The Prince and The Foundation of All Virtues!

“Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning”

Often, very much one sincerely wishes and strives to believe that if some people are not truthful, whatever its measure and severity, the incentive is inspired by the sense of courtesy on the part of those who perhaps think that to tell and convey the truth and to be frank and straightforward would not be polite and a considerate action.  Of course there are and could be many other reasons which dictate and mislead us to tread a path other than that of truthfulness—and frankly if such deviation is conducted knowingly and with a conscious and persistent will, in the highest essence and reality the measure and the reason of it is actually irrelevant.  In that case, whether it is a sharply distant deviation from the right path, or just a clever twist off the road, a “white one” as is often entitled, yet to a fairly polished and refined conscience and in the silence of one’s inner conversation with his/her own mind and heart, it indeed is the same unhealthy, unworthy substance. Within the whirlpool of far too grandiose and exceedingly material cravings and with colorful and loud voices and sounds in our relentlessly imbalanced and one-sided advancements and oblivious over-growths, this matter—truthfulness—may shy away from its crucial appeal and seem just a “thing” of the past; when, on the contrary, this is the one trait which is indispensable and should be inseparable from every individual and collective development and growth, whatever the age and status, however the circumstances and times. Without the mystical power of the “Truth” which inspires and animates “truthfulness”, this brilliant virtue and nobly instrumental phenomena, nothing will have a lasting color nor a meaning and taste; without it nothing else will really work—and it doesn’t.  Everything and everyone in its absence, sooner or later goes only from bad to worse, quietly or with trumpeting loudness falls into the abyss of confusion and lost, depressed and disappointed.

“Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity”

—without a foundation there cannot be a safe building, a sheltering edifice and a secure and lasting tower. Likewise, for an interested intelligence and thinking mind it would be obvious and not an exaggerated notion that should humans be lacking in this golden virtue, they will yet be moving and alive, but only without human originality and nobility.  If a house may have a few cracks in its foundation—it is logical to accept that it may not collapse at once, although the fact that there do remain some cracks, makes it a sure subject to such an eventual prospect if nothing be done to treat and fix them in the long term. It is because those seemingly insignificant and tolerable defections and cracks open up bigger over the time and ultimately cause the fall and demolition into ruins of an edifice.  Similarly, while it could be accepted that a minor ‘untruthfulness’, conducted out of ignorance and being just an innocent moral mishap, should be overlooked and forgotten—a conscious and willing one that keeps coming back and repeating itself in intervals, must certainly be taken by a perceptive mind and tuned conscience as an indication of a serious crack in one’s human character and the molding agents which bind his or her senses and powers; a defection which if not remedied and fixed with discipline and care, precarious and damaging it shall grow and shall eventually crush away the good and the noble in the temple of one’s being, however gently and silently that it might snick in, blinding even oneself of seeing how far down he and she has alas fallen.

Considering a right way to convey a truth, appropriately choosing a best time and circumstance to do so, and then matching with spotless sincerity and prudent care those considerations to the condition, capacity and state of the hearer and receiver of the truth, one should utter it with eloquence and compassion, or in writing with the proper movement of one’s pen and the spirit of loving goodness. The presence and the balance of these essential considerations are the elements of wisdom.  To be aware and mindful of the rightness of our purpose and always thinking before we speak, being sincerely motivated and sensitively conscious of the rights and dignity, the innate value and potential nobility of every human being—our hearer and ourselves included both of course—is that brilliant finesse which is a magic blend of wisdom and compassion; it is clothing the genuine and unaltered beauty of truth in the garment of propriety and courtesy, kindliness and brevity—through words, and as applicable and fitting better even in action and in deeds.

“Adorn your heads with the garlands of trustworthiness and fidelity, your hearts with the attire of the fear of God, your tongues with absolute truthfulness, your bodies with the vesture of courtesy.  These are in truth seemly adornings unto the temple of man, if ye be of them that reflect.”

(Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Kitab-i-Aqdas”, p. 62)

“Observe courtesy, for above all else it is the prince of virtues.  Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired with the vesture of uprightness.  Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 88)

 

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Faith and optimism

The one who has faith and believes freely, confidently, and actively, cherishes goodly aspirations and  brilliant hopes; thus, is positively thoughtful and intelligently happy, is a practical doer and a diligent translator of the highest ideals into actions that benefit and serve the others and oneself too.  

