Building Happiness

 

“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.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 139)

Making---the world an uplifting stage, a place where everyone grows and for better; the sky a sunnier, bluer one with shining stars; the horizon a brighter promising sight, where the heaven and earth meet with lasting sparks; and our every day of life a joyous and happier, a most positive and rewarding experience!

By and rising up to new day to live every breath in full, aiming high to do our best in valuing ourselves through developing our inner potential, and helping someone to do the same—live better and become happier—however in just a small and simple way that we can help and inspire them.   By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer for good and noble dreams, we often find the answers to our own.  Anyone with whom we associate and come in contact with, a dearly known and near or of people around and about whose path crosses ours, receive motivation, feel special and become happy and inspired,  often animate joy and smile—and it is then much easier and sweeter too for us to smile more and be happier.

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.

 

“This is the Day whereon the Ocean of God's mercy hath been manifested unto men, the Day in which the Day Star of His loving-kindness hath shed its radiance upon them, the Day in which the clouds of His bountiful favor have overshadowed the whole of mankind.  Now is the time to cheer and refresh the down-cast through the invigorating breeze of love and fellowship, and the living waters of friendliness and charity.”  (“Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p.7)

“Send, therefore, unto my loved ones, O my God, what will cheer their hearts, and illumine their faces, and delight their souls.”  (Prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Prayers and Meditations”, p. 195)

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"Happiness and Greatness"
in wealth and poverty

As you may too recall in earlier years at school often at the essay-writing class we would be invited or assigned to present papers on the comparative themes and questions of ‘knowledge and learning’, ‘freedom and loyalty’, ‘courage and restraint’, ‘confidence and humility’, ‘generosity and gain’, ‘business and service’, ‘integrity and virtues’, ‘happiness and success’, and their mutual relations, effects and resulting outcome—within the contexts of “progress” and “growth, “wealth” and “poverty” -- and the relevant concepts, varying causes and practical consequences of being or becoming “poor” or “rich”.  While the students were expected to think and write their own fair deductions and honest opinions on the matters, and that the assignments seemed to encourage only a free exercise of each one’s intellectual faculties, moral perceptions and independent understanding—with the obtained marks to be greatly affected only by the quality and creativity of thoughts, strength of reasoning and logical arguments, power of articulation and writing structure, and the level of skills and command of language(s)—it often was otherwise. The quality and integrity of the whole process depended in one hand on the evaluators, that from where they were coming from, what were the nature and standing of their mental and moral experiences, and on the basis of which reference points and directions of the ideals theirs were being exercised; on the other hand, on how true and faithful the junior writers were to their own thoughts and values, to the perceptions and logical reasoning of their own minds, and whether indeed theirs reflected all through a pristine originality, rather than having been adjusted cleverly and/or quietly borrowed from others’ to please the evaluator in a hope of winning a higher mark. Decisions and choices of the kinds which however might have appeared subtle and minor at times, could have found their roots in each one’s corresponding conditions, upbringing circumstances and tastes, and the growing states of within and without respectively.  Presuming this cursory preamble may have already taken you in mind for moments back in time, of today or of yesterdays, it could be a worthwhile mental exercise to pause and think for ourselves on these themes again now, comparing patters and processes, and weighing their relevance and change, progressive complexities, proven insufficiencies and/or growing facts, as if were to write such assignments today.

Focused only on practical aspects and intellectually deliberate though we may be in reasoning and approval of currents, and however too reluctant to venture leaving the loud and crowded flow to step high and take a positive break in mind, nobly human and personal we cannot but dare to pull our powers above and sentiments aright, affected and overwhelmed—wondering fairly on the limitless abundance and diversions, the forgotten precious and scarce within the extremes and over-growths, the blinding flashes, deafening trumpets and dizzying twists, dropping in sharp turns the cries and sighs, glittered and colorful but heavy, dull and drooping in exaggerated moods, not satisfied but full, over-achieved and possessed of swinging dramas and objects, yet craving for more and more goods, empty-pocketed though carrying wallets and purses cluttered with cards and credits, from top to toes—strangely too, hardly anyone sees and touches the real money nowadays; all is almost only in restless figures, fading inks and shaky words, moving as ghosts like drifting shadows, each at his and their doors pausing a moment and then is hers and yours, vanishing in a blink and here again it goes…  

