The Divine Art of Living

The Divine Art of ,Living

COMPILED

by MABEL HYDE PAINE

BAHA'i PUBLISHING COMMITTEE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS, U,S.A, 1944 CONTENTS PREFACE

Chapter Page 1. Trust in God 9 2. Entrance into the Kingdom 14 3. Advancing in the Immortal Realm 21 4. Prayer and Meditation 26 5. The Power of the Holy Spirit 42 6. Faith and Certitude 48 7. Healing and Health 53 Copyright, 1944 by the National Spiritual 8. Practical Applications of the Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States Spiritual Life . and Canada. 9. Detachment and Sacrifice 70 f>.pproved by the Reviewing Committee of the 10. Rectitude and Purity . National Spiritual Assembly. 77 11. Obedience and Humility . 82 PRINTED IN U. S. A. 12 . Tests and Afflictions 89 13. Learning to Know and Love God 96 14. Love and Unity 107 15. Eternal Life 122

REFERENCE NOTES THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

A Compilation

PREFACE

"Thy Word is a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet," sang the Psalmist. Jesus Christ spoke of Himself and His Teachings as "The Way, the Truth, and the Life," and said: "The words that I speak ... are spirit and life." Buddha taught His followers the "Eightfold Path." The great preoccupation of all the Mes- . sengers of God has been to guide mankind along the pathway to real life and truth. For this They have lived and suffered and given mankind words of Divine counsel and inspiration. The Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi, assures us that progress along the line of spiritual development is endless. 'Abdu'l-Baha called the "Highway of the Kingdom," "a straight and far-stretching path." It is a glorious path to follow. Such thoughts as these led the editors of World Order, the Baha'i Magazine, to arr~nge for a compilation on the "Djvine Art of Living" to appear in successive numbers of that magazine from April, 1940 through September, 1941. This book is a revision of the compilation which appeared in the magazine. The limitations of space in the magazine had tended to make the treatment deficient in some ways, and it was felt that a revision would better fulfill the original purpose. The title is borrowed from a previous compilation having the same aim and same general character, which was made by Mrs. Mary M. Rabb. Mrs. Rabb's book was much loved by many readers. She has kindly consented to the use of her title in this compilation. This is, however, a completely new compilation. The sources of the compilation are, mainly, the written words 6 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, and the written words and public addresses of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Interpreter of that Faith. In a few instances, where the source seemed reliable, reported words of 'Abdu'l-Baha have been used. There are also a few selections from the New Testament. As Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha both presented the Baha'i Teachings to the Western world as the carrying on and fulfillment of the Message of Christ it seemed fitting to include some passages from the New Testament, especially as this book will be read by those who have grown up in the Christian Faith. The chapters of the book treat of outstanding qualities which characterize holy living, goals along the shining pathway of the Kingdom. The words of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha on this a11- absorbing subject fill many volumes. It is hoped that these chapters of selections will stimulate the reader to search these scriptun's himself and thus drink deep of the very Water of Life. M. H. PAINE Urbilllil, Illinois I i

CHAPTER ONE

TRUST IN GOD

HEthem not fi ve sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows. 1 o trust in God! for His bounty is everlasting, and in His blessings for they are superb. 0 put your faith in the Almighty, for He faileth not and His goodness endureth forever! His Sun giveth light continually, and the clouds of His mercy are full of the waters of compassion with which He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him. His refreshing breeze ever carries healing in its wings to the par~hed souls of men. 2 Do not look at thy weakness; nay look at the power of thy Lord, which hath surrounded all regions. . 3 Trust in the assistance of thy Master, and ask what thou wishest of the gifts of Thy Lord, the Unconstrained. 4 If thou art seeking after spiritual tranquillity, turn thy face at all times toward the Kingdom of Abba * ... Let not thy hands tremble nor thy heart he disturbed, but rather be confident and firm in the love of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement. 5,6 Trust in God, and be unmoved by either praise or false accusations . . . depend entirely on God. 7 In all thine affairs put thy reliance in God, and commit them unto Him. 8 .. Abhi, literally, The Most Glorious One, i.e. God. , 10 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING TRUST IN GOD 11 The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are command, and contentment in His holy will and pleasure. 9 afflicted by the hands of oppressors: this contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance. In brief,-for those souls there is a recompense in another world and many details TRUST WHEN IN DIFFICULTIES are connected with this matter. For those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of the Lord is far Today, humanity is bowed down with trouble, sorrow and better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the grief, no one escapes; the world is wet with tears; but, thank growth and developme!1t of .this place of mortality. 14 God, the remedy is at our doors. Let us turn our hearts away from the world of matter and live in the spiritual world. It alone TRUST GOD RATHER THAN SELF can give us freedom. If we are hemmed in by difficulties we have These events (such as the Titanic disaster) have deeper reasons. only to call upon God, and by His great mercy we shall be helped. Their object is to teach man certain lessons. We are living in a If sorrow and adversity visit us, let us turn our faces to the Kingdom and heavenly consolation will be outpoured. day of reliance upon material conditions. Men imagine that the If we are sick and in distress let us implore God's healing, and great size and strength of a ship, perfection of machinery or the He will answer our prayer. skill of a navigator will insure safety, but these disasters some- When our thoughts are filled with the bitterness of this world, times take place that men may know that God is the real protector. If it be the will of God to protect man, a little ship may . let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of God's compassion and He will send us heavenly calm! If we are imprisoned in the material escape destruction whereas the greatest and most perfectly conworld, our spirit can soar into the Heavens and we shall be free structed vessel with the best and most skilful navigator may not survive a danger such as was present on the ocean. The purpose indeed! is that the people of the world may turn to God, the one Pro- When our days are drawing to a close let us think of the eternal tector; that human souls may rely upon His preservation and worlds, and we shaII be full of joy! 10 know that He is the real safety. These events happen in order Be not in despair, but rather smile by the mercy of thy Lord; that man's faith may be increased and strengthened. Therefore, and be not sorrowful when meeting with worldly difficulties and although we feel sad and disheartened, we must supplicate God to depressions, for they pass away-and th~ne shall be immortality turn our hearts to the Kingdom, and pray for these departed souls during ages and centuries, times and cycles. 11 with faith in His infinite mercy, so that although they have been deprived of this earthly life they may enjoy a new existence in And when I am anxious . . . I anticipate the manifestations the supreme mansions of 'the heavenly Father. of Thy bounties from all sides! 12 Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed But thou must submit to and rely upon God under all condi- man with intelligence so that he may safeguard and protect himtions and He will bestow upon thee that which is conducive to self. Therefore he must provide and surround himself with all thy well-being. Verily He is merciful and compassionate! For that scientific skill can produce. He must be deliberate, thoughthow many an affair was involved in difficulty and then was ful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship and provide straightened, and how many a problem was solved by the permis- the most experienced captain, yet withal let him rely upon God sion of God. 13 and consider God as the one keeper. 15

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12 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING TRUST IN GOD

