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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