“O God! …whenever I ponder my grievous shortcomings and my great trespasses, despair assaileth me from every direction, and whenever I pause to meditate upon the ocean of Thy bounteousness and the heaven of Thy grace and the day-star of Thy tender compassion, I inhale the fragrance of hope diffused from right and left, from north and south, as if every created thing imparteth unto me the joyous tidings that the clouds of the heaven of Thy mercy will pour down their rain upon me.”  (Revealed by Baha'u'llah, “Tablets of Baha'u'llah”, p. 112)

Everyone, as long as is in this world of matter and surrounded by the physical laws which bind every existent being to relevant limitations, restrictions and imperfections, receives a share of crises, set-backs and disappointments.  This is part of the nature and of inseparable characteristics of the material world.  Individually, as well as collectively and only in a more dramatic fashion and severe magnitude, we all are, however in varying measures and times, the recipients of hardships and influenced by afflictions. Today the whole humanity is bowed down with trouble, sorrow and grief, often wondering helplessly and sadly, feeling lost without seeing any hopes and seemingly bereft of any light and inspirations guiding our way up and forward--“the world is wet with tears”, surrounded and immersed in trials and fears. 

 

“The wrong in the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals, and do not strive to put them into practice. If actions took the place of words, the world’s misery would very soon be changed into comfort.” (Talk by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Paris Talks”, pp. 16-17)

Believing in high ideals and being joyous and positive of course in no ways means denials and ignorance of what is happening to oneself or to the humanity as a whole.  What it means and guides us to do instead is, not dwelling our attention and energies on them, but rather focusing our minds and thoughts on the nobler and higher horizons, holding on to the lofty handle of ‘faith’ which stands above and beyond the bumps and twists of the troubling limitations, pulling the realities of our being up and high by its unfailing aid and prevailing forces.   Albeit, however faithful and positive, the troubles and afflictions shall yet touch us, as is the nature and inseparable trait of this nether world and the undesired necessity of our physical life; but, when they descend on us they will affect and influence us only on the surface of our daily lives, unable to penetrate and alter the reality of our beings; the depths in our hearts and souls shall keep calm, developing to become ever more  peaceful and refined.  With such a spirit and confident focus on the forces of light, adapting such an attitude and noble discipline, while intelligently aware and observant of the challenges and unfavorable upsets though we are, the inner heart and essence of our minds and souls shall remain unmoved, unaffected, nay shall ever-increasingly brim with assurance, radiance and true joy.  A kind of confidence that while keeping our chin up under all conditions, is loyal to our own esteemed self and humbly-kind to others; a radiance and joy which is the brilliance of our own heart and mind and the guiding light that brightens the paths which others cross. 

“Spirituality is the greatest of God's gifts, and `Life Everlasting' means `Turning to God'.  May you, one and all, increase daily in spirituality, may you be strengthened in all goodness, may you be helped more and more by the Divine consolation, be made free by the Holy Spirit of God, and may the power of the Heavenly Kingdom live and work among you.  This is my earnest desire, and I pray to God to grant you this favour.” (`Abdu'l-Baha, "Paris Talks", p. 109-112)

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As the bird soars higher in the sky it is only seen smaller

Have you ever noticed, and then thought and reflected about it?  Well, other than that of the obvious and known which the physical science has long discovered and explained?

Only for those who are on the ground, the flying birds seem small. And the higher one soars, the smaller it becomes.  Some birds may forge so up and high that they appear no more and vanish from the earthly eyes. Earthly eyes that often fly very low, jump a bit here and there in intervals, some perhaps even only content with a minimal moving around, picking up seeds and warms to indulge and then with drooping moods take shelter under a dark shadow, rest their heavy and muddy wings in idleness and sloth.  But for those who aspire the heights and do fly themselves, the flying birds are always the giants; the emblems of courage, high energy and grace they are—what the other ones seek and are inspired by, find as sources of pride and lofty examples to be learned and followed by.  Their power of example imparts growth and success, encourages and uplifts the others’ flights, and generously embraces and sustains the beginning heights.