GRACE, FORGIVENESS AND MERCY OF GOD From eternity the tokens of Thy bounty have encompassed the universe, and the splendors of Thy Most Great Name have Thou art He, 0 my God, through Whose names the sick are been shed over all created things. Deny not Thy servants the healed and the ailing are restored, and the thirsty are given drink, wonders of Thy grace. Cause them to be made aware of Thee, and the sore-vexed are tranquillized, and the wayward are guided, that they may bear witness to Thy unity, and enable them to recand the abased are exalted, and the poor are enriched, and the ognize Thee, that they may hasten towards Thee. Thy mercy ignorant are enlightened, and the gloomy are illumined, and the hath embraced the whole creation, and Thy grace hath pervaded sorrowful are cheered, and the chilled are warmed, and the down- all things. From the billows of the ocean of Thy generosity the trodden are raised up. Through Thy Name, 0 my God, all cre- seas of eagerness and enthusiasm were revealed. Thou art what ated things were stirred up, and the heavens were spread, and the Thou art. Aught except Thee is unworthy of any mention unles~ earth was established, and the clouds were raised and made to it entereth beneath Thy shadow, and gaineth admittance into rain upon the earth. This, verily, is a token of Thy grace unto Thy court. all Thy creatures. 16 Whatever betide us, we beseech Thine ancient forgiveness, and seek Thine all-pervasive grace. 20 Every existence, whether seen or unseen, 0 my Lord, testifieth that Thy mercy hath surpassed all created things, and Thy lov- TRUST IN GOD TO SEND HIS DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS'~ ing-kindness embraced the entire creation. 17 We cannot say that the Divine bounty has ceased, that the Thou are the All-Bountiful, the overflowing showers of whose glory of Divinity is exhausted or the Sun of Truth sunk into mercy have rained down upon high and low alike, and the splen- eternal sunset, into that night that is not followed by a sunrise dors of whose grace have been shed over both the obedient and and dawn, into that death which is not followed by life, into that the rebellious. 18 error which is not followed by Truth. Is it conceivable that the Sun of Reality should sink into an eternal darkness? No! The Wash away, then, my sins, 0 my God, by Thy grace and sun was created in order that it may shed light upon the world bounty, and reckon me among such as are not overtaken by fear and train all the kingdoms of existence. How then can the ideal nor put to grief. 19 Sun of Truth, the Word of God, set forever? For this would o Thou Who art the All-Knowing! Wayward though we be, mean the cessation of the divine bounty, and the divine bounty we still cling to Thy bounty; and though ignorant, we still set by its very nature is continuous and ceaseless. Its sun is ever shinour faces toward the ocean of Thy wisdom. Thou art that All- ing, its cloud is ever proqucing rain, its breezes are ever blowing, Bountiful Who art not deterred by a multitude of sins from its bestowals are all-comprehending, its gifts are ever perfect. vouchsafing Thy bounty, and the flow of Whose gifts is not Consequently we must always anticipate, always be hopeful and arrested by the withdrawal of the peoples of the world. From pray to God that He will send unto us His Holy Manifestations* eternity the door of Thy grace hath remained wide open. A dew- in their most perfect might, with the Divine penetrative power of drop out of the ocean of Thy mercy is able to adorn all things His Word. 21 with the ornament of sanctity, and a sprinkling of the waters of * i.e. great world prophets. "Manifestations" when spelled with a capital "M" signi- Thy bounty can cause the entire creation to attain unto true fies in these pages a divinely perfect master who manifests the attributes of God as a wealth . . . . pure polished mirror reflects the lun. ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD 15 the latter sees the world of the Kingdom. The former's judgment is temporary, while the latter's vision is everlasting. . . . 3 Spiritual creation is rebirth, it is supreme guidance, eternal life, universal qualities, the acquirement of the all-inclusive divine perfections, and progress in all. stages of human endowments . CHAPTER Two . . . Re-creation and re-birth are progress in the stages of Divine perfections, the training of human capacities and the rising of ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD the light of God. 4

May you be given life! . . . SECOND BIRTH Turn your faces away from the contemplation of your own finite selves and fix your eyes upon the Everlasting Radiance; EXCEPT a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of then will your souls receive in full measure the divine power of God . . . . the Spirit and the blessings of the Infinite Bounty. ; Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. . . . HAPPINESS AND POWER That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 1 I was happy in imprisonment. I was in the utmost elation, for I was not a criminal, they had imprisoned me in the path of God. Although the life of the creature is called life, in reality, com- . . . I was happy that-praise be to God-I was a prisoner in the pared to the life of the children (of the Kingdom) it is not life; Cause of God, that my life was not wasted, that it was spent in on the contrary it is death. the Divine service. Nobody who saw me imagined that I was in For instance a mineral substance contains life, but this life prison. They beheld me in the utmost joy, complete thankfulcompared to the life of the vegetable is death; in like manner, the ness and health, paying no attention to the prison. 6 life of the vegetable compared to the life of an animal is death; in like manner the life of human beings compared to the life of the At another time 'Abdu'l-Baha described His imprisonment in children of the Kingdom is death. As His Holiness Christ said, such words as these: "Let the dead bury their dead, because he who is born of the flesh The soul of man must be happy no matter where he is. One is flesh and he who is born of the Spirit is spirit." must attain to that condition of inward beatitude and peace, then Therefore it is evident that life (in its true sense) is the life of outward circumstances will not alter his spiritual calmness and the spirit, and that life is the love of God, divine inspiration, joyousness. No one can imagine a worse place than the barracks spiritual joys, and glad tidings of God. Seek, 0 servant of God, of 'Akka.'~ The climate was bad, the water was no better .. The this life until day and night you remain in limitless joy. 2 surroundings were filthy, the treatment of the officials was unbearable and we were looked upon as the enemies of religion and Know thou, verily, God hath preferred the insight to the sight; corrupters of morals. The government had given an order that because the sight sees the ,material things, while the insight appre- • The prison in Palestine to which Baha'u'llah and His family and some Baha'is hends the spiritual. The former witnesses the earthly world, while were sent in 1868.

