“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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The Sky Is Clear
The Sun Shines

Gifts of Nature and The Spirit

“How beautiful the weather is today, the sky is clear, the sun shines, and the heart of man is made glad thereby!  Such bright and beautiful weather gives new life and strength to man, and if he has been sick, he feels once more in his heart the joyous hope of health renewed.  All these gifts of nature concern the physical side of man, for it is only his body that can receive material benefits.

If a man is successful in his business, art, or profession he is thereby enabled to increase his physical wellbeing and to give his body the amount of ease and comfort in which it delights.  All around us today we see how man surrounds himself with every modern convenience and luxury, and denies nothing to the physical and material side of his nature.  But, take heed, lest in thinking too earnestly of the things of the body you forget the things of the soul:  for material advantages do not elevate the spirit of a man. 

Perfection in worldly things is a joy to the body of a man but in no wise does it glorify his soul.  It may be that a man who has every material benefit, and who lives surrounded by all the greatest comfort modern civilization can give him, is denied the all important gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is indeed a good and praiseworthy thing to progress materially, but in so doing, let us not neglect the more important spiritual progress, and close our eyes to the Divine light shining in our midst.

Only by improving spiritually as well as materially can we make any real progress, and become perfect beings.  It was in order to bring this spiritual life and light into the world that all the great Teachers have appeared.  They came so that the Sun of Truth might be manifested, and shine in the hearts of men, and that through its wondrous power men might attain unto Everlasting Light.  When the Lord Christ came He spread the light of the Holy Spirit on all around Him, and His disciples and all who received His illumination became enlightened, spiritual beings.   

It was to manifest this light that Baha'u'llah was born, and came into the world.  He taught Eternal Truth to men, and shed the rays of Divine Light in all lands.”

(`Abdu'l-Baha, "Paris Talks", pp. 62-63)

The difference between the happiness which is real and the one which is mere illusion is that once we reach to the former and earn it, we treasure it dearly, do not want it to vanish, eagerly trying and pursuing to have more; when in the case of the later, once we possess it we feel satisfied and often even without enjoying it in full, we lose interest and focus and start wondering around, desiring and wishing for happiness!  The one that is real and its eagerness and sentiments are of holistic joy, as it enriches both the soul and the mind, adorns both the spiritual and material abodes of ones being; while the passing and illusionary one only meets the material, temporary and fleeting needs and pursuits and thus itself becomes and is passing and mortal with no lasting trace and enduring effect. The world of matter, therefore, sheds on us disappointments, sorrows and despair along with its pleasures and happiness; where ""the spiritual world bestows only joy."

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“O God! Resuscitate us; give us sight; give us hearing; familiarize us with the mysteries of life, so that the secrets of Thy kingdom may become revealed to us in this world of existence…” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 91)

Understanding the “change”
with an intelligent and informed optimism!

We know that change is a natural phenomenon inherent in the realities of all things of the physical and mental, corporel and spiritual, visible and invisible; yet, almost at every outset of change, however minor and whatever the magnitude, it surprises us, to say the least, influencing our thoughts and morals, and our sentiments and moods, causing disappointment, creating fears, giving rise to anxieties, distresses and even rejections and denials. Why it is so? Why do we people resist the “change” even when it is logically expected and proven that it should happen, when it is known and experienced to be a natural occurrence and part of human life’s drama, and yet when it was earnestly sought and awaited for it to happen?

Concept of “change” could of course be discussed and viewed from so many different aspects and in numerous levels. And it does appear nowadays, more than ever, that everyone is talking about it, though somewhat it seems a very few are actually changing anything—well, anything of a kind that matters the most and lasts, having real meaning and purpose at last. It is also in the methods, ideals and incentives, by and because of which the changes happen—which make them effective and worthwhile, or otherwise undermined in their status and value once they finally get established and are won. Even if not spoken loudly, in people’s day to day life the common reference to “change” is ceaselessly implied by choices and decisions, adding the new arrivals to our collections and picking the fresh styles and goods—or by adapting different attitudes and the kind of moods with which then the commitments and made choices are left behind, got broken and kept undone. Often it is said that “change” is good, and within that connotation variance and renewal, or just a break from ordinary and routine is meant and understood. 

A “change” which matters the most, deserves the spirit and meets the truest meaning of the word, is the one that interprets as “a transformation”—a healthy and living growth and advancement. While such a change may well register to have a dramatic outset, which the annals of human history provides countless examples of the kind, it could just be a quiet and gentle start like the germination of a tiny seed sown in the soil for some days or weeks. Whatever the case, a transforming change is a process, and as the faithful meaning of the word “transformation” reads into “a complete and improving change”, it refers to development, progress and perfection. Now observing the reality of “change” from this high point, it is not only good, it is always better; and unlike its ordinary and daily implications for varying appetites and tastes, locations and paces, altering the colors for looks and the places for weather and moods, this kind of change in appearance and by nature is not always welcomed and pleasant—and it certainly is not easy, but difficult, pain-staking and highly challenging. Imagine, how very difficult and a mere challenge it must be for a tiny and tender seed to find and push its way up in the darkness of rough soil and through annoying sands and pressing pieces of rocks and stones to reach to the surface, and yet bearing the trying cold, the storms and its blows, or the burning heat and its drying glows to keep growing and rising high! However uneasy, it embraces hardships and fearlessly persevere, keeps on, resisting chilling wind and grateful in hailing rain, winning the morning sun and delighted by moon—it grows lofty, yielding its blooms and fruits with pride and grace. Such a “change” is not good, nor is it better. It is the best and the excellence itself!

“O Thou Almighty!  I am a sinner, but Thou art the Forgiver!  I am full of shortcomings, but Thou art the Compassionate!  I am in darkness of error, but Thou art the Light of Pardon! Therefore, O Thou Benevolent God, forgive my sins, grant Thy Bestowals, overlook my faults, provide for me a shelter, immerse me in the Fountain of Thy Patience and heal me of all sickness and disease.  Purify and sanctify me.  Give me a portion from the outpouring of holiness, so that sorrow and sadness may vanish, joy and happiness descend, despondency and hopelessness be changed into cheerfulness and trustfulness, and courage take the place of fear. Verily Thou art the Forgiver, the Compassionate, and Thou art the Generous, the Beloved!” (“Baha’u’llah and the New Era”, p. 99, by `Abdu’l-Baha)

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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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