"O Temple of God! No sooner had the hosts of Divine Revelation been sent down by the Lord of all names and attributes bearing the banners of His signs, than the exponents of doubt and fancy were put to flight. They disbelieved in the clear tokens of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, and rose up against Him in enmity and opposition. Amongst them were those who claimed: "These are not clear verses from God, nor do they proceed from an innate and untaught nature." Thus do the unbelievers seek to remedy the sickness of their hearts, utterly heedless that they thus render themselves accursed of all who dwell in heaven and on earth."
Comments:
• To begin with, let’s make a humble attempt and try to identify some of the spiritual entries/concepts that this paragraph brings to our attention. We can then strive, in light of the Writings, to gain some inkling of insights about some of them:
o “Temple of God”
o “the hosts of Divine Revelation”
o “the Lord of all names and attributes”
o “banners of His signs”
o “the exponents of doubt and fancy”
o the interaction between the “the hosts of Divine Revelation” and “the exponents of doubt and fancy”
o how those who “disbelieved in the clear tokens of God” are viewed as those who “rose up against” God
o the unbelievers accused Baha’u’llah that His Writings "are not clear verses from God” and that “they proceed from an innate and untaught nature."
o the concept of the “the sickness of …[the] hearts” of the “unbelievers”
o how the unbelievers “seek to remedy” this “sickness of their hearts”, however “utterly heedless that they thus render themselves accursed of all who dwell in heaven and on earth.”
o to be “accursed of all who dwell in heaven and on earth” – what does it mean?
November 16, 2010
September 21, 2010
Paragraph 1.48
"O Temple of the Cause! Grieve not if Thou findest none ready to receive Thy gifts. Thou wast created for My sake; occupy Thyself therefore with My praise amidst My servants. This is that which hath been ordained for Thee in the Preserved Tablet. Having found upon the earth many a soiled hand, We sanctified the hem of Thy garment from the profanity of their touch and placed it beyond the reach of the ungodly. Be patient in the Cause of Thy Lord, for erelong shall He raise up souls endowed with sanctified hearts and illumined eyes who shall flee from every quarter unto Thine all-encompassing and boundless grace."
Comments:
• The first thing we notice in this paragraph is the reference to the Manifestation of God, Baha’u’llah, as the “Temple of the Cause.” We have seen in previous paragraphs that Baha’u’llah was addressed a number of times as the “Living Temple” and in Paragraph 1.44 He was equated with the “Temple of God”. We will see in succeeding paragraphs other such powerful references to Baha’u’llah, such as:
o “O Temple of God”
o “O Temple of Holiness”
o “O Temple of My Cause”
o “O Temple of Divine Revelation”
o “O Temple of Divine mysteries”
Each one of these lofty references to the Manifestation of God will require some reflection on our part. For now, let’s explore the one used in this paragraph, namely the “Temple of the Cause”
Comments:
• The first thing we notice in this paragraph is the reference to the Manifestation of God, Baha’u’llah, as the “Temple of the Cause.” We have seen in previous paragraphs that Baha’u’llah was addressed a number of times as the “Living Temple” and in Paragraph 1.44 He was equated with the “Temple of God”. We will see in succeeding paragraphs other such powerful references to Baha’u’llah, such as:
o “O Temple of God”
o “O Temple of Holiness”
o “O Temple of My Cause”
o “O Temple of Divine Revelation”
o “O Temple of Divine mysteries”
Each one of these lofty references to the Manifestation of God will require some reflection on our part. For now, let’s explore the one used in this paragraph, namely the “Temple of the Cause”
August 26, 2010
Paragraph 1.47
"Say: In this day, the fertilizing winds of the grace of God have passed over all things. Every creature hath been endowed with all the potentialities it can carry. And yet the peoples of the world have denied this grace! Every tree hath been endowed with the choicest fruits, every ocean enriched with the most luminous gems. Man, himself, hath been invested with the gifts of understanding and knowledge. The whole creation hath been made the recipient of the revelation of the All-Merciful, and the earth the repository of things inscrutable to all except God, the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. The time is approaching when every created thing will have cast its burden. Glorified be God Who hath vouchsafed this grace that encompasseth all things, whether seen or unseen! Thus have We created the whole earth anew in this day, yet most of the people have failed to perceive it. Say: The grace of God can never be adequately understood; how much less can His own Self, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, be comprehended!"
Comments:
• In this amazing paragraph Baha’u’llah helps us better understand and appreciate God’s attribute of Grace that has encompassed His creation through His Manifestation – in this Day, through Baha’u’llah! As was explained in comments associated with some earlier paragraphs, this attribute is symbolically represented by the fourth letter of the Arabic word Haykal (Temple) -- referring to one of Baha’u’llah’s Tablets known as the Surih of Haykal.
• We notice that the metaphor “fertilizing winds” is used in this paragraph in connection with “the grace of God”. To “fertilize” is defined in the dictionary as, to make fertile, make fruitful or productive, to enrich.
• In the first line of this paragraph we further notice that the past tense of the verb “pass” is used in describing the “fertilizing winds” that have passed over “all things”.
• The effects that these “fertilizing winds” have had by passing “over all things”, Baha’u’llah tells us, are that:
Comments:
• In this amazing paragraph Baha’u’llah helps us better understand and appreciate God’s attribute of Grace that has encompassed His creation through His Manifestation – in this Day, through Baha’u’llah! As was explained in comments associated with some earlier paragraphs, this attribute is symbolically represented by the fourth letter of the Arabic word Haykal (Temple) -- referring to one of Baha’u’llah’s Tablets known as the Surih of Haykal.
• We notice that the metaphor “fertilizing winds” is used in this paragraph in connection with “the grace of God”. To “fertilize” is defined in the dictionary as, to make fertile, make fruitful or productive, to enrich.
• In the first line of this paragraph we further notice that the past tense of the verb “pass” is used in describing the “fertilizing winds” that have passed over “all things”.
• The effects that these “fertilizing winds” have had by passing “over all things”, Baha’u’llah tells us, are that:
August 7, 2010
Paragraph 1.46
"O Fourth Letter of this Temple, betokening the attribute of Grace! We have made thee the manifestation of grace betwixt earth and heaven. From thee have We generated all grace in the contingent world, and unto thee shall We cause it to return. And from thee shall We manifest it again, through a word of Our command. Potent am I to accomplish whatsoever I desire through My word "Be", and it is! Every grace that appeareth in the world of being hath originated from thee, and unto thee shall it return. This, verily, is what hath been ordained in a Tablet which We have preserved behind the veil of glory and concealed from mortal eyes. Well is it with them that deprive themselves not of this manifest and unfailing grace."
Comments:
• The last Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is Lám. As was mentioned in comments associated with Paragraph 1.37: The word Haykal (Temple) is composed in Arabic of the four letters Ha', Ya', Káf and Lám (HYKL). Its first letter is taken to symbolize the word Huviyyah (Essence of Divinity); its second letter the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter; its third letter the word Karim (All-Bountiful); and its fourth letter the word Fadl (Grace), of which Lám is the third letter.
• We recall that earlier in comments associated with Paragraph 1.17 it was indicated that according to Adib Taherzadeh in volume 3 (p. 133) of his book ‘The Revelation of Baha’u’llah’: “In answer to a question, Bahá'u'lláh has stated that the Haykal [Temple] which is addressed in this Surih is the Person of Bahá'u'lláh, and so is the voice which addresses the Haykal.”