ii", ;..tIlr~ . 16 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING ENTRANCE INTO' THE KINGDOM OF GOD 17 during the stay in 'Akk:i no one must talk with us and we must mals is more simple than that of man. Animals have all their not talk with each other. needs supplied for them. All the grasses of the meadows are free When we arrived in 'Akk:i it was found there were not enough to them. The birds build their nests in the branching trees and rooms in the barracks to imprison us separately so they put us all the palaces of kings are not so beautiful. If earthly needs are all, in two rooms with no furniture at all. The court of the barracks then the animals are better supplied than man. But man has had a most gloomy aspect. There were three or four fig trees, over another food, the heavenly manna of the knowledge of God. All the branches of which several ominous owls screeched all night. the Divine prophets and Manifestations appeared in the world Evervone got sick, and there were neither provisions nor medi- that this heavenly manila might be given to man. This is the cine.' At the entrance of the barracks there was an undertaker's food which fosters spiritual growth and strength and causes pure room. It was a horrible room, yet I lived there two years, with illumination in the souls of men. They become filled with the the utmost happiness. Up to that period I had not had time to breaths of the Holy Spirit. They increase in the knowledge of read the Qu,dn from first to last, but then I had ample time and God and those virtues which belong to the world of humanity. used to read this holy book with fervor and enthusiasm. Going They attain to the very image and likeness of God. over the incidents and events of the lives of former prophets and God created in us a divine holy spirit-the human spirit with finding how parallel they were with that of Baha'u'll:ih I was its intellectual powers which are above the powers of nature. By consoled and encouraged. I would read for instance the follow- this we enjoy the ecstasies of the spirit and see the world illuing verse: "How thoughtless are the people! Whenever a prophet mined. The tree and the stone have not this power; they have no is sent to them they either ridicule Him or persecute Him." And mind or soul; therefore they are excused. We are not excused. then I would read this verse, "Verily, our host is victorious over This power gives man effectual control over nature. He is enabled them." I was very happy all the time because I was a free man. to discover reality and bring invisible things into the courts of Shut off in that room, my spirit traveled throughout the im- the visible. Thus he is enabled to render effective the will of God mensity of space. 7 and give it material station. This is what is meant by Baha'u'll:ih Then know, 0 thou virtuous soul, that as soon as thou be- when He said, "Verily We have created you rich, why have ye comest separated from aught else save God and dost cut thyself made yourselves poor?" And Jesus Christ when He said, "The from the worldly things, thy heart will shine with the lights of Father is in· Me and I in you." It was this power which through divinity and with the effulgence of the Sun of Truth from the Baha'u'llah said, "Noble have I created you, why do ye degrade horizon of the Realm of Might, and then thou wilt be filled by yourselves?" This power distinguishes you above all other creathe spirit of power from God and become capable of doing that tures, why do you devote it only to your material conditions? which thou desirest. This is the confirmed truth. 8 This is that which should be used for the acquisition and manifestation of the bounties of God, that ye may establish the King- When a man is thirsty he drinks water. When he is hungry he dom of God among men and attain to happiness in both worlds, eats food. But if a man be not thirsty, water gives him no the visible and the invisible. 9 pleasure and if his hunger be already satisfied, food is distasteful to him. Know thou that there are two kinds of happiness, spiritual and This is not so with spiritual enjoyments. Spiritual enjoyments material. bring always joy. The love of God brings endless happiness. As to material happiness, it never exists; nay, it is but imagina- These are joys in themselves and not alleviations. The life of ani- tion, an image reflected in mirrors, a specter and shadow. Con- 18 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF Goo 19 sider the nature of material happiness. It is something which but for the reality of human existence. The forces and powers necslightly removes one's afflictions; yet the people imagine it to be essary for this world were bestowed upon him in that limited joy, delight, exultation and blessing. All the material blessings, condition. In this world he needed eyes; he received them potenincluding food, drink, etc., tend only to allay thirst, hunger and tially in the other. He needed ears; he obtained them there in fatigue. They bestow no delight on the mind nor pleasure on the readiness and preparation for his new existence. The powers soul; nay they furnish only the bodily wants. So this kind of requisite in this world were conferred upon him in the world happiness has no real existence. . of the matrix. As to spiritual happiness, this is the true basis of the hfe of Therefore in this world he must prepare himself for the life man, for life is created for happiness, not for sorrow; for pleasure, beyond. That which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must not for grief. Happiness is life; sorrow is death. Spiritual happi- be obtained here. Just as he prepared himself in the world of the ness is life eternal. This is a light which is not followed by dark- matrix by acquiring forces necessary in this sphere of existence, ness. This is an honor which is not followed by shame. This is a so likewise the indispensable forces of the divine existence must be life that is not followed by death. This is an existence that is not potentially obtained in this world. followed by annihilation. This great blessing and precious gift What is he in need of in the Kingdom, which transcends the is obtained by man only through the guidance of God. life and limitation of this mortal sphere? That world beyond is a This happiness is the fundamental basis from which ma~ is world of sanctity and radiance; therefore it is necessary that in created, worlds are originated, the contingent beings have eXIst- this world he should acquire these divine attributes. In that world ence and the world of God appears like unto the appearance of there is need of spirituality, faith, assurance, the knowledge and the sun at mid-day. love of God. These he must attain in this world so that after his This happiness is but the love of God . . . , . ascension from the earthly to the heavenly Kingdom he shall find Were it not for this happiness the world of existence would not all that is needful in that life eternal ready for him. have been created. 10 That divine world is manifestly a world of lights; therefore o Son of Man! Rejoice in the gladness of thine heart, that thou man has need of illumination here. That is a world of love; the mayest be worthy to meet Me and to mirror forth My beauty. 11 love of God is essential. It is a world of perfection; virtues or perfections must be acquired. That world is vivified by the breaths This is the day of rejoicing and the hour of ecstasy! This is the of the Holy Spirit; in this world we must seek them. That is the season of the dead arising from the graves and gathering together! kingdom of life everlasting; it must be attained during this And this is the promised time for the attainment of plenteous vanishing existence. grace. By what means can man acquire these things? How shall he Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of obtain these merciful gifts and powers? First, through the light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heart and through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, soul, shining brightly. 12 through self-sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness. Unless he acquires these NEED OF CAPACITY forces and attains to these requirements he will surely be deprived In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the . of the life that is eternal. But if he possesses the knowledge. of world of the matrix. There he received capacity and endowment God, becomes ignited through the fire of the love of God, be- 20 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

comes the cause of love among mankind, and lives in the utmost state af sanctity and holiness, he shall surely attain to second birth be baptized by the Holy Spirit and enjoy everlasting exist:nce. 13 A PRAYER BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA

o Thou the Compassionate God! Bestow upon me a heart CHAPTER THREE which, like unto glass, may be illumined with the light .of Thy love, and confer upon me a thought which may change this world ADY ANCING TOW ARD THE IMMORTAL REALM into a rose-garden through the spiritual bounty. Thou art the Compassionate, the Merciful! Thou art the Great Beneficent God! 14 o SON of Love! Thou art but one step away from the glorious heights' above and from the celestial tree of love. Take thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm and enter the pavilion of eternity. Give ear then to that which hath been revealed by the Pen of Glory. 1

o Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My lovingkindness. Set it then before thine eyes. 2