The themes of “wealth and poverty” and issues of being “rich or poor” is evidently very complex and a vast area of discussion, and currently more than ever a major arena of attention and deep concerns in so many levels and ways.  One point that I choose to focus upon primarily and highlight, is that ‘wealth’ or ‘poverty’ each by itself is neither a good thing nor not good; it all depends on what each one accomplishes, what each one makes us or does to us and to others; and the “rich” and the “poor” could each merit a fortunate state or be the misery itself—pending what each one learns, grows into and adapts to, how each one lives and encounters the corresponding circumstances and situation.   There could be a significant difference in the unexpected outcome of each one, depending on whether one adjusts and harmonizes the related circumstances for the better, or for the worse. And if one has blissfully moved towards the better—however rich or poor—has the state to which one has arrived been held stilled and passive in the name of aloofness and contentment, or has the situation kept advancing and developing actively? And last but not the least, whether the attitude of either one has been gratefully content and blissfully patient, only yearning to transform oneself and the others’ along as well, to ascend and excel, directed towards perfection and positive progress?

“You must turn attention more earnestly to the betterment of the conditions of the poor.  Do not be satisfied until each one with whom you are concerned is to you as a member of your family.  Regard each one either as a father, or as a brother, or as a sister, or as a mother, or as a child. If you can attain to this, your difficulties will vanish, you will know what to do.” (“Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha; “`Abdu’l-Baha in London”, p. 91)

The terms “wealth” and “poverty” are in every respect relative, and no matter how wealthy in anything someone might be, one can always become wealthier, and likewise is the case with the poverty. To have a balanced society with an orderly and harmonious structure, it is really not logical to imagine a world where everyone would be absolutely the same and equal in wealth. And why should it be, when by nature everything in creation, including ourselves of course, is unique and each one’s innate powers and potential abilities are so colorfully different and interestingly diverse? Unquestionably and regardless of differences and variances, everyone is wealthy and in possession of potential capacities, born noble and with equal rights to meet opportunities for developing and perfecting oneself all through one’s life—however so, it cannot be expected nor would it be possible for all to be the same and identical in qualities and in the degrees and levels of perfections.  Likewise, in material status and practical circumstances it would not be possible and cannot be expected to form and maintain absolute equality. What is most necessary and fundamentally binding on humanity is to uphold and adhere to the kind of principles which would secure and be conducive to the establishment of a situation where no one would be deprived of equal opportunities to acquire and enjoy a deserving wealth relevant to and in compliance with each one’s potential and apparent abilities, as well as exerted efforts and personal volitions.  As the key for the former is recognizing equal rights for every human being, regardless of the degree, kind and intensity of each one’s potential capacities; similarly, a dignified and fair minimum level of wealth for every human being should be recognized, moderating the systems in our societies so to eliminate the extremes in poverty and in wealth; thus, having a world where, "All the peoples of the world will enjoy like interests, and the poor shall possess a portion of the comforts of life. Just as the rich are surrounded by their luxuries in palaces, the poor will have at least their comfortable and pleasant places of abode; and just as the wealthy enjoy a variety of food, the needy shall have their necessities and no longer live in poverty.” (From a Talk by `Abdu’l-Baha on May 6, 1912, "Promulgation of Universal Peace", p.103)

Beyond this binding principle, for those minds that gaze ever higher and soar above the limits with nobler aspirations—whatever their standing point, the following passage is a defining lofty standard. It is a mission statement for every perceptive and high-minded individual, as well as a guiding light in all walks of life for leading, observant and resourceful figures of present-day societies—who are to recognize and nurture, honor and value those who are endowed with these matchless gifts and who diligently minister to common good and the betterment of all.  It should be inscribed with choicest diamonds on the perceptive and fair golden minds!

“The happiness and greatness, the rank and station, the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, the breadth of his learning and his ability to solve difficult problems.”

(`Abdu’l-Baha, "The Secret of Divine Civilization", p.23)

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“You must have infinite love for each other, each preferring the other before himself.”