• In Paragrpah 1.46 we become aware that the Entity that appears to us as the Manifestation of God is the source of “all grace in the contingent world”. Furthermore, we become aware that this same Entity will “cause” all grace to be “return(ed)" back to the Manifestation of God! And that “through a Word” of “command” Baha’u’llah (representing this Entity for our time) “shall manifest” this grace “again”. Difficult concepts to fully understand – unless we could find specific explanations by the Master or the beloved Guardian. For now, we could postulate some imperfect possibilities. Could one meaning of the appearance and the return of this entity of “grace” be the very soul of each human being that comes from God (through His Manifestation) and then returns back to Him? Could it be the process of progressive Revelation through which each Manifestation of God comes to earth as a sign of God’s grace and then retreats back to His “true habitation”? Could it be each official successor(s) of every Manifestation of God whom through His grace are created and sent to us for our guidance after His passing – like ‘Abdu’l-Baha?
Comments:
• The last Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is Lám. As was mentioned in comments associated with Paragraph 1.37: The word Haykal (Temple) is composed in Arabic of the four letters Ha', Ya', Káf and Lám (HYKL). Its first letter is taken to symbolize the word Huviyyah (Essence of Divinity); its second letter the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter; its third letter the word Karim (All-Bountiful); and its fourth letter the word Fadl (Grace), of which Lám is the third letter.
• We recall that earlier in comments associated with Paragraph 1.17 it was indicated that according to Adib Taherzadeh in volume 3 (p. 133) of his book ‘The Revelation of Baha’u’llah’: “In answer to a question, Bahá'u'lláh has stated that the Haykal [Temple] which is addressed in this Surih is the Person of Bahá'u'lláh, and so is the voice which addresses the Haykal.”
• In Paragrpah 1.46 we become aware that the Entity that appears to us as the Manifestation of God is the source of “all grace in the contingent world”. Furthermore, we become aware that this same Entity will “cause” all grace to be “return(ed)" back to the Manifestation of God! And that “through a Word” of “command” Baha’u’llah (representing this Entity for our time) “shall manifest” this grace “again”. Difficult concepts to fully understand – unless we could find specific explanations by the Master or the beloved Guardian. For now, we could postulate some imperfect possibilities. Could one meaning of the appearance and the return of this entity of “grace” be the very soul of each human being that comes from God (through His Manifestation) and then returns back to Him? Could it be the process of progressive Revelation through which each Manifestation of God comes to earth as a sign of God’s grace and then retreats back to His “true habitation”? Could it be each official successor(s) of every Manifestation of God whom through His grace are created and sent to us for our guidance after His passing – like ‘Abdu’l-Baha?
July 7, 2010
Paragraph 1.45
"Beware lest ye speak of duality in regard to My Self, for all the atoms of the earth proclaim that there is none other God but Him, the One, the Single, the Mighty, the Loving. From the beginning that hath no beginning I have proclaimed, from the realm of eternity, that I am God, none other God is there save Me, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting; and unto the end that hath no end I shall proclaim, amidst the kingdom of names, that I am God, none other God is there beside Me, the All-Glorious, the Best-Beloved. Say: Lordship is My Name, whereof I have created manifestations in the world of being, while We Ourself remain sanctified above them, would ye but ponder this truth. And Godhead is My Name, whereof We have created exponents whose power shall encompass the people of the earth and make them true worshippers of God, could ye but recognize it. Thus should ye regard all Our Names, if ye be endued with insight."
Comments:
• In this paragraph, Baha’u’llah further educates us concerning Divinity and Its Manifestations in this physical world. Acknowledging the fact that, “the Essence of God”, as explained by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, “is incomprehensible to the human mind, for the finite understanding cannot be applied to this infinite Mystery”, and that since “God contains all, He [therefore] cannot be contained,” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 23) and furthermore, reminding ourselves that “That which contains is superior to that which is contained,” we find ourselves in need of receiving divine explanations by His Manifestation – such as this Paragraph—to get some insights into such very lofty themes.
• Another point that we need to be humbly cognizant of is the principle that “in Divinity there is no duality. All adjectives, nouns and pronouns in that court of sanctity are one; there is neither multiplicity nor division.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 155)
• With these backgrounds, let’s explore Paragraph 1.45. But before we do that, let’s remind ourselves that, as was explained in the Comments portions associated with a number of previous Paragraphs (such as Paragraph 1.17), that the “the One Who speaks with the voice of God in this Tablet is identical with the One spoken to” -- both being Baha’u’llah. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 3, p. 133).
• We become aware in this Paragraph that we should guard ourselves against any tendency to imply the notion of “duality” with respect to the Entity of the Manifestation of God and Its relationship to God. To further explore and understand this very important point let’s turn to the Writings. Below are two references, from Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha:
Comments:
• In this paragraph, Baha’u’llah further educates us concerning Divinity and Its Manifestations in this physical world. Acknowledging the fact that, “the Essence of God”, as explained by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, “is incomprehensible to the human mind, for the finite understanding cannot be applied to this infinite Mystery”, and that since “God contains all, He [therefore] cannot be contained,” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 23) and furthermore, reminding ourselves that “That which contains is superior to that which is contained,” we find ourselves in need of receiving divine explanations by His Manifestation – such as this Paragraph—to get some insights into such very lofty themes.
• Another point that we need to be humbly cognizant of is the principle that “in Divinity there is no duality. All adjectives, nouns and pronouns in that court of sanctity are one; there is neither multiplicity nor division.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 155)
• With these backgrounds, let’s explore Paragraph 1.45. But before we do that, let’s remind ourselves that, as was explained in the Comments portions associated with a number of previous Paragraphs (such as Paragraph 1.17), that the “the One Who speaks with the voice of God in this Tablet is identical with the One spoken to” -- both being Baha’u’llah. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 3, p. 133).
• We become aware in this Paragraph that we should guard ourselves against any tendency to imply the notion of “duality” with respect to the Entity of the Manifestation of God and Its relationship to God. To further explore and understand this very important point let’s turn to the Writings. Below are two references, from Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha:
June 7, 2010
Paragraph 1.44
"Say: Naught is seen in My temple but the Temple of God, and in My beauty but His Beauty, and in My being but His Being, and in My self but His Self, and in My movement but His Movement, and in My acquiescence but His Acquiescence, and in My pen but His Pen, the Mighty, the All-Praised. There hath not been in My soul but the Truth, and in Myself naught could be seen but God."
Comments:
• Baha’u’llah makes very powerful pronouncements in this paragraph concerning His relation, as a Manifestation God, to God. This is in conformity with other pronouncements in His Writings concerning the incredible greatness of His Dispensation. For example:
"Great indeed is this Day! The allusions made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as the Day of God attest its greatness. The soul of every Prophet of God, of every Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 11)
"In the Book of Isaiah it is written: "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty." No man that meditateth upon this verse can fail to recognize the greatness of this Cause, or doubt the exalted character of this Day -- the Day of God Himself. This same verse is followed by these words: "And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 13)
"Say: This is the Day of God Himself; fear ye God and be not of them that have disbelieved in Him. Cast the idle tales behind your backs and behold My Revelation through Mine eyes. Unto this have ye been exhorted in heavenly Books and Scriptures, in the Scrolls and Tablets." (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 241)
• We also need to balance our understanding (however “partial and imperfect”, it may be, in the words of the House of Justice) against other references from Baha’u’llah such as:
Comments:
• Baha’u’llah makes very powerful pronouncements in this paragraph concerning His relation, as a Manifestation God, to God. This is in conformity with other pronouncements in His Writings concerning the incredible greatness of His Dispensation. For example:
"Great indeed is this Day! The allusions made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as the Day of God attest its greatness. The soul of every Prophet of God, of every Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 11)
"In the Book of Isaiah it is written: "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty." No man that meditateth upon this verse can fail to recognize the greatness of this Cause, or doubt the exalted character of this Day -- the Day of God Himself. This same verse is followed by these words: "And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 13)
"Say: This is the Day of God Himself; fear ye God and be not of them that have disbelieved in Him. Cast the idle tales behind your backs and behold My Revelation through Mine eyes. Unto this have ye been exhorted in heavenly Books and Scriptures, in the Scrolls and Tablets." (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 241)
• We also need to balance our understanding (however “partial and imperfect”, it may be, in the words of the House of Justice) against other references from Baha’u’llah such as:
May 24, 2010
Paragraph 1.43
"Say: The measure of all created things hath been appointed in this concealed and manifest Temple, wherein lie enshrined the knowledge of the heavens and the earth, and of all things past and future. The finger of God's handiwork hath inscribed upon this Tablet that which the wisest and most learned of men are powerless to fathom, and hath created therein temples inscrutable to all save His own Self, could ye but apprehend this truth. Blessed be the one who readeth it, who pondereth its contents, and who is numbered with them that comprehend!"