Therefore it is our duty in this radiant century to investigate the essentials of Divine religion, seek the realities underlying the oneness of humanity and discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind in the heavenly bond of love.' 3 I beg of God that the divine light which is spoken of in the Twelfth Chapter of John may shed its rays upon thee forever so that thou mayest always be in light. The life of man in this world is short and will soon draw to an end. Consequently one must appreciate (or count as gain) every breath (or moment) of his life and endeavor in that which is conducive to eternal ~~ 4 22 TrW DIVINE ART OF LIVING ADVANCING TOWARD THE IMMORTAL REALM 23

o Son of Being! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou Now why should he pollute this pure mantle with the stain of art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come selfish desires, and exchange this eternal honor for the lowest upon thee, and thou shalt be called to give account for thy depths of baseness? . . . deeds. 5 By the details which we have already explained we have endeavored to show that the glory, happiness, honor and peace of A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the man do not consist in personal wealth, but on the contrary in earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause or perceived its sublimity of soul, nobility of resolution, extension of education motive. Consider the people of the West. Witness how, in their and in the solution of the problem of life. . . . "Verily in the pursuit of that which is vain and trivial, they have sacrificed, and souls of men lieth their only glory." 8 are still sacrificing, countless lives for the sake of its establishment and promotion . . . . 0 friends! Be not careless of the . You ask if, through the appearance of the Kingdom of God, virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful every soul hath been saved. The Sun of Reality hath appeared to of your high destiny. Suffer not your labors to be wasted through all the world. This luminous appearance is salvation and life; th~ I';'lin im,l.gin;n:ol1s which ccrt:tin hearts have deviscd. 6 but only he who hath opened the eye of reality and who hath seen these lights will be saved. 9 . . . Happy are the wise that have recognized the straight path of God :tnd turned unto His Kingdom; happy are the glad al1(j sincerc, the lamps of whose hearts burn with the knowledge THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIVES of the All-Merciful and are protected by self-abnegation from I bear witness, 0 my God, that Thou hast created me to know the rough winds of tests and sorrows; happy are the brave whose Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my hearts the power of the oppressor cannot daunt; happy are the powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy clear-sighted that have learned to distinguish the transitory from wealth. the eternal, that have turned their faces to the Imperishable and There is none other God but Thee, the Help-in-Peril, the Sel£- are named ;lmong the Immortals in the realm of power and Subsisting. 10 glory. . . . 7 The purpose of God in creating man hath been, and will ever How noble and excellent is man, if he only attain to that state be, to enable him to know his Creator and to attain His Presence. for which he was designed. And how mean and contemptible, To this most excellent aim, this supreme objective, all the heavif he close his eyes to the public weal, and spend his preciolls enly Books and the divinely-revealed and weighty Scriptures uncapacities on personal and selfish ends. The greatest happiness equivocally bear witness: 11 lies in the happiness of others . . . . Unhappily they imagine that greatness and glory follow on According to the words of the Old Testament, God has said, the accumulation of worldly riches and similar vanities. Now "Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." This indiclearly consider! If a man gives a thought he will see that the cates that man is of the image and likeness of God; that is to say, omnipotwt God has distinguished him from amongst His crea- the perfections of God, the divine virtues are reflected or revealed tures bv the dress of honor, of virtue and intelligence. . . . in the human reality. Just as the light and effulgence of the sun Man ha~ become the spring of divine wonders and the center of when cast upon a polished mirror are reflected fully, gloriously, the mysteries of the heavenly Kingdom. so likewise the qualities and attributes of divinity are radiated 24 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING ADVANCING TOWARD THE IMMORTAL REALM 25 from the depths of a pure human heart. This is an evidence that Wherefore it is incumbent upon all Baha'is to ponder this very man is the most noble of God's creatures. . . . delicate and vital matter in their hearts, that, unlike other reli- Let us now discover more specifically how he is the image and gions, they may not content themselves with the noise, the likeness of God and what is the standard or criterion by which he clamor, the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay, rather, they can be measured and estimated. This standard can be no other should exemplify in every aspect of their lives those attributes than the divine virtues which are revealed in him. Therefore and virtues that are born of God and should arise to distinguish every man imbued with divine qualities, who reflects heavenly themselves by their goodly behavior They should justify their moralities and perfections, who is the expression of ideal and claim to be Baha'is by deeds and not by name. He is a true praiseworthy attributes, is verily in the image and likeness of Baha'i who strives by day and by night to progress and advance God. 12 along the path of human endeavor, whose most cherished desire Man is said to be the greatest representative of God, he is the is so to live and act as to enrich and illuminate the world, whose Book of Creation because all the mysteries of being exist in him. source of inspiration is the essence of Divine virtue, whose aim in If he comes under the shadow of the True Educator and is rightly life is so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite progress. trained, he becomes the essence of essences, the light of lights, the Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts can it be said of spirit of spirits; he becomes the center of the divine appearances, him t~at he is a true Baha'i. For in this holy Dispensation, the the source of spiritual qualities, the rising place of heavenly lights crownmg glory of bygone ages, and cycles, true Faith is no mere and the receptacle of divine inspirations. If he is deprived of this ackno~ledgm~llt of the Unity of God, but the living of a life education he becomes the manifestation of satanic qualities, the that wdl mal11fest all the perfections and virtues implied in such sum of animal vices, and the source of all dark conditions. 13 belief. , . . 14 o army of life! East and West have joined to worship stars of A PRAYER BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA faded splendor and have turned in prayer unto darkened horizons. Both have utterly neglected the broad foundation of God's o Lord, I have turned my face unto Thy Kingdom of onesacred laws, and have grown unmindful of the merits and virtues ness and am drowned in the sea of Thy mercy! 0 Lord, of His religion. They have regarded certain customs and conven- enlighten my sight by, beholding Thy lights in this dark night tions as the immutable basis of the Divine Faith, and have firmly and make me happy WIth the wine of Thy love in this wonderful established themselves therein. They have imagined themselves age! 0 Lord, make me hear Thy call and open before my face as having attained the glorious pinnacle of achievement and pros-' the doors of Thy heaven, so that I may see the light of Thy glory perity when in reality they have touched the innermost depths of and become attracted to Thy beauty! heedlessness and deprived themselves wholly of God's bountiful Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Generous the Merciful the gifts. Forgiving! " 15 The corner-stone of the religion of God is the acquisition of the Divine perfections and the sharing in His manifold bestowals. The essential purpose of Faith and Belief is to ennoble the inner being of man with the outpourings of grace from on high. If this be not attained, it is indeed deprivation itself. It is the torment of infernal fire. PRAYER AND MEDITATION 27 The wisdom of prayer is this, that it causes a connection between the servant and the True One, because in that state of prayer man with all his heart and soul turns his face towards His Highness the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and compassion. The greatest happiness for a lover is CHAPTER FOUR to converse with his beloved, and the greatest gift for a seeker is to become familiar with the object of his longing. That is why PRAYER AND MEDITATION the greatest hope of every soul who is attracted to the kingdom of God is to find ,an opportunity to entreat and supplicate at the BENEFITS OF PRAYER ocean of His utterance, goodness and generosity. Besides all this, prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening N TO thy question, "Why pray? What is the wisdom there~f, and mindfulness and is conducive to protection and preservation from tests. 