our being and soul might be at that time, we can ever and shall always 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 the earth, 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 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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"Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only..."

Almost everyone can perceive sincerity in a behavior and action, inhale it from said and written words, sense it through a swiftly passing movement, a silent glance, a quiet smile, and from the loud or the silence itself.  Somehow, our hearts recognize and know, our minds detect and register—that genuine substance which flows gently like a sweet stream or as a fragrant breeze does, wafting over our soul and delightfully refreshing its being.  Such a gift then will naturally, and ought to certainly, be welcomed with genuinely spotless and matching appreciation, embraced and taken to a heart sincerely grateful. 

Granted that we may have been gifted by a bright perception and vision, and that our judgments are not clouded and impaired by unfortunate bias, failures of the kind, and complexities of pre-meditated and pre-deducted conclusions at every given time—conditions which are evidently impossible to be possessed all and perfectly too by anyone and all the time—we daily meet actions and reactions, observing and interacting mutually with people in countless ways, placed willingly or otherwise to receive the spoken and written, that we may believe some are partially or all together not sincere and genuine.  What do we do?  What should we do?  If it be clear to the best of our faculties and senses that someone is selling us, so to speak, something that is not genuine, is not real, has mixed ingredients than those which are presented and proclaimed, claiming a partial end and an ulterior objective—do we buy it? Do we accept and take it to heart?  If we do, what kind of statement we would be revealing about our own state, our moral taste and its quality?  Of course, these questions are not aimed to create, and should not encourage, doubtfulness, scrutiny and suspicion in our thoughts and behaviors towards others, nor to draw our attention and focus off the positive and upbeat path; on the contrary, it is hoped to inspire a meaningful pause to ponder by example on our own motives and attitudes, our own givings and dealings with others. When we take time and pause to contemplate and establish a fair conversation in the silence of our own conscience, our powers and capacities with which we are all invested so bountifully will join hands in keeping us vigilantly sensitive and interested in correcting our own, setting by turn an unassuming and silent example—without a least thought of self-praise or a subtlest sense of superiority. 

When we adapt such disciplined style and tread such a path of conduct ourselves, we then, as exhorted by noble principles and high moral standards, acquire the strength to overlook others’ unfamiliar tastes and habits, and instead endeavor to find only positive traits of their characters and doings to focus upon and appreciate.  A life pattern like this, in our individual and collective times alike, shall keep us learning ever-better, reminding ourselves to cultivate sincerity and purity of motive in our own dealings with others, whatever the relationship and however close or distant, in every way which we act and interact with them.   Sincerity is a matchless virtue—indeed, it is that very essence, that “key to the doors of the Lord’s bounty and loving-kindness”, that divine brilliance, true intelligence, and matchless jewel in one’s character; that magical moral power which draws God’s choicest blessings and attracts His bestowals and favors.    

"... 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..."

("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha", p. 3)

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

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In Washington D.C., hundred years ago, today, `Abdu'l-Baha stated:

"This material world has an outward appearance, as it has also an inner reality. All created things are interlinked in a chain leading to spirituality and ultimately ending in abstract realities. I hope that these spiritual links will become stronger day by day and that this communication of hearts, which is termed inspiration, will continue. When this connection exists, bodily separation is not important; this condition is beyond the world of words and above all description."  (Words of `Abdu'l-Baha, on 28 April 1912, "Mahmud's Diary")

In New York, prior to His departure to Washington D.C., `Abdu’l-Baha said, “May everyone point to you and ask ‘Why are these people so happy?’  I want you to be happy… to laugh, smile and rejoice in order that others may be made happy by you.”

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“Nature is that condition, that reality, which in appearance consists in life and death, or, in other words, in the composition and decomposition of all things. This Nature is subjected to an absolute organization, to determined laws, to a complete order and a finished design, from which it will never depart—to such a degree, indeed, that if you look carefully and with keen sight, from the smallest invisible atom up to such large bodies of the world of existence as the globe of the sun or the other great stars and luminous spheres, whether you regard their arrangement, their composition, their form or their movement, you will find that all are in the highest degree of organization and are under one law from which they will never depart.”  (`Abdu’l-Baha, “Some Answered Questions”, p. 3)

“Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and of mercy.”
(Baha’u’llah, “Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p.33)

Let’s observe the  Earth Day with perceptive appreciation and inspired awareness of the reality of the world of creation and the true value of  its every priceless existent! 

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Baha'i Ridvan Festival, which is commemorated and celebrated each year for twelve days, during the period of April 21-May 2-- marks Baha'u'llah's Declaration of His Mission to His companions in 1863.  It is the "holiest and most significant of the Baha'i Festivals".   

To learn more about the Ridvan Festival and the history of the Declaration of Baha'u'llah, please visit:  

http://www.Bahai.org/   

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Darkness, whatever the connotation—ceases only when light is introduced.  The darkness of ignorance can only be dispersed by the light of knowledge, a gloomy state of being and heart could be vanished through a vision and thought which inspires hope and enlightenment, a heavily burdened and flooded mind be freed by ideals and truths which are constructive and stimulating, useful and upbeat. Darkness of estrangement heals by the light of unity, remoteness and isolation giving their place to nearness and friendship; and selfishness to love. 

However dense and fearful the darkness may seem, soon as a tiny spark of light is lit, it flees away in instance and disappears. Because, there is no existence for darkness; it is only the absence of light.  A practical daily step in lightening our path as we steer our way amidst the twists and turns, winning over the darkness of all kinds—some being a natural way of life perhaps, a few the hard wisdom for growth and perfection in existence—is to focus on light, aware and intelligently alert and conscious, move forward and up.

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“Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity... Be a treasure to the poor... an answerer of the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge.  Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech... Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.  Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering... Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness... a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility.”  (“Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p. 285)

Knowledge is light!

                                                      

"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...  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 Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", p.138)

However we might be occupied and busy at every pace of life, hopefully and effectively living every day in full, we may be blessed once in a while to take note and realize that how very swiftly they flow and pass by.  Naturally we cannot prevent and stop their passage, nor do we have any power to alter the speed and pace of time. What we can do is to be vigilant and present for each day, up at every hour and alive to each breath. Vigilance and presence elevates our percetptions, sharpens our focus and makes every moment to be enjoyed, counted and utilized intelligently.   Of course while such counsciousness and presence is a gift and bliss by itself, it is just the prerequisite and a base, not alone enough to make us also feel fulfilled--and it certainly cannot ensure progress and advancement, always, upward and forward.  Knowledge and awareness of the value of time and being present in time ought to be supported and lead by high ideals and meaningful senses of purpose, willfully nourished and guided on an equally noble and sensible directions.  Within this frame of reflection and thought, the passage above inspires many thoughts.  If one may seek its light, at the rise of each morning waking up to a new day, one welcomes it as a fresh opportunity with a clear, reachable goal in mind.  One tries to set that morning at a higher point, better than the night preceding it, however be its height or whatever its plight.  Such a greeting and wake-up call from within us tunes our mind, creating a wonderful upbeat sense which is positive, active, and kind.  With such a perception and spirit the mind is humbled and mindful by the fact that perfection is relative, that to advance a bit more on each day, one should actively endeavor and willingly try. That realization in turn could inspire the soul and heart to grow biger and be a bit more understanding and patient, accepting and generous towards others and onself too, as the days advance and one faithfully keeps on at that pace...

"Service is prayer."  

`Should Prayer take the form of 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 enregy. 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 and 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 earth the heaven!
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