Comments:
• Reflecting on our understanding that one of the references to “Temple” is with respect to the Manifestation of God, for example in Paragraph 1.17 where we read: “O Living Temple! Arise by the power of Thy Self in such wise that all created things will be moved to arise with Thee,” in this paragraph we become further educated by Baha’u’llah that:
o The Manifestation of God is both “concealed and manifest”;
o “The measure of all created things hath been appointed” in the Manifestation of God; and that
o In the Manifestation of God “lie enshrined the knowledge of the heavens and the earth, and of all things past and future.”
• Furthermore, we are reminded in this paragraph, once again, by our Lord that the contents of this Tablet are far far beyond our limited ability to fully understand as human beings:
“The finger of God's handiwork hath inscribed upon this Tablet that which the wisest and most learned of men are powerless to fathom, and hath created therein temples inscrutable to all save His own Self…”
We need to humbly bow down (mentally, emotionally and of course, spiritually) with respect to this realization!
• It appears that a heart-felt acknowledgement of one’s powerlessness “to fathom” the “handiwork” that the “finger of God” has “inscribed upon this Tablet”, while he/she is reading and reflecting upon its contents, will attract His blessings and grace:
“Blessed be the one who readeth it, who pondereth its contents, and who is numbered with them that comprehend!”
• How much more to be thankful for!?
Comments:
• Reflecting on our understanding that one of the references to “Temple” is with respect to the Manifestation of God, for example in Paragraph 1.17 where we read: “O Living Temple! Arise by the power of Thy Self in such wise that all created things will be moved to arise with Thee,” in this paragraph we become further educated by Baha’u’llah that:
o The Manifestation of God is both “concealed and manifest”;
o “The measure of all created things hath been appointed” in the Manifestation of God; and that
o In the Manifestation of God “lie enshrined the knowledge of the heavens and the earth, and of all things past and future.”
• Furthermore, we are reminded in this paragraph, once again, by our Lord that the contents of this Tablet are far far beyond our limited ability to fully understand as human beings:
“The finger of God's handiwork hath inscribed upon this Tablet that which the wisest and most learned of men are powerless to fathom, and hath created therein temples inscrutable to all save His own Self…”
We need to humbly bow down (mentally, emotionally and of course, spiritually) with respect to this realization!
• It appears that a heart-felt acknowledgement of one’s powerlessness “to fathom” the “handiwork” that the “finger of God” has “inscribed upon this Tablet”, while he/she is reading and reflecting upon its contents, will attract His blessings and grace:
“Blessed be the one who readeth it, who pondereth its contents, and who is numbered with them that comprehend!”
• How much more to be thankful for!?
May 14, 2010
Paragraph 1.42
"Beware lest ye shed the blood of anyone. Unsheathe the sword of your tongue from the scabbard of utterance, for therewith ye can conquer the citadels of men's hearts. We have abolished the law to wage holy war against each other. God's mercy, hath, verily, encompassed all created things, if ye do but understand. Aid ye your Lord, the God of Mercy, with the sword of understanding. Keener indeed is it, and more finely tempered, than the sword of utterance, were ye but to reflect upon the words of your Lord. Thus have the hosts of Divine Revelation been sent down by God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, and thus have the armies of divine inspiration been made manifest from the Source of command, as bidden by God, the All-Glorious, the Best-Beloved."
Comments:
• As can be seen in this paragraph, Baha’u’llah abolishes the law of “holy war”. He explains in another passage that “In former religions such ordinances as holy war, destruction of books, the ban on association and companionship with other peoples or on reading certain books had been laid down and affirmed according to the exigencies of the time …” (Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 28). However, He indicates that in “this Most Great Revelation”, “this momentous Announcement”, where “God's mercy hath, verily, encompassed all created things”, and His “manifold bestowals and favours … have overshadowed all men ..” this “law of holy war hath been blotted out from the Book.” (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 21)
• Reminding ourselves about the first line of Paragraph 1.39, namely “O Third Letter of this Temple, betokening My name, the All-Bountiful!”, we see how in the quote below God’s attribute of “bounty”, manifested through His Manifestation, appears to have been instrumental in the abolishment of this law in this Dispensation”
“O people of the earth! The first Glad-Tidings which the Mother Book hath, in this Most Great Revelation, imparted unto all the peoples of the world is that the law of holy war hath been blotted out from the Book. Glorified be the All-Merciful, the Lord of grace abounding, through Whom the door of heavenly bounty hath been flung open in the face of all that are in heaven and on earth.” (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 21)
Comments:
• As can be seen in this paragraph, Baha’u’llah abolishes the law of “holy war”. He explains in another passage that “In former religions such ordinances as holy war, destruction of books, the ban on association and companionship with other peoples or on reading certain books had been laid down and affirmed according to the exigencies of the time …” (Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 28). However, He indicates that in “this Most Great Revelation”, “this momentous Announcement”, where “God's mercy hath, verily, encompassed all created things”, and His “manifold bestowals and favours … have overshadowed all men ..” this “law of holy war hath been blotted out from the Book.” (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 21)
• Reminding ourselves about the first line of Paragraph 1.39, namely “O Third Letter of this Temple, betokening My name, the All-Bountiful!”, we see how in the quote below God’s attribute of “bounty”, manifested through His Manifestation, appears to have been instrumental in the abolishment of this law in this Dispensation”
“O people of the earth! The first Glad-Tidings which the Mother Book hath, in this Most Great Revelation, imparted unto all the peoples of the world is that the law of holy war hath been blotted out from the Book. Glorified be the All-Merciful, the Lord of grace abounding, through Whom the door of heavenly bounty hath been flung open in the face of all that are in heaven and on earth.” (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 21)
April 29, 2010
Paragraph 1.41
"Erelong shall God raise up, through Thee, those with hands of indomitable strength and arms of invincible might, who will come forth from behind the veils, will render the All-Merciful victorious amongst the peoples of the world, and will raise so mighty a cry as to cause all hearts to tremble with fear. Thus hath it been decreed in a Written Tablet. Such shall be the ascendancy which these souls will evince that consternation and dismay will seize all the dwellers of the earth."
Comments:
• As we attempt to gain an inkling of understanding with respect to these powerful pronouncements made by our Lord in this paragraph, we should remind ourselves that they follow the last two earlier paragraphs dealing with the “Third Letter” of the “Temple” of the Manifestation of God, which Baha’u’llah explains is synonoumous with the Creator’s attribute of “the All-Bountiful”.
• As noted in other paragraphs that we have reviewed, Baha’u’llah, through His grace, makes known to us the many entities associated with the operation of God’s Will on earth, through His Manifestations. As we try to reflect and ponder on His weighty Words – as an example in this paragraph -- let’s take a moment and remind ourselves that we are dealing with concepts so lofty, so powerful and containing that it’s almost impossible for us human beings (who are contained in them) to get a proper understanding of their scope and workings. In our attempts to strive to get some partial understanding, we need to search for any related interpretations, explanations, elucidations by the beloved Master and the Guardian, as well as any additional clarifications and explanations by the Universal House of Justice.