2 for God has established everything and executes all affaIrs· after the best order and He ordains everything according to a Your faces shall be enlightened with the radiance of supplicabecoming measure and puts things in their pla~es wit? the tion to God (and) in vocation to Him. 3 greatest propriety and perfection-therefore what IS the wisdom Know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, in beseeching and supplicating and in stating one's wants and and His kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a seeking help?" Know thou, verily, it is becoming of a weak one paradise of His happiness. 4 to supplicate to the strong One and it behoveth a seeker o~ bounty to beseech the glorious, bountiful One. When one s~pphcates t? Iiow TO PRAY his Lord turns to Him and seeks bounty from HIS ocean this Trust in the favors of thy Lord; supplicate unto Him and besupplica~ion is by itself a light to his .heart, a~ ill~mination to his seech in the middle of the night and at early morn just as a sight, a life to his soul and an exaltatIOn to his bemg. . . needy and captive one beseeches. It is incumbent upon thee to Therefore during thy supplications· to God an~ thy recltmg, turn unto the Kingdom of God and to pray, supplicate and in- "Thy name is my healing," consider how thy heart IS cheered, ~hy voke during all times. This is the means by which thy soul shall soul delighted by the spirit of the love of God and ~hy mm? ascend upward to the apex of the gift of God. 5 attracted to the kingdom of God! By these attractions one s Know that nothing will benefit thee in this life save supplicaability and capacity increase. When the vessel is widened the tion and invocation unto God, service in His vineyard, and,with water increaseth and when the thirst grows the bounty of the a heart full of love, to be in constant servitude unto Him. 6 cloud becomes agreeable to the taste of man. This is the mystery Blessed is the man that hath, on the wings of longing, soared of supplication and the wisdom of stating one's wants. 1. towards God, the Lord of the Judgment Day. 7 o thou spiritual friend! Thou hast asked the wis~om of Set all thy hope in God and cleave tenaciously to His unfailing prayer. Know thou that prayer is indispensable and obhgatory mu~ 8 and man under no pretext whatsoever is excused therefrom unless o Son of Light! Forget all save Me and commune with My he be mentally unsound or an insurmountable obstacle prevent spirit. This is the essence of My command, therefore turn him. unto it. 9 28 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAYER AND MEDITATION 29 Turn your faces away from the contemplation of your own my Shelter in my woes! My Asylum and Refuge in time of need finite selves and fix your eyes upon the Everlasting Radiance; and in my loneliness my Companion! In my anguish my Solace, then will your souls receive in full measure the Divine power of and in my solitude a loving Friend. The Remover of the pangs the Spirit and the blessings of the Infinite Bounty. 10 of my sorrows and the Pardoner of my sins! o Son of Spirit! Ask not of Me that which We desire not for Wholly unto Thee do I turn, fervently imploring Thee with thee, then be content with what We have ordained for thy sake, all my heart, my mind and my tongue, to shield me from all that for this is that which profiteth thee, if therewith thou dost con- runs counter to Thy will, in this, the Cycle of Thy Divine Unity, tent thyself. 11 and to cleanse me of all defilement that will hinder me from seeking, stainless and unsullied, the shade of the tree of Thy grace. Commit thyself to God; give up thy will and choose that of Have mercy, 0 Lord, on the feeble, make whole the sick, and God; abandon thy desire and lay hold on that of God. 12 quench the burning thirst. The truest adorning (of the human heart) is the recognition Gladden the bosom wherein the fire of Thy love doth smolder of the truth that "He doeth whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth and set it aglow with the flame of Thy celestial love and spirit. that which He pleaseth." 13 Robe the Tabernacles of Divine Unity with the vesture of Draw nigh unto God and persevere in (thy) communion with holiness and set upon my head the crown of Thy favor. (or prayer to) thy Lord, so that the fire of God's love may glow Illumine my face with the radiance of the Orb of Thy bounty more luminously in the heart, its heat grow stronger and give and graciously aid me in ministering at Thy holy threshold. warmth to that region and its sound reach the Supreme Con- Make my heart overflow with love for Thy creatures and grant course. 14 that I may become the sign of Thy mercy, the token of Thy o thou advancer toward the Kingdom! Endeavor thou day by grace; the promoter of concord amongst Thy loved ones, devoted day to increase thy yearning and attraction so that the attitude unto Thee, uttering Thy commemoration, and forgetful of self but ever mindful of what is Thine. of supplication and prayer may be realized more often. 15 o God! my God! Stay not from me the gentle gales of Thy I render Thee thanks, 0 Thou Who hast lighted Thy fire pardon and grace and deprive me not of the wellsprings of Thine within my soul, and cast the beams of light into my heart, that aid and favor. Thou hast taught Thy servants how to make mention of Thee, 'N eath the shade of Thy protecting wings let me nestle, and ,1I1d revealed unto them the ways whereby they can supplicate cast upon me the glance of Thine all-protecting eye. Thee, through Thy most holy and exalted tongue, and Thy most Loo~e my tongue. to l.aud Thy Name amidst Thy people, that august and precious speech. But for Thy leave, who is there that my VOIce may be raised 111 great assemblies and from my lips may could venture to express Thy might and Thy grandeur; and were stream the flood of Thy praise. it not for Thine instruction, who is the man that could discover Thou art, in all truth, the Gracious, the Glorified, the Mighty, the ways of Thy pleasure in Thy creation? 16 the Omnipotent! 17 A PRAYER OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA's In the Name of the Lord! Two PRAYERS OF THE BAB o Lord, my God and my Haven in my distress! My Shield and Is there any remover of difficulties save God! Say, Praise be to r 30 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING I PRAYER AND MEDITATION 31 God! He is God! All are His servants and all are standing by May your eyes be opened to see the signs of the Kingdom of His cOlllll1and. God, and may your ears be unstopped so that you may hear with a perfect understanding the heavenly Proclamation sounding Say, God sufficeth all things above all things. and nothing in in your midst. the heavens or in the earth but God sufficeth. Verily, He is in May your souls receive help and comfort, and, being so Himself, the Knower, the Sustainer, the Omnipotent. 18 strengthened, may they be enabled to live in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'IIah. ~HAT TO PRAY FOR I pray for each and all that you may be as flames of love in the Grid and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent world, and that the brightness of your light and the warmth of to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting. your affection may reach the heart of every sad and sorrowing ~hile a man is happy he may forget his God; but when grief child of God. 23 comes and sorrows overwhelm him, then will he remember his Father ~ho is in Heaven, and ~ho is able to deliver him from ~aft, then, unto me, 0 my God and my Beloved, from the his humiliations. 19 right hand of Thy mercy and loving-kindness, the holy breaths of Thy favors, that they may draw me away from myself and Endeavor and supplicate and pray God that, day unto day, thy from the world unto the courts of Thy nearness and Thy presii.rmness and steadfastness may grow and that thy countenance ence. Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. 24 may radiate through the light of guidance. 20 ANSWERS TO PRAYER Pray to God that He may strengthen you in divine virtue, so that YOll may be as angels in the world, and beacons of light to You have asked concerning approval of Christian Science treatdisclosl: the mysteries of the Kingdom to those with understand- ment and healing. Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect. ing hearts. 21 Therefore we pray "0 God! heal this sick one!" Perchance God will answer. Does it matter who prays? God will answer the Forget all else save God, be in communion with Him, supplipraye~ ?f .every servant if that prayer is urgent. His mercy is cate and pray to Him to'make thee conqueror over the material vast, IllImItable. He answers the prayers of all His servants. He things, impressed by the bounties of the Kingdom, commemorating the name of thy Lord, pure from all else save Him, and answers the prayer of this plant. The plant prays potentially "0 God! send me rain!" God answers the prayer and the plant imbued with the spiritual attributes of those who are holy . . . then shall thy breaths have effect upon the hearts. . . . 22 g.rows. God will answer anyone. He answers prayers potentIally. . . . . Day and night I pray to Heaven for you that strength may be . . . Did we not pray potentially for needed blessings before yours, and that, one and all, you may participate in the blessings we were created? ~hen we came into this world did we not find of Baha'u'IIah, and enter into the Kingdom. our prayers answered? Did we not find mother, father food I supplicate that you may become as new beings illumined li$ht, home and every other necessity and blessing, altho~gh w~ with the Divine Light . . . and that from one end of Europe to dId nol' actually ask for them? Therefore it is natural that God the other the knowledge of the love of God may spread. will give to us when we ask Him. His mercy is all-encircling. May this boundless love so fill your hearts and minds that sad- But we ask for things which the divine wisdom does not desire ness may find no room to enter. for us and there is no answer to our prayer. . . . ~e pray, "0 32 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAYER AND MEDITATION 33 God! make me wealthy!" If this prayer were univ{!rsally an- Thou disappointest no one who hath sought Thee, nor dost swered, human affairs would be at a standstill. There would be Thou keep back from Thee anyone who hath desired Thee. none left to work in the streets, none to till the soil, none to build, Ordain Thou for me what becometh the heaven of Thy genernone to run the trains. . . . The affairs of the world would be osity, and the ocean of Thy bounty. Thou art, verily, the interfered with, energies crippled and progress hindered. But Almighty, the Most Powerful. 27 whatever we ask for, which is in accord with divine wisdom, God will answer. Regarding thy question about the morning prayer. Both For instance, a very feeble patient may ask the doctor to give meanings are included in the word dawn (morning)-the him food which would be positively dangerous to his life and con- natural dawn, and the dawn of the Kingdom. 28 dition. He may beg for roast meat. The doctor is kind and wise. He knows it would be dangerous to his patient so he refuses to WHEN TO PRAY allow it. The doctor is merciful; the patient ignorant. Through When a soul rises in the morning from sleep, before everythe doctor's kindness the patient recovers; his life is saved. Yet thing else he must commemorate the name of God in order that the patient may cry out that the doctor is unkind, not good, he may obtain spirituality and illumination. 29 because he refuses to answer his pleading. God is merciful. In His mercy He answers the prayers of all At the dawn of every day he (the true seeker) should commune His servants when according to His supreme wisdom it is nec- with God, and with all his soul persevere in the quest of his essary. 25 Beloved. 30 A servant is drawn unto Me through prayers until I answer Supplication to God at morn and eve is conducive to the joy Him; and when I have answered his prayers, I become the ear of hearts and prayer causes spirituality and fragrance. Thou wherewith he heareth. 26 shouldst necessarily continue therein. 31 I give praise unto Thee, 0 my God, that Thou hast awakened Trust in the favors of Thy Lord; supplicate unto Him and beme out of my sleep, and brought me forth after my disappear- seech in the middle of the night and at early morn just as a needy ance and raised me up from my slumber. I have wakened this and captive one beseeches. It is incumbent upon thee to turn morning with my face set toward the splendors of the Day-Star unto the Kingdom of God and to pray, supplicate and invoke of Thy Revelation, through which the Heavens of Thy power during all times. This is the means by which thy soul shall ascend and Thy majesty have been illumined, acknowledging Thy signs, upward to the apex of the gift of God. 32 believing in Thy Book, and holding fast unto Thy cord. . . . Do Thou ordain for me, 0 my Lord, the good of this world PRAYER FOR OTHERS and of the next. I testify that within Thy grasp are held the reins of all things. Thou changest them as Thou pleasest. No God is In these (warring) countries there is hardly a house free from there save Thee, the Strong, the Faithful. the sound of bitter weeping, scarcely can one ,find a home un- Thou art He Who changeth through His bidding abasement touched by the cruel hand of war. into glory, and weakness into strength, and powerlessness into Alas! we see on all sides how cruel, prejudiced and unjust is might, and fear into calm, and doubt into certainty. No God is man, and how slow he is to believe in God and follow His comthere but Thee, the Mighty, the Beneficent. mandments. 34 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAYER AND MEDITATION 35 Why is man so hard of heart? It is because he does not yet Supplication and prayer on behalf of others will surely be know God. If he had knowledge of God he could not act in effective. When hearts are united, when faces are turned towards direct opposition to His laws. If only the laws and precepts of the the Kingdom of Abha, surely enlightenment will be the result. Prophets of God had been believed, understood and followed, wars would no longer darken the face of the earth. If man had even the rudiments of justice, such a state of things As the spirit of man after putting off this material form has would be impossible. an everlasting life, certainly any existing being is capable of mak- Therefore, I say unto you pray-pray and turn your faces to ing progress; therefore it is permitted to ask for advancement, God, that He, in His infinite compassion and mercy, may help forgiveness, mercy, beneficence, and blessings for a man after his and succor these misguided ones. Pray that He will grant them death, because existence is capable of progression. That is why in spiritual understanding and teach them tolerance and mercy, that the prayers of Baha'u'llah, forgiveness and remission of sins are the eyes of their minds may be opened and that they may be asked for those who haye died. Moreover, as people in this world endued with the gift of the Spirit. . . . I beseech you all to pray are in need of God, they will also need Him in the other world. with heart and soul that this may be accomplished. 33 The creatures are always in need, and God is absolutely independent, whether in this world or in the world to come. With all his heart should the seeker avoid fellowship with evil The wealth of the other world is nearness to God. Consedoers, and pray for the remission of their sins. 34 quently it is certain that those who are near the Divine Court are Pray thou that the ill-natured become good-natured and the allowed to intercede, and this intercession is approved by God. weak become strong. 35 But intercession in the other world is not like intercession in this world: it is another thing, another reality, which cannot be ex- Reflect awhile and consider how they that are the loved ones pressed in words. 40 of God must conduct themselves, and to what heights they must soar. Beseech thou, at all times, Thy Lord, the God of Mercy, to GRA TlTUDE AND PRAISE aid them to do what He willeth. He, verily is the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious. 36 Do you realize how much you should thank God for His blesso maid-servant of God! Do beseech and pray constantly for ings? If you should thank Him a thousand times with· each 'Abdu'l-Baha and beg the confirmation and assistance of God in breath it would not be sufficient, because God has created and his behalf, because I am earnestly fond of the prayers of the maid- trained you. He has protected you from every afiliction and preservants of God in my behalf, and of their asking the blessing of pared every gift and bestowal. Consider what a kind Father He God for this servant. is. . . . He has given us a kind father and compassionate mother, I begged of God to ordain all good for thee for thy praying . .. refreshing water, gentle breezes and the sun shining above l