The truest giants never flinch and pause, they keep flying and aim ever higher, complacency and selfish pride has no chance to win them by; their feathers are strongest but velvet soft, have no colors by shine like rainbows and light bulbs, and they neither mind rebuffs nor hear in their heads lingering applauds. They focus on their flights and mind and care to pull others too along up and high. They compete well, but with their own capacities and potential, hoping to be the first, and if they keep flying without any stops or doubts, smiling with sunshines and giving cheers to stars, they will, and “They shall be first among the pure, the free and the wise.” (Shoghi Effendi, The Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, “The Art of The Living”)

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We have the power to change the world! Well, the power to change an immediate little corner of the world rather, for sure--if we so choose and aim to do. Each and every one of us have an enormous power to influence people around us--and what makes the world, a world, first and foremost is its people. The ability to influence and inspire is an incredible power, as it is a superb responsibility. Every word that we utter, however casually, every action we commit and manifest, and every single thought and sentiment that we entertain in our minds and hearts, can influence others and will have an effect in our surrounding—positively,  and alas otherwise too. As ours impact others, so may and will do others’ actions and words, and the energies and thoughts which they possess and carry along have effects on us and ours. To be conscious of this and vigilant to every effect not only protects us from the negative energies and influences, instead leading us to the sources of positive forces and impacts which would inspire us, but it will even more importantly empower us with a constructive supremacy and positive wisdom of influencing others and having impacts on the quality and spirit of our environment. Ours could be an awakening bell, inspiring silently or loudly the people at every step of daily life, and contributing one bit at a time to the betterment and overall health of the world.  This is true wisdom; this is leadership!  It is serving mankind.  Imagine what an inspiration a sincerely encouraging and positive word can create for a colleague, the friend, a family member, a neighbor, whom we meet every day and talk to next, or just a new person whose path crosses ours today?  Such consciousness and spirit can build wonders!  Consciousness that every word has a spirit and a life. If it is uttered, it should have purpose. If it had no purpose, should not have been spoken.  And the purpose of every word and its spirit is determined by our thoughts and spirits.  When they animate radiance, sincerity, and good-will, they create wonders.  Let’s pass on one or two real words today with an intelligent mind and a sincere intention, and we shall witness the power and the magic!

“Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible.  The Great Being saith:  One word may be likened unto fire, another unto light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world…   One word is like unto springtime causing the tender saplings of the rose-garden of knowledge to become verdant and flourishing, while another word is even as a deadly poison.  It behoveth a prudent man of wisdom to speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so that the sweetness of his words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man's station.”  (“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 137)

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“The Divine Springtime is come, O Most Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All-Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir thyself, and magnify, before the entire creation, the name of God, and celebrate His praise, in such wise that all created things may be regenerated and made new.”  

(“Gleanings of the Writings of Baha’u’llah”, p. 27)

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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Guidance and Protection

to be ever better and happier!

Humanity and all that pertains to its realm is constantly changing, in its every aspect and all that belongs to it and is bound by its limitations, natural laws and existence and its governing relations--our individual beings, behaviors and thoughts being no exceptions.  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. 

“Just as there are laws governing our physical lives, requiring that we must supply our bodies with certain foods, maintain them within a certain range of temperatures, and so forth, if we wish to avoid physical disabilities, so also there are laws governing our spiritual lives. These laws are revealed to mankind in each age by the Manifestation of God, and obedience to them is of vital importance if each human being, and mankind in general, is to develop properly and harmoniously. Moreover, these various aspects are interdependent. If an individual violates the spiritual laws for his own development he will cause injury not only to himself but to the society in which he lives. Similarly, the condition of society has a direct effect on the individuals who must live within it.” (“Baha’i World”, v. 15, p. 34)

“A good character is in the sight of God and His chosen ones and the possessors of insight, the most excellent and praiseworthy of all things, but always on condition that its center of emanation should be reason and knowledge and its base should be true moderation…”  (“The Secret of Divine Civilization”, pp. 59-60)

“Immeasurably exalted art Thou, O Lord! Protect us from what lieth in front of us and behind us, above our heads, on our right, on our left, below our feet and every other side to which we are exposed. Verily, Thy protection over all things is unfailing.”  (Revealed by The Bab, “Baha’i Prayers”, p. 134) 

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“…if he seems to be lonely try to help him, give him of your willing service; if he be sad console him, if poor succour him, if oppressed rescue him, if in misery comfort him.  In so doing you will manifest that not in words only, but in deed and in truth, you think of all men as your brothers.” (`Abdu’l-Baha; “Paris Talks”, p. 16)

True merit of “Service”