• Realizing our human limitations in understanding the physical realities that are all around as well as within us is very humbling – how much more we need to bow our heads concerning our inability to understand the very lofty and abstract spiritual realities that the Manifestation of God brings to our attention! To cite an example with respect to our physical limitations, let’s explore our ability to “see” light. We know scientifically that the “visible light” is a small portion of light waves. The light waves, themselves are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum: – that broad range of electro-magnetic radiation wavelengths that travel in straight lines and are characterized by a wave motion. This spectrum contains cosmic rays, gamma rays, x-rays, light waves, radar waves, microwaves and radio and TV waves. The form of electromagnetic radiation that our eyes can detect is called ``visible'' or ``optical''. Visible light, being just one of many types of electro-magnetic radiation, occupies a very small range of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Just immediately above and below our ‘visible’ range are the Ultraviolet and Infrared light waves that we can’t see with naked eyes. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation or light such as x-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays – on the higher frequencies – and radar and radio/TV waves on the lower frequencies, are there too but once again our naked eyes can’t see them. So the phrase “I see”, logically and scientifically needs to be qualified and at times we need to remind ourselves that there are many physical entities right near us that we couldn’t see them.
Comments:
• As we attempt to gain an inkling of understanding with respect to these powerful pronouncements made by our Lord in this paragraph, we should remind ourselves that they follow the last two earlier paragraphs dealing with the “Third Letter” of the “Temple” of the Manifestation of God, which Baha’u’llah explains is synonoumous with the Creator’s attribute of “the All-Bountiful”.
• As noted in other paragraphs that we have reviewed, Baha’u’llah, through His grace, makes known to us the many entities associated with the operation of God’s Will on earth, through His Manifestations. As we try to reflect and ponder on His weighty Words – as an example in this paragraph -- let’s take a moment and remind ourselves that we are dealing with concepts so lofty, so powerful and containing that it’s almost impossible for us human beings (who are contained in them) to get a proper understanding of their scope and workings. In our attempts to strive to get some partial understanding, we need to search for any related interpretations, explanations, elucidations by the beloved Master and the Guardian, as well as any additional clarifications and explanations by the Universal House of Justice.
• Realizing our human limitations in understanding the physical realities that are all around as well as within us is very humbling – how much more we need to bow our heads concerning our inability to understand the very lofty and abstract spiritual realities that the Manifestation of God brings to our attention! To cite an example with respect to our physical limitations, let’s explore our ability to “see” light. We know scientifically that the “visible light” is a small portion of light waves. The light waves, themselves are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum: – that broad range of electro-magnetic radiation wavelengths that travel in straight lines and are characterized by a wave motion. This spectrum contains cosmic rays, gamma rays, x-rays, light waves, radar waves, microwaves and radio and TV waves. The form of electromagnetic radiation that our eyes can detect is called ``visible'' or ``optical''. Visible light, being just one of many types of electro-magnetic radiation, occupies a very small range of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Just immediately above and below our ‘visible’ range are the Ultraviolet and Infrared light waves that we can’t see with naked eyes. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation or light such as x-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays – on the higher frequencies – and radar and radio/TV waves on the lower frequencies, are there too but once again our naked eyes can’t see them. So the phrase “I see”, logically and scientifically needs to be qualified and at times we need to remind ourselves that there are many physical entities right near us that we couldn’t see them.
April 12, 2010
Paragraph 1.40
"O Pen! Send down out of the clouds of Thy generosity that which shall enrich all created things, and withhold not Thy favours from the world of being. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful in the heaven of Thine eternity, and the Lord of infinite grace unto all who inhabit the kingdom of names. Look not upon the people and the things they possess; look rather upon the wonders of Thy gifts and favours. Gather then Thy servants beneath Thy shade that shadoweth all mankind. Stretch forth the hand of bounty over all creation, and the fingers of bestowal over all existence. This, verily, is that which beseemeth Thee, though the people understand it not. Whosoever turneth his face towards Thee doeth so by Thy grace, and as to him who turneth away, Thy Lord, in truth, is independent of all created things. Unto this bear witness His true and devoted servants."
Comments:
• From the comments associated with Paragraph 1.12 we understand that the House of Justice has explained that such references to the “Pen” in Baha’u’llah’s Writings are mainly with respect to Bahá'u'lláh Himself, “illustrating His function as Revealer of the Word of God.” With this background let’s attempt to highlight what Baha’u’llah, as the Manifestation of God, is being directed to do by God:
o To “Send down out of the clouds of Thy generosity that which shall enrich all created things”;
o To “withhold not Thy favours from the world of being;
o To “… not [look] upon the people and the things they possess;”, but to “look rather upon the wonders of Thy gifts and favours”;
o To “Gather then Thy servants beneath Thy shade that shadoweth all mankind”; and
o To “Stretch forth the hand of bounty over all creation, and the fingers of bestowal over all existence.”
• Each one of these points, we surmise, require further reflection and study so we become more spiritually aware of the incredible station of the Manifestation of God and the privilege of recognizing Him through our own volition and being willing to implement His Teachings in our lives.
Comments:
• From the comments associated with Paragraph 1.12 we understand that the House of Justice has explained that such references to the “Pen” in Baha’u’llah’s Writings are mainly with respect to Bahá'u'lláh Himself, “illustrating His function as Revealer of the Word of God.” With this background let’s attempt to highlight what Baha’u’llah, as the Manifestation of God, is being directed to do by God:
o To “Send down out of the clouds of Thy generosity that which shall enrich all created things”;
o To “withhold not Thy favours from the world of being;
o To “… not [look] upon the people and the things they possess;”, but to “look rather upon the wonders of Thy gifts and favours”;
o To “Gather then Thy servants beneath Thy shade that shadoweth all mankind”; and
o To “Stretch forth the hand of bounty over all creation, and the fingers of bestowal over all existence.”
• Each one of these points, we surmise, require further reflection and study so we become more spiritually aware of the incredible station of the Manifestation of God and the privilege of recognizing Him through our own volition and being willing to implement His Teachings in our lives.
March 30, 2010
Paragraph 1.39
"O Third Letter of this Temple, betokening My name, the All-Bountiful! We have made thee the dawning-place of Our bounty amidst Our creatures and the fountainhead of Our generosity amidst Our people. Powerful am I in My dominion. Nothing whatsoever of all that hath been created in the heavens or on the earth can escape My knowledge, and I am the True One, the Knower of things unseen."
Comments:
• As was explained in the comments associated with Paragraph 1.37, the third Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is the letter ‘Kaf’ which according to Baha’u’llah is representative of the attribute of ‘ the All-Bountiful’ with respect to the Manifestation of God.
• It is such a comforting thought to know that one of the names of the Manifestation of God is ‘the All-Bountiful’! Judging by the meaning of the word ‘bountiful’ in the dictionary as ‘giving freely and graciously; generous’, one becomes aware that when this quality is attributed to the Manifestation of God it takes on many meanings. We will explore these later in the context of the themes elaborated by Baha’u’llah in the next six Paragraphs of this powerful Tablet.
• The phrase the “dawning-place” normally reminds one of the daily cycles of the earth orbiting the sun resulting in sunrise and sunset. So, just like the physical sun that keeps our solar system together and is the very source of life on our planet, we should remind ourselves that, metaphorically speaking, the third Letter of the word Haykal (namely the letter ‘k’) is a spiritual Sun that the Manifestation of God has created as a symbol of His “bounty amidst … [His] creatures and the fountainhead of …[His] generosity] amidst .. [His] people.” Mind boggling, isn’t it!? It really makes us feel small and dependent!
Comments:
• As was explained in the comments associated with Paragraph 1.37, the third Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is the letter ‘Kaf’ which according to Baha’u’llah is representative of the attribute of ‘ the All-Bountiful’ with respect to the Manifestation of God.
• It is such a comforting thought to know that one of the names of the Manifestation of God is ‘the All-Bountiful’! Judging by the meaning of the word ‘bountiful’ in the dictionary as ‘giving freely and graciously; generous’, one becomes aware that when this quality is attributed to the Manifestation of God it takes on many meanings. We will explore these later in the context of the themes elaborated by Baha’u’llah in the next six Paragraphs of this powerful Tablet.
• The phrase the “dawning-place” normally reminds one of the daily cycles of the earth orbiting the sun resulting in sunrise and sunset. So, just like the physical sun that keeps our solar system together and is the very source of life on our planet, we should remind ourselves that, metaphorically speaking, the third Letter of the word Haykal (namely the letter ‘k’) is a spiritual Sun that the Manifestation of God has created as a symbol of His “bounty amidst … [His] creatures and the fountainhead of …[His] generosity] amidst .. [His] people.” Mind boggling, isn’t it!? It really makes us feel small and dependent!
March 23, 2010
Paragraph 1.38
"O Second Letter of this Temple, betokening My name, the Almighty! We have made thee the manifestation of Our sovereignty and the dayspring of Our Names. Potent am I to fulfil that which My tongue speaketh."
Comments:
• As was explained in the comments associated with Paragraph 1.37, the second Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is the letter Ya', symbolizing the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter.
• In this paragraph we become aware that the attribute of “Almighty” is one of the characteristics of the Primal Will of God, as manifested by Baha’u’llah. He refers to it as “the manifestation” of His “sovereignty” and the “dayspring” of His “Names.” So, once again, as a token of His abiding grace, Baha’u’llah is making us gently aware of the potentialities, qualities and attributes of the Entity called the Primal Will of God, an Entity that throughout the recorded and unrecorded history of man’s existence on this planet has presented Itself as Manifestations of God in our midst.
• The word ‘dayspring’ is defined in the dictionary as ‘dawn’ and the word ‘Almighty’ as ‘having unlimited power and all-powerful.’ So, our “partial and imperfect” understanding will lead us to postulate that just like our physical sun that when it rises at dawn it provides us with a smaller measure of its greater potency that we could experience at noon, similarly, we should perhaps view the attribute of “Almighty” with respect to the spiritual Sun. In other words, although “Almighty” is one of the “names” of the Manifestation of God and that it implies ‘having unlimited power, and the all-powerful’, it does not mean that it represents the full potency of the powers with which God has endowed His Primal Will with His “Names” and Their progressive appearances through His Manifestations.
Comments:
• As was explained in the comments associated with Paragraph 1.37, the second Arabic letter of the word Haykal (Temple) is the letter Ya', symbolizing the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter.
• In this paragraph we become aware that the attribute of “Almighty” is one of the characteristics of the Primal Will of God, as manifested by Baha’u’llah. He refers to it as “the manifestation” of His “sovereignty” and the “dayspring” of His “Names.” So, once again, as a token of His abiding grace, Baha’u’llah is making us gently aware of the potentialities, qualities and attributes of the Entity called the Primal Will of God, an Entity that throughout the recorded and unrecorded history of man’s existence on this planet has presented Itself as Manifestations of God in our midst.
• The word ‘dayspring’ is defined in the dictionary as ‘dawn’ and the word ‘Almighty’ as ‘having unlimited power and all-powerful.’ So, our “partial and imperfect” understanding will lead us to postulate that just like our physical sun that when it rises at dawn it provides us with a smaller measure of its greater potency that we could experience at noon, similarly, we should perhaps view the attribute of “Almighty” with respect to the spiritual Sun. In other words, although “Almighty” is one of the “names” of the Manifestation of God and that it implies ‘having unlimited power, and the all-powerful’, it does not mean that it represents the full potency of the powers with which God has endowed His Primal Will with His “Names” and Their progressive appearances through His Manifestations.
March 10, 2010
Paragraph 1.37
"O First Letter of this Temple, betokening the Essence of Divinity! We have made thee the treasury of My Will and the repository of My Purpose unto all who are in the kingdoms of revelation and creation. This is but a token of the grace of Him Who is the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting."
Comments:
• In the Endnotes section of the Summons of the Lord of Hosts book we read an explanation concerning the first line of this paragraph:
"The word Haykal (Temple) is composed in Arabic of the four letters Ha', Ya', Kaf and Lam (HYKL). Its first letter is taken to symbolize the word Huviyyah (Essence of Divinity); its second letter the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter; its third letter the word Karim (All-Bountiful); and its fourth letter the word Fadl (Grace), of which Lam is the third letter."
• Scholars of the Faith have indicated that the word "Haykal" (Temple) is generally used in both Arabic and Persian languages. Its root is traced back to the Sumerian language where it referred to a physical temple, a place of worship or a castle -- a concept used in the Judo-Christian religions to mainly refer to the Jerusalem temple. In Arabic and Persian it has many meanings and connotations among them is the body or temple of a human being.
• In the Baha’i context, we will see later in Paragraph 1.44 that Baha’u’llah addresses His human temple as the Haykal (Temple):
Comments:
• In the Endnotes section of the Summons of the Lord of Hosts book we read an explanation concerning the first line of this paragraph:
"The word Haykal (Temple) is composed in Arabic of the four letters Ha', Ya', Kaf and Lam (HYKL). Its first letter is taken to symbolize the word Huviyyah (Essence of Divinity); its second letter the word Qadir (Almighty), of which Ya' is the third letter; its third letter the word Karim (All-Bountiful); and its fourth letter the word Fadl (Grace), of which Lam is the third letter."
• Scholars of the Faith have indicated that the word "Haykal" (Temple) is generally used in both Arabic and Persian languages. Its root is traced back to the Sumerian language where it referred to a physical temple, a place of worship or a castle -- a concept used in the Judo-Christian religions to mainly refer to the Jerusalem temple. In Arabic and Persian it has many meanings and connotations among them is the body or temple of a human being.
• In the Baha’i context, we will see later in Paragraph 1.44 that Baha’u’llah addresses His human temple as the Haykal (Temple):
March 2, 2010
Paragraph 1.36
"O Living Temple! We have, in very truth, appointed Thee to be the sign of My majesty amidst all that hath been and all that shall be, and have ordained Thee to be the emblem of My Cause betwixt the heavens and the earth, through My word "Be", and it is!"
Comments:
• In this and the succeeding three paragraphs, we get further glimpses of that incredible realm associated with the Manifestation of God – its majesty, power and grandeur -- as well as its numerous mysteries. It is as if, Baha’u’llah, in His loving grace, is helping us, the humanity, based on our current state of comprehension, to become more aware of our very dependence on the Manifestation of God, a dependence the acknowledgment of which will impact our process of spiritual growth and maturation.
• There are many references in the Writings of Baha’u’llah concerning the station of the Manifestation of God and our inability, as human beings, to fully understand it. For example:
I swear by Thy glory, O Thou Who art the Lord of all being and the Possessor of all things visible and invisible! Every man of understanding hath been so bewildered at Thy knowledge, and every man endued with insight been so perplexed in his attempt to fathom the signs of Thy great glory, that all have recognized their powerlessness to visualize, and their impotence to soar into, the heaven wherefrom one of the Luminaries of the Manifestations of Thy knowledge and of the Day-Springs of Thy wisdom hath shone forth. Who is he that shall befittingly describe this most sublime station and this most august seat -- the seat which, as decreed by Thee, transcendeth the comprehension of Thy creatures and the testimonies of Thy servants, and which hath everlastingly been hid from the understanding and the knowledge of men, and been closed with the seal of Thy name, the Self-Subsisting. (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 279).
Comments:
• In this and the succeeding three paragraphs, we get further glimpses of that incredible realm associated with the Manifestation of God – its majesty, power and grandeur -- as well as its numerous mysteries. It is as if, Baha’u’llah, in His loving grace, is helping us, the humanity, based on our current state of comprehension, to become more aware of our very dependence on the Manifestation of God, a dependence the acknowledgment of which will impact our process of spiritual growth and maturation.
• There are many references in the Writings of Baha’u’llah concerning the station of the Manifestation of God and our inability, as human beings, to fully understand it. For example:
I swear by Thy glory, O Thou Who art the Lord of all being and the Possessor of all things visible and invisible! Every man of understanding hath been so bewildered at Thy knowledge, and every man endued with insight been so perplexed in his attempt to fathom the signs of Thy great glory, that all have recognized their powerlessness to visualize, and their impotence to soar into, the heaven wherefrom one of the Luminaries of the Manifestations of Thy knowledge and of the Day-Springs of Thy wisdom hath shone forth. Who is he that shall befittingly describe this most sublime station and this most august seat -- the seat which, as decreed by Thee, transcendeth the comprehension of Thy creatures and the testimonies of Thy servants, and which hath everlastingly been hid from the understanding and the knowledge of men, and been closed with the seal of Thy name, the Self-Subsisting. (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 279).
February 22, 2010
Paragraph 1.35
"Should any one of them be called upon to confront all the hosts of creation, he would assuredly prevail through the ascendancy of My Will. This, verily, is a proof of My power, though My creatures comprehend it not. This, verily, is a sign of My sovereignty, though My subjects understand it not. This, verily, is a token of My command, though My servants perceive it not. This, verily, is an evidence of Mine ascendancy, though none amongst the people is truly thankful for it, save those whose eyes God hath illumined with the light of His knowledge, whose hearts He hath made the repository of His Revelation, and upon whose shoulders He hath placed the weight of His Cause. These shall inhale the fragrances of the All-Merciful from the garment of His Name, and shall rejoice at all times in the signs and verses of their Lord. As for those who disbelieve in God, and join partners with Him, they shall indeed incur His wrath, shall be cast into the Fire, and shall be made to dwell, fearful and dismayed, in its depths. Thus do We expound Our verses, and make plain the truth with clear proofs, that perchance the people may reflect upon the signs of their Lord."
Comments:
• Speaking of those “people” whom Baha’u’llah indicated in Paragraph 1.34 He would “raise up”, “who will arise to win victory for” Him and “will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly”, Baha’u’llah further explains in this Paragraph that each one of these “people” “would assuredly prevail” “through the ascendancy” of His “Will”.
• The creation of such “people” and their triumph in fulfilling their mission, Baha’u’llah confirms, is:
o “a sign of My sovereignty, though My subjects understand it not”;
o “a token of My command, though My servants perceive it not”;
o “an evidence of Mine ascendancy, though none amongst the people is truly thankful for it, save those whose eyes God hath illumined with the light of His knowledge, whose hearts He hath made the repository of His Revelation, and upon whose shoulders He hath placed the weight of His Cause.”
• Reflecting on such phrases should help us further appreciate the majesty and the power of the Manifestation of God. We also become aware that to “understand”, to “perceive” and to become “truly thankful” of these powers of the Manifestation of God, are all conditional on the Will of the Manifestation of God Himself.
Comments:
• Speaking of those “people” whom Baha’u’llah indicated in Paragraph 1.34 He would “raise up”, “who will arise to win victory for” Him and “will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly”, Baha’u’llah further explains in this Paragraph that each one of these “people” “would assuredly prevail” “through the ascendancy” of His “Will”.
• The creation of such “people” and their triumph in fulfilling their mission, Baha’u’llah confirms, is:
o “a sign of My sovereignty, though My subjects understand it not”;
o “a token of My command, though My servants perceive it not”;
o “an evidence of Mine ascendancy, though none amongst the people is truly thankful for it, save those whose eyes God hath illumined with the light of His knowledge, whose hearts He hath made the repository of His Revelation, and upon whose shoulders He hath placed the weight of His Cause.”
• Reflecting on such phrases should help us further appreciate the majesty and the power of the Manifestation of God. We also become aware that to “understand”, to “perceive” and to become “truly thankful” of these powers of the Manifestation of God, are all conditional on the Will of the Manifestation of God Himself.
February 15, 2010
Paragraph 1.34
"Erelong shall God draw forth, out of the bosom of power, the hands of ascendancy and might, and shall raise up a people who will arise to win victory for this Youth and who will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly. These hands will gird up their loins to champion the Faith of God, and will, in My name the Self-Subsistent, the Mighty, subdue the peoples and kindreds of the earth. They will enter the cities and will inspire with fear the hearts of all their inhabitants. Such are the evidences of the might of God; how fearful, how vehement is His might, and how justly doth He wield it! He, verily, ruleth and transcendeth all who are in the heavens and on the earth, and revealeth what He desireth according to a prescribed measure."
Comments:
• We explored the historical background associated with the metaphor of drawing forth “out of the bosom” in the comments portion associated with Paragraph 1.23.
• In this paragraph Baha’u’llah makes a reference to the appearance of “a people”, raised by God, who “will arise to win victory” for Baha’u’llah and who “will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly.” Let’s consult the Writings to see how we could enrich our understanding about these two groups of people, the ungodly and the outcasts. Before we do it, let’s remind ourselves that all we could do is to “strive” to gain a better perspective on such issues in light of the explanations provided in the Writings and that this “learning” process has no end, as Baha’u’llah has stated: “Know assuredly that just as thou firmly believest that the Word of God, exalted be His glory, endureth for ever, thou must, likewise, believe with undoubting faith that its meaning can never be exhausted. They who are its appointed interpreters, they whose hearts are the repositories of its secrets, are, however, the only ones who can comprehend its manifold wisdom.” (Baha'u’llah, Gleanings LXXXIX) And, that furthermore, Baha’u’llah has said: “"Verily I say! No one hath apprehended the root of this Cause. It is incumbent upon everyone, in this day, to perceive with the eye of God, and to hearken with His ear. Whoso beholdeth Me with an eye besides Mine own will never be able to know Me. (Baha’u’llah, quoted by Shoghi Effendi inThe Advent of Divine Justice, p. 77)
Comments:
• We explored the historical background associated with the metaphor of drawing forth “out of the bosom” in the comments portion associated with Paragraph 1.23.
• In this paragraph Baha’u’llah makes a reference to the appearance of “a people”, raised by God, who “will arise to win victory” for Baha’u’llah and who “will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly.” Let’s consult the Writings to see how we could enrich our understanding about these two groups of people, the ungodly and the outcasts. Before we do it, let’s remind ourselves that all we could do is to “strive” to gain a better perspective on such issues in light of the explanations provided in the Writings and that this “learning” process has no end, as Baha’u’llah has stated: “Know assuredly that just as thou firmly believest that the Word of God, exalted be His glory, endureth for ever, thou must, likewise, believe with undoubting faith that its meaning can never be exhausted. They who are its appointed interpreters, they whose hearts are the repositories of its secrets, are, however, the only ones who can comprehend its manifold wisdom.” (Baha'u’llah, Gleanings LXXXIX) And, that furthermore, Baha’u’llah has said: “"Verily I say! No one hath apprehended the root of this Cause. It is incumbent upon everyone, in this day, to perceive with the eye of God, and to hearken with His ear. Whoso beholdeth Me with an eye besides Mine own will never be able to know Me. (Baha’u’llah, quoted by Shoghi Effendi inThe Advent of Divine Justice, p. 77)
February 8, 2010
Paragraph 1.33
"Say: O people! This is the Hand of God, which hath ever been above your own hands, could ye but understand. Within its grasp We have ordained all the good of the heavens and the earth, such that no good shall be made manifest but that it proceedeth therefrom. Thus have We made it the source and treasury of all good both aforetime and hereafter. Say: The rivers of divine wisdom and utterance which flowed through the Tablets of God are joined to this Most Great Ocean, could ye but perceive it, and whatever hath been set forth in His Books hath attained its final consummation in this most exalted Word -- a Word shining above the horizon of the Will of the All-Glorious in this Revelation which hath filled with delight all things seen and unseen."