for 'Abdu'I-Baha. 37 our heads. In brief, He has supplied all the necessities of life ,

although we did not ask for any of these great gifts. . ... He ~~ . . . Establish a spiritual meeting-place wherefrom the incense has created us in this radiant century, a century longed for and ;1 of sanctity and purity will rise up to God, assemble there with expected by all the sanctified souls in past periods. . . . The i! fragrance and spirituality and celebrate the Name of your Lord philosophers of history have agreed that this century is equal to II by day and by night.. 38 one hundred past centuries. This is true from every standpoint. I 36 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAYER AND MEDITATION 37 This is the century of science, inventions, discoveries and uni- heaven I may remember thee, thus shall Mine eyes and thine be versallaws. This is the century of the revelation of the mysteries solaced. 46 of God. . . . Therefore you must render thanks and glorifica- I give praise to Thee, 0 my God, that the fragrance of Thy tion to God that you were born in this age. Furthermore you loving-kindness hath enraptured me, and the gentle winds of have listened to the call of Baha'u'llah. . . . You were asleep j Thy mercy hav,: inclined me in the direction of Thy bountiful you are awakened. Your ears are attentive; your hearts are infavors. 47 formed. You have acquired the love of God. You have attained to the knowledge of God. This is the most great bestowal of God. Glory be to Thee, 0 my God! The power of Thy might . . . You must appreciate the value of this bounty and engage beareth me witness! I can have no doubt that should the holy your time in mentioning and thanking the True One. You must breaths of Thy loving-kindness and the breeze of Thy bountiful live in the utmost happiness. If any trouble or vicissitude comes favor cease, for less than the twinkling of an eye, to breathe over into your lives, if your heart is d.epressed on account of health, all created things, the entire creation would perish, and all that livelihood or vocation, let not these things affect you. They are in heaven and earth would be reduced to utter nothingness. should not cause unhappiness, for Baha'u'llah has brought you Magnified, therefore, be the marvellous evidences of Thy transdivine happiness . . . . Render continual thanks unto God so cendent power! Magnified be the potency of Thine exalted that the confirmations of God may encircle you all. 41 might! Magnified be the majesty of Thine all-encompassing greatness, and the energizing influence of Thy will! 48 Be thou happy and well pleased and arise to offer thanks to God, in order that thanksgiving may conduce to the increase of Exalted art Thou above my praise and the praise of anyone bounty. 42 beside me, above my description and the description of all who are in heaven and all who are on earth! 49 Thank thou the kind Father . . . that the world of creation and the heart of the universe found comfort in His mercy. 43 Magnified be Thy name, 0 my God, for that Thou hast manifested the Day which is the King of Days, the Day which Thou Reflect upon this: What a bounty and what a favor it is that didst announce unto Thy chosen ones and Thy Prophets in 111Y the sages of the world and the wise among mankind are incompe- most excellent Tablets, the Day whereon Thou didst shed the tent of comprehension, yet the little children of the Kingdom splendor of the glory of all Thy names upon all created things. have attained the Truth, dwell and abide under the shadow of the 50 Tree of Life and are assisted by the eternal and everlasting Intone, 0 My servant, the verses of God that have been re- ~ft! « ceived by thee, as intoned -by them that have drawn nigh unto Wherefore be thankful to God, for having strengthened thee Him, that the sweetness of Thy melody may kindle thine own to aid His Cause, for having made the flowers of knowledge and soul, and attract the hearts of all men. Whoso reciteth, in the understanding to spring forth in the garden of thine heart. Thus privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering hath His grace encompassed thee, and encompassed the whole angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the of creation. Beware, lest thou allow anything whatsoever to words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every grieve thee. 45 righteous man to throb. Though he may, at first, remain unaware of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace vouchsafed unto him must o Son of Being! Make mention of Me on My earth, that in My needs sooner or later exercise its influence upon his soul. 51 r 38 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING I II PRAYER AND MEDITATION 39 I THE GRATITUDE OF BAHA'U'LLAH all sins and trespasses, and to fulfill the needs of the peoples of all Glorified art Thou, 0 my God! Thou knowest that my sole religions, and to waft the fragrances of pardon over the entire aim in revealing Thy Cause hath been to reveal Thee and not my- creation . . . I yield Thee such thanks as can satisfy the wants self, and to manifest Thy glory rather than my glory. In Thy of all such as seek Thee, and realize the aims of them that have path and to attain Thy pleasure, I have scorned rest, joy, delight. recognized Thee. I yield Thee such thanks as can blot out from the hearts of men all suggestions of limitations . . . " 55 At all times and under all conditions my gaze 'hath been fixed on Thy precepts, and mine eyes bent upon the things Thou hast bidden me observe in Thy Tablets. I have wakened every morn- MEDITATION AND THE REVEALED WORD OF GOD ing to the light of Thy praise and Thy remembrance, and reached every evening inhaling the fragrance of Thy mercy. 52 One hour's reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship. 56 Every time I lift mine eyes unto Thy heaven, I call to mind Thy highness and Thy loftiness, and Thine incomparable glory Through the faculty of meditation man attains to eternal life; and greatness; and every time I turn my gaze to Thine earth, I Through it he receives the breath of the Holy Spirit-the beam made to recognize the evidences of Thy power and the tokens stowal of the Spirit is given in reflection and meditation. of Thy bounty. And when I behold the sea, I find that it speak- This faculty of meditation frees man from the animal nature, eth to me of Thy majesty, and of the potency of Thy might, and discerns the reality of things, puts man in touch with God. of Thy sovereignty and of Thy grandeur. And at whatever time I This faculty brings forth from the invisible plane the sciences contemplate the mountains, I am led to discover the ensigns of and arts. Through the meditative faculty inventions are made Thy victory and the standards of Thine omnipotence. 5? possible, colossal undertakings are carried out; through it governments can run smoothly. Through this faculty man enters into Every trouble that hath touched me in Thy path hath added to my joy and increased my gladness. I swear by Thee, 0 Thou the very Kingdom of God. . .. ' Nevertheless some thoughts are useless to man; they are like Who art the King of Kings! None of the kings of the earth hath waves moving in the sea without result. But if the faculty of power to hinder me from remembering Thee or from extolling meditation is bathed in the inner light and characterized with Thy virtues. 54 divine attributes, the results will be confirmed. I yield Thee such thanks, as can direct the steps of the wayward The meditative faculty is akin to the mirror; if you put it betowards the splendors of the morning light of Thy guidance. fore earthly objects it will reflect them. Therefore if the spirit of . . . I yield Thee such thanks as can cause the sick to draw nigh man is contemplating earthly subjects he will be informed of 11 n to the waters of Thy healing, and can help those who are far these. trom Thee to approach the living fountain of Thy presence. But if you turn the mirror of your spirits heavenwards . . . . . . I yield Thee such thanks as can stir up all things to extol the rays of the Sun of Reality will be reflected in your hearts, and Thee . . . and can unloose the tongues of all beings to . . . the virtues of the Kingdom will be obtained. magnify Thy beauty . . . I yield Thee such thanks as can make Therefore let us keep this faculty rightly directed-turning it the corrupt tree to bring forth good fruit . . . and revive the to the heavenly Sun and not to earthly objects-so that we may bodies of all beings with the gentle winds of Thy transcendent discover the secrets of the Kingdom, and comprehend the allegrace . . . I yield Thee such thanks as can cause Thee to forgive gories of the Bible and the mysteries of the Spirit. 57 40 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAYER AND MEDITATION 41