(From a Talk by `Abdu’l-Baha, [Stenographic Notes], 1 July 1912, New York)

“Love” is light; it is the cause of creation and the secret and purpose of existence and life.  Its proof is itself, as is for light and sunshine, and like the life in the alive. Love is the beginning and the end, it is everywhere; yet invisible, it is perceived and felt only by its signs and manifestations.  It is said in the holy Texts that, “God is Love”

However lofty its station, thrilling and awesome, love is simple; it is not plain, certainly nor it is easy, but truly simple. When we open a room and space in our day to day life and include others’ cares and concerns in ours—however little or big—that simply is love.  As we allow our minds and thoughts be busy in making others happy, their lives a bit easier, and a moment of their days sweeter—that is kindness, a kind that is love.  We offer of our time, if we have; if not, we make time, then offer it even if just a moment or two, sincerely and willingly; we care for her and him, or them and theirs, as we care for me and ourselves—and that just is love. And the more and deeper such affection and love, it grows only in beauty and meaning; unfolding its hidden treasures, it transforms in power, leads and advances to a point where we fly so high and above that not only concern ourselves for their happiness and goodness as we do for our own, upholding everyone equal as we are, we may even willingly and freely offer preferences to others’ cares and concerns over those of our own—without attaching hidden strings of expectations in return, or any conditions, nor obligations of any kinds—what could be understood as, and it is, the highest, purest, and noblest form of affection and love.  Such a kind is not blind, far too from it—it is intelligent and vigilantly aware, generously gracious and genuine, while is free, aloof and wise. Such a love is kind—the loving kindness which is Godly and divine.

`Abdu’l-Baha—the Embodiment of every Baha’i ideal and the Perfect Exemplar of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation—would manifest in His day to day life and treatment of others, whether friends and family, or just any one whom He would meet, a loving attitude of the kind.  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.”

“Ordain for me, O my Lord, what Thou hast ordained for them that love Thee, and write down for me what Thou hast written down for Thy chosen ones.  My gaze hath, at all times, been fixed on the horizon of Thy gracious providence, and mine eyes bent upon the court of Thy tender mercies.  Do with me as beseemeth Thee.  No God is there but Thee, the God of power, the God of glory, Whose help is implored by all men.” (Prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Prayers and Meditations”, p. 30)

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The Greatest of
The Heavenly Gifts

“Man is like unto this lamp, but the effulgences of the Kingdom are like the rays of the lamp. Man is like unto the glass, but spiritual splendors are like unto the light within the glass. No matter how translucent the glass may be, as long as there is no light within, it remains dark. Likewise, man, no matter how much he advances in material accomplishments, will remain like the glass without light if he is deprived of the spiritual virtues. Material virtues are like unto a perfect body, but this body is in need of the spirit. No matter how handsome and perfect the body may be, if it is deprived of the spirit and its animus, it is dead. But when that same body is affiliated with the spirit and expressing life, perfection and virtue become realized in it. Deprived of the Holy Spirit and its bounties, man is spiritually dead.”  (From a Talk by `Abdu’l-Baha, 1 September 1912, at the home of Maxwells in Montreal, “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”)

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")

 

“Spirituality is the greatest of God's gifts”

and “`Life Everlasting' means `Turning to God'”.

(`Abdu'l-Baha)

 

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“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 it 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)

“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)

“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’.)

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Melodious Beats and Music for Soul

“The art of music is divine and effective.  It is the food of the soul and spirit.  Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure and melodies have great influence in them.  The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed will find expression through the medium of music.  Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them proficient; teach them to sing with excellence and effect.  It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed.  Likewise, it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment.”  (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, "The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1982, p. 52)

The Art of Radiant Acquiescence and Communion with The 

Beloved

 

“That One whom the world has wronged could rest neither day nor night.  From moment to moment, at the hands of every betrayer, yet another cruel arrow was shot into His heart, and ever and again, from one or another assailant, He was calumny's target.  In the dark of the night, out of the depths of His bosom, could be heard His burning sighs, and when the day broke, the wondrous music of His prayers would rise up to the denizens of the realm on high. That Prisoner [Baha’u’llah], grievously wronged, would hide His pain, and keep His wounds from view.  In the depths of calamity He would smile, and even when enduring the direst of afflictions He would comfort the hearts.  Although He was hemmed about with disasters, and living at the whirlwind's core of grief, He would still proclaim the Cause of God, and protect the Holy Faith, and He brought God's Word to the ears of those in East and West.” (By The Greatest Holy Leaf, “Bahiyyih Khanum”, p. 146)

“Thou beholdest, O my God, how every bone in my body soundeth like a pipe with the music of Thine inspiration, revealing the signs of Thy oneness and the clear tokens of Thy unity.  I entreat Thee, O my God, by Thy Name which irradiateth all things, to raise up such servants as shall incline their ears to the voice of the melodies that hath ascended from the right hand of the throne of Thy glory.” (Prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Prayers and Meditations”, p. 111)

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