Whatever the measure and regardless of its form and outer significance, a ‘service’ should be offered sincerely and selflessly.  It should encourage freedom and be detached, light and free—of any attached strings of expectations, obliging burdens, or imposed feelings of guilt, inferiority and being in debt.  Yet again, no one should be forced to render a ‘service’; it should only be done voluntarily and through the free exercise of one’s own will-power.  Act of service deserves and merits the call for one’s own willing initiative and desire, depending on one’s own volition and conscious act, not ‘being volunteered’ for or having been imposed upon.  It should not be done for the sake of saving personal benefits in difficult situations, nor be considered popularity maintenance and an effort to preserve one’s reputation within the crowed.  Rendering a ‘service’ is an act that always involves a degree of sacrifice on one’s part; thus, it stretches beyond and stands far above the limits and obligations of one’s daily duties and job assignments performed merely for earning a living, with sole incentive of survival and securing one’s own material life.  Service is a nobly independent act and not a one to be confused with a forced rendering out of helplessness or insecurity or of desperation to receive attention, praise and popularity, nor it should be done because of any other reasons and mixed with ulterior motives—but only to be of a benefit and some goodness, promoting the best interests of the cause(s) and the person(s) that are being served.

“Man's merit lies 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 endeavors be spent in promoting your personal interest. Bestow in your days of plenty, be patient in the hour of loss.”

“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 138)

“Service in love for mankind is unity with God.”

(`Abdu’l-Baha; “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 186)

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Worthy Progress, Conscious Existence, and Breathing Life  

“This is a sign of progress:  The person who is satisfied with himself is the manifestation of Satan and the one who is not satisfied is the manifestation of the Merciful One. An egotist does not progress but the one who thinks himself imperfect will seek perfection for himself and will progress. If a man has a thousand good qualities, he must not look at them. He must search always for his shortcomings.  For example, if a man has a building which is well-constructed and fully decorated but which has a small crack in one of its walls, he will, no doubt, forget the rest and turn his whole attention to repairing that crack. Furthermore, the attainment of absolute perfection for a human being is impossible; thus, however much he may progress he is still imperfect and has above him a point higher than himself. And the instant he sees this point he will not be satisfied with himself.” (Words of `Abdu’l-Baha, 21 August 1912, Green Acre, “Mahmud’s Diary”)

The Baha’i writings boldly emphasize and state that the ultimate goal of human existence and purpose of life for every human soul is that each one should attain moral and spiritual excellence, which is in the highest sense the alignment of one's inner being and outward behavior with the will of an All-Loving, All-Merciful Creator; a Will that is so vividly and clearly crystallized in the revealed Texts and expounded in the teachings and exhortations of the Faith and Its Founders.  Each individual has been bestowed with an innate potential and a unique destiny by God--a destiny which unfolds and shapes in accordance with the free exercise of one’s faculties and will power when faced with diverse choices and challenges, and presented by options and opportunities in one’s life—a freedom and right to practice and develop one’s potential which is not only everyone’s gift and advantage, but is at the same time his and her responsibility and purpose in life.  Through moral exercise of the divinely conferred free will, and vigilantly perceiving the manifold opportunities provided for the development of one’s potential, each could only and shall attain spiritual glory and advancement.  

"Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds, and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct."

(“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p, 172)

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apex of nobility

“It behoveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote fellowship, kindliness and unity.”  (Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 90)

What would otherwise be there any meaning and truth in professing to believe in God，and where would a perceptive mind and fair conscience and vision find a merit and view a benefit of adhering to any practices in the name of Faith?

“The purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within the mine of their true and inmost selves. That the divers communions of the earth, and the manifold systems of religious belief, should never be allowed to foster the feelings of animosity among men, is, in this Day, of the essence of the Faith of God and His Religion. These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems, have proceeded from one Source, and are the rays of one Light. That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated.”

(Gleanings from the Writings Baha’u’llah, p. 287)

The revealed Words and the holy Text is the “Divine Elixir” which alone can transmute the crude metal of human nature into pure gold, and will with its nurturing power transform and unfold the potential latent in his and her being to manifest a capacity and perfection worthy of human nobility and the brilliant heights destined for its advancement.

"When divers shades of thought, temperament and character, are brought together under the power and influence of one central agency, the beauty and glory of human perfection will be revealed and made manifest. Naught but the celestial potency of the Word of God, which ruleth and transcendeth the realities of all things, is capable of harmonizing the divergent thoughts, sentiments, ideas and convictions of the children of men."

(Shoghi Effendi, “The World Order of Baha’u’llah”, p. 42)

“O Son of Spirit! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Hidden Words”

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