Comments:
• A reminder that the “Hand of God”, as represented by His Manifestation, is “above” the “hands” of people. This is very comforting and reassuring!
• Furthermore, we are being educated in this paragraph that Baha’u’llah has “ordained” within the grasp of the Manifestation of God “all the good of the heavens and the earth”, and that the Manifestation of God is “the source and treasury of all good” for present, past and future. Also, knowing that “no good shall be made manifest” unless it “proceedeth” from the Manifestation of God. These are all very interesting concepts and realities to reflect on. They will enrich our overall attitude towards life and people.
• Let’s do some reflection on the phrase: “The rivers of divine wisdom and utterance which flowed through the Tablets of God are joined to this Most Great Ocean ..”. In one of His Tablets Baha’u’llah explains that:
Comments:
• A reminder that the “Hand of God”, as represented by His Manifestation, is “above” the “hands” of people. This is very comforting and reassuring!
• Furthermore, we are being educated in this paragraph that Baha’u’llah has “ordained” within the grasp of the Manifestation of God “all the good of the heavens and the earth”, and that the Manifestation of God is “the source and treasury of all good” for present, past and future. Also, knowing that “no good shall be made manifest” unless it “proceedeth” from the Manifestation of God. These are all very interesting concepts and realities to reflect on. They will enrich our overall attitude towards life and people.
• Let’s do some reflection on the phrase: “The rivers of divine wisdom and utterance which flowed through the Tablets of God are joined to this Most Great Ocean ..”. In one of His Tablets Baha’u’llah explains that:
February 1, 2010
Paragraph 1.32
"Say: O people! Can ye ever hope to escape the sovereign power of your Lord? By the righteousness of God! No refuge will ye find in this day, and no one to protect you, save those upon whom God hath bestowed the favour of His mercy. He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate. Say: O people! Forsake all that ye possess, and enter beneath the shadow of your Lord, the All-Merciful. Better is this for you than all your works of the past and of the future. Fear ye God, and deprive not yourselves of the sweet savours of the days of the Lord of all names and attributes. Take heed lest ye alter or pervert the text of the Word of God. Walk ye in the fear of God, and be numbered with the righteous."
Comments:
• Let’s remind ourselves about this phrase in Paragraph 1.31:
“O Living Temple! Stretch forth Thy hand over all who are in heaven and on earth, and seize within the grasp of Thy Will the reins of command. We have, verily, placed in Thy right hand the empire of all things. Do as Thou willest, and fear not the ignorant.”
In Paragraph 1.32 we are being educated that indeed there is no way that one could “escape the sovereign power” of the Manifestation of God – whether a person accepts this fact or not is a different story. Having acknowledged this fact, one can then humbly bow down to the realization that unless he becomes the recipient of God’s “mercy”, through His Manifestation, he could find no “refuge …in this day, and no one to protect …[him] ..” See how much we need to crave for God’ mercy and how Baha’u’llah assures us that “He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate.”
Comments:
• Let’s remind ourselves about this phrase in Paragraph 1.31:
“O Living Temple! Stretch forth Thy hand over all who are in heaven and on earth, and seize within the grasp of Thy Will the reins of command. We have, verily, placed in Thy right hand the empire of all things. Do as Thou willest, and fear not the ignorant.”
In Paragraph 1.32 we are being educated that indeed there is no way that one could “escape the sovereign power” of the Manifestation of God – whether a person accepts this fact or not is a different story. Having acknowledged this fact, one can then humbly bow down to the realization that unless he becomes the recipient of God’s “mercy”, through His Manifestation, he could find no “refuge …in this day, and no one to protect …[him] ..” See how much we need to crave for God’ mercy and how Baha’u’llah assures us that “He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate.”
January 24, 2010
Paragraph 1.31
"O Living Temple! Stretch forth Thy hand over all who are in heaven and on earth, and seize within the grasp of Thy Will the reins of command. We have, verily, placed in Thy right hand the empire of all things. Do as Thou willest, and fear not the ignorant. Reach out to the Tablet that hath dawned above the horizon of the pen of Thy Lord, and take hold of it with such strength that, through Thee, the hands of all who inhabit the earth may be enabled to lay fast hold upon it. This, in truth, is that which becometh Thee, if Thou be of those who understand. Through the upraising of Thy hand to the heaven of My grace, the hands of all created things shall be lifted up to their Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Gracious. Erelong shall We raise up, through the aid of Thy hand, other hands endued with power, with strength and might, and shall establish through them Our dominion over all that dwell in the realms of revelation and creation. Thus will the servants of God recognize the truth that there is none other God beside Me, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. With these hands, moreover, We shall both bestow and withhold, though none can understand this save those who see with the eye of the spirit."
Comments:
• It will be helpful if we took a minute and reminded ourselves about the Entity that speaks with the voice of God in this paragraph. It was explained with respect to Paragraph 1.17 that there is a very interesting explanation about this in volume 3 of Adib Taherzadeh’s Revelation of Baha’u’llah: “Throughout the Tablet, the Pen of the Most High addresses the Haykal (Temple) and reveals the glory and majesty with which it is invested. In answer to a question, Bahá'u'lláh has stated that the Haykal which is addressed in this Surih is the Person of Bahá'u'lláh, and so is the voice which addresses the Haykal. It is fascinating to know that the One Who speaks with the voice of God in this Tablet is identical with the One spoken to. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 3, p. 133). In other words, as we explored in relation to Paragraph 1.7, it is the Primal Will of God that is speaking to Baha’u’llah through Baha’u’llah!
• Paragraph 1.31 educates us about the power and authority of the Manifestation of God.:
o Their “hand” is “over all who are in heaven and on earth”;
o “the reins of command” is seize[d] within the grasp of .. [Their] Will”;
o “in .. [Their] right hand” is “placed … the empire of all things”; and
o They can “Do” as they “will”!
It’s amazing, isn’t it!
• We also notice that Baha’u’llah is being advised not to “fear … the ignorant”. Let’s explore this point a bit by first posing a question: who is defined as being “ignorant” and then why should the Manifestation of God be told not to fear him. Knowing the fact that all we could do, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, is to arrive at a “partial and imperfect understanding” (The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 389), of the issues involved, let’s consult the Writings on these two points.
Comments:
• It will be helpful if we took a minute and reminded ourselves about the Entity that speaks with the voice of God in this paragraph. It was explained with respect to Paragraph 1.17 that there is a very interesting explanation about this in volume 3 of Adib Taherzadeh’s Revelation of Baha’u’llah: “Throughout the Tablet, the Pen of the Most High addresses the Haykal (Temple) and reveals the glory and majesty with which it is invested. In answer to a question, Bahá'u'lláh has stated that the Haykal which is addressed in this Surih is the Person of Bahá'u'lláh, and so is the voice which addresses the Haykal. It is fascinating to know that the One Who speaks with the voice of God in this Tablet is identical with the One spoken to. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 3, p. 133). In other words, as we explored in relation to Paragraph 1.7, it is the Primal Will of God that is speaking to Baha’u’llah through Baha’u’llah!
• Paragraph 1.31 educates us about the power and authority of the Manifestation of God.:
o Their “hand” is “over all who are in heaven and on earth”;
o “the reins of command” is seize[d] within the grasp of .. [Their] Will”;
o “in .. [Their] right hand” is “placed … the empire of all things”; and
o They can “Do” as they “will”!
It’s amazing, isn’t it!
• We also notice that Baha’u’llah is being advised not to “fear … the ignorant”. Let’s explore this point a bit by first posing a question: who is defined as being “ignorant” and then why should the Manifestation of God be told not to fear him. Knowing the fact that all we could do, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, is to arrive at a “partial and imperfect understanding” (The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 389), of the issues involved, let’s consult the Writings on these two points.