Investigate and study the Holy Scriptures word by word so Fear God, 0 my people! Let not too much reading (of the Sacred that you may attain knowledge of the mysteries hidden therein. Word) . . . make you proud. To chant but one verse with joy Be not satisfied with words, but seek to understand the spiritual and gladness is better for you than reading all the revelations of meanings hidden in the heart of the words. . . . the omnipotent God with carelessness. Chant the Tablets of God For instance, . . . consider the symbolical meanings of the in such measure that ye be not overtaken with fatigue and dewords :lnd teachings of Christ. His Holiness said, "I am the living pression. Burden not the soul so as to cause exhaustion and bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this languor, but rather refresh it that thus it may soar on the wings bread he shall live forever." When the Jews heard this they took of revelation to the Dawning-place of proofs. This brings you it literally and failed to understand the significance of His mean- nearer to God, were ye of those who understand. S9 ing and teaching. The spiritual truth which Christ wished to Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unconvey to them was that the reality of Divinity within Him was ravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid like a blessing which had come down from heaven and that he in its depths. 60 who partook of this blessing should never die. That is to say, "bread" was the symbol of the perfections which had descended upon Him from God, and he who ate of this bread or endowed himself with the perfections of Christ would undoubtedly attain to life everlasting. The Jews did not understand Him, and taking the words literally said, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Had they understood the real meaning of the Holy Book they would have become believers in Christ. All the texts and teachings of the Holy Testaments have intrinsic spiritual meanings. They are not to be taken literally . . . . These are the mysteries of God . . . . I therefore pray in your behalf thn you may be given the power of understanding these inner real meanings of the Holy Scriptures and may become informed of the mysteries deposited in the words of the Bible so that you may attain eternal life and that your hearts may be attracted to the Kingdom of God. May your souls be illumined by the light of the words of God and may you become repositories of the mysteries of God, for no comfort is greater and no happiness is sweeter than spiritual comprehension of the Divine teachings. S8

Chant (or recite) the words of God every morning and evening. The one who neglects this has not been faithful to the Covenant of God and His agreement, and he who turns away from it today is of those who have turned away from God. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 43 the power of the Holy Spirit revived souls and established a new cycle. 1 The Divine Reality is Unthinkable, Limitless, Eternal, Immortal and Invisible. The world of creation is bound by natural law, finite and CHAPTER FIVE mortal. The Infinite Reality cannot be said to ascend or descend. It is THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT beyond the understanding of man, and cannot be described in terms which apply to the phenomenal sphere of the created WHAT Is THE HOLY SPIRIT? world. Man, then, is in extreme need of the only Power by which he is THE Holy, Sp,irit is t?e Medi~tor between God and His crea- able to receive help from the Divine Reality, that Power alone tures, It IS lIke a mIrror facmg the sun. As the pure mirror bringing him into contact with the Source of all life. receives light from the sun and transmits this bounty to others, An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes ,into relation so the Holy Spirit is the mediator of the Holy Light from the Sun with each other. Riches and poverty, plenty and need; without of Reality, which it gives to the sanctified realities. It is adorned an intermediary power the're could be no relation between these with all the divine perfections. Every time it appears the world is pairs of opposites. renewed, and a new cycle is founded. The body of the world of So we can say that there must be a Mediator between God and hu~anity puts o~ a new garment. It can be compared to the man, and this is none other than the Holy Spirit, which brings spnng; whenever It comes the world passes from one condition to the created earth into relation with the "Unthinkable One," the another. Through the advent of spring the earth becomes ver- Divine Reality. , dant and blooming, and all sorts of flowers and sweet-scented . The Divine Reality may be likened to the sun and the Holy herbs grow; the trees have new life, new fruits appear, and a new ~pirit to the rays of the sun. As the rays of the sun bring the cycle is founded. The appearance of the Holy Spirit is like this. ltght and warmth of the sun to the earth, giving life to all created Whenever it appears, it renews the world of humanity and gives beings, so do the "Manifestations" bring the power of the Holy a new spirit to the human realities; it arrays the world of exist- Spirit from the Divine Sun of Reality to give Light and Life to ence in a praiseworthy garment, dispels the darkness of ignorance the souls of men. . . . an~ causes the radiation of the light of perfections. Christ with The Holy Spirit it is, :which, through the mediation of the thIS power has renewed this cycle; the heavenly spring with the Prophets of God, teaches spiritual virtues to man and enables him utmost freshness and sweetness spread its tent in the world of to attain Eternal life. 2 humanity and the life-giving breeze perfumed the nostrils of the It is evident that the souls receive grace from the bounty of enlightened ones. the Holy Spirit which appears in the Manifestations of God, and , In the same way, the appearance of Baha'u'ltih was like a new not from the personality of the Manifestation. 3 springtime which appeared with holy breezes, with the hosts of . . . The spirit of man is not illumined and quickened everlasting life, and with heavenly power. It established the through material sources. It is not resuscitated by investigating Throne of the Divine Kingdom in the center of the world, and by phenomena of the world of matter. The spirit of man is in need r! I ! 44 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING I THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 45 of the protection of the Holy Spirit. Just as he advances by To gain control over physical bodies is an extremely easy matprogressive stages from the mere physical world of being into the ter, but to bring spirits within the bonds of serenity is a most intellectual realm, so must he develop upward in moral attributes arduous undertaking. This is not the work of everybody. It and spiritual graces. In the process of this attainment he is ever necessitates a Divine and holy potency, the potency of inspirain need of the bestowals of the Holy Spirit. Material develop- tion, the power of the Holy Spirit. For example, His Holiness ment may be likened to the glass of a lamp whereas divine virtues Christ was capable of leading spirits into that abode of serenity. and spiritual susceptibilities arc the light within the glass. The He was capable of guiding hearts into that haven of rest. From lamp chimney is worthless without the light; likewise man in his the day of His manifestation to the present time He has been material condition requires the radiance and vivification of the resuscitating hearts and quickening spirits. He has exercised that divine virtues and merciful attributes. Wilhout the presence of vivifying influence in the realm of hearts and spirits; therefore the Holy Spirit he is lifeless. Although physically and mentally His resuscitating is everlasting. In this century of the "latter alive he is spiritually dead. His Holiness Christ announced, times" Baha'u'llah has appeared and so resuscitated spirits that "That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of they have manifested powers more than human. Thousands of spirit is spirit," meaning that man must be born again. As the His followers have given their lives and while under sword, shedbabe is born into the light of this physical world so must the ding their blood, they have proclaimed "Ya-Baha'u'l-Abha!"'~ physical and intellectual man be born into the light of the world Such resuscitation is impossible except through a heavenly poof divinity. 4 tency, a power supernatural, the Divine power of the Holy Spirit. 6 ITS POWER

When Christ apeared with those marvelous breaths of the We understand that the Holy Spirit is the energizing factor Holy Spirit