January 15, 2010
Paragraph 1.30
O Pen of Eternity! Grieve not at the things that have befallen Thee, for erelong shall God raise up a people who will see with their own eyes and will recall Thy tribulations. Withhold Thy pen from the mention of Thine enemies, and bestir it in the praise of the Eternal King. Renounce all created things, and quaff the sealed wine of My remembrance. Beware lest Thou become occupied with the mention of those from whom naught save the noisome savours of enmity can be perceived, those who are so enslaved by their lust for leadership that they would not hesitate to destroy themselves in their desire to emblazon their fame and perpetuate their names. God hath recorded such souls in the Preserved Tablet as mere worshippers of names. Recount then that which Thou hast purposed for this Temple, that its signs and tokens may be made manifest upon earth, and that the brightness of this Light may illumine the horizons of the world and cleanse the earth from the defilement of those who have disbelieved in God. Thus have We set down the verses of God and made plain the matter unto those who understand.
Comments:
• It is such a refreshing concept to view the Entity that is being progressively manifested to humanity through various Manifestations of God as the “Pen of Eternity”. It reinforces the ongoing process of the revelation of the Word of God as being eternal -- time without end.
• Baha’u’llah foresees a time when God would have raised up “a people who will see with their own eyes and will recall Thy tribulations.” To “see” with one’s “own eyes” and to “recall” the “tribulations” of the Manifestation of God are two very interesting points to reflect on.
• We know that the Baha’i Faith upholds the principle of independent investigation of truth and that one needs to go through this process to become a Baha’i. For example:
Comments:
• It is such a refreshing concept to view the Entity that is being progressively manifested to humanity through various Manifestations of God as the “Pen of Eternity”. It reinforces the ongoing process of the revelation of the Word of God as being eternal -- time without end.
• Baha’u’llah foresees a time when God would have raised up “a people who will see with their own eyes and will recall Thy tribulations.” To “see” with one’s “own eyes” and to “recall” the “tribulations” of the Manifestation of God are two very interesting points to reflect on.
• We know that the Baha’i Faith upholds the principle of independent investigation of truth and that one needs to go through this process to become a Baha’i. For example:
January 11, 2010
Paragraph 1.29
"By the One in Whose hand is My soul! We were dismayed by his deceitfulness -- nay, bewildered were all things visible and invisible. Nor did he find respite from what he harboured in his bosom until he had committed that which no pen dare describe, and by which he disgraced the dignity of My station and profaned the sanctity of God, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised. Were God to turn all the oceans of the earth into ink and all created things into pens, they would not suffice Me to exhaust the record of his wrongdoings. Thus do We recount that which befell Us, that haply ye may be of them that understand."
Comments:
• One of the qualities of Mirza Yahya that the Manifestation of God brings to our attention in this paragraph is “his deceitfulness”. The dictionary defines “deceit” as “the act of representing as true what is known to be false; a dishonest action or trick; fraud or lie”. Baha’u’llah reminds us that:
“This Day the deceitful of eye, and all that men's breasts conceal, are made known and laid bare before the throne of His Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 107).
Adib Taherzadeh indicates that Baha’u’llah in one of His Tablets “explains that through His attribute 'The Concealer' He has concealed the faults and shortcomings of many deceitful men, who, as a result, have thought that the Manifestation of God was ignorant of their evil deeds. These men did not realize that through the knowledge of God Bahá'u'lláh was fully aware of their wrong-doings, but the sin-covering eye of God had not disclosed their iniquities. Only when they were about to harm the Cause of God did He expel them from His presence and cast them out from among the 'people of Baha'.” (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 2, p. 117)
Comments:
• One of the qualities of Mirza Yahya that the Manifestation of God brings to our attention in this paragraph is “his deceitfulness”. The dictionary defines “deceit” as “the act of representing as true what is known to be false; a dishonest action or trick; fraud or lie”. Baha’u’llah reminds us that:
“This Day the deceitful of eye, and all that men's breasts conceal, are made known and laid bare before the throne of His Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 107).
Adib Taherzadeh indicates that Baha’u’llah in one of His Tablets “explains that through His attribute 'The Concealer' He has concealed the faults and shortcomings of many deceitful men, who, as a result, have thought that the Manifestation of God was ignorant of their evil deeds. These men did not realize that through the knowledge of God Bahá'u'lláh was fully aware of their wrong-doings, but the sin-covering eye of God had not disclosed their iniquities. Only when they were about to harm the Cause of God did He expel them from His presence and cast them out from among the 'people of Baha'.” (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 2, p. 117)
January 5, 2010
Paragraph 1.28
"By God, besides Whom is none other God! We withstood all these trials with forbearance, and enjoined upon God's servants to show forth patience and fortitude. Removing Ourself from their midst, We took up residence in another house, that perchance the flame of envy might be quenched in Our brother's breast, and that he might be guided aright. We neither opposed him, nor saw him again thereafter, but remained in Our home, placing Our hopes in the bounty of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. When, however, he realized that his deed had been exposed, he seized the pen of calumny and wrote unto the servants of God, attributing what he had himself committed unto Mine own peerless and wronged Beauty. His purpose was none other than to inspire mischief amongst God's servants, and to instil hatred into the hearts of those who had believed in God, the All-Glorious, the All-Loving."
Comments:
• In this paragraph Baha’u’llah further explains the circumstance following Yahya’s heinous attempt to kill the Manifestation of God and the resulting commotion that it caused when the news reached the community of the believers in Adrianople – even though Baha’u’llah had advised Salmani to keep the details of the incident to himself.
• One of the Attributes of God that Baha’u’llah brings to our attention in this paragraph is the virtue of “forbearance”. Typically we may not think of God as being forbearing. When we become familiar with the circumstances of Baha’u’llah’s life and the incredible degree of immaturity that some believers exhibited, we gain some insights about this divine virtue. A virtue that we need to embrace as part of our own process of growth and maturation, patience with our own selves, as well as with respect to our expectations of and attitudes towards our fellow believers.
• As was mentioned in the comments pertaining to Paragraph 1.27, Bahá'u'lláh formally declared to Mirza Yahya as the nominee of the Báb, His claim to be 'Him Whom God shall make manifest', as foretold by the Báb. This was done by first revealing, in His own handwriting, a Tablet, called the Suriy-i-Amr (Tablet of Command) and having it delivered to Mirza Yahya by His amanuensis, Mirza Aqa jan, who was instructed by Baha’u’llah to read it aloud to Mirza Yahya and demand a conclusive reply. Here is how the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi describes this event:
Comments:
• In this paragraph Baha’u’llah further explains the circumstance following Yahya’s heinous attempt to kill the Manifestation of God and the resulting commotion that it caused when the news reached the community of the believers in Adrianople – even though Baha’u’llah had advised Salmani to keep the details of the incident to himself.
• One of the Attributes of God that Baha’u’llah brings to our attention in this paragraph is the virtue of “forbearance”. Typically we may not think of God as being forbearing. When we become familiar with the circumstances of Baha’u’llah’s life and the incredible degree of immaturity that some believers exhibited, we gain some insights about this divine virtue. A virtue that we need to embrace as part of our own process of growth and maturation, patience with our own selves, as well as with respect to our expectations of and attitudes towards our fellow believers.
• As was mentioned in the comments pertaining to Paragraph 1.27, Bahá'u'lláh formally declared to Mirza Yahya as the nominee of the Báb, His claim to be 'Him Whom God shall make manifest', as foretold by the Báb. This was done by first revealing, in His own handwriting, a Tablet, called the Suriy-i-Amr (Tablet of Command) and having it delivered to Mirza Yahya by His amanuensis, Mirza Aqa jan, who was instructed by Baha’u’llah to read it aloud to Mirza Yahya and demand a conclusive reply. Here is how the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi describes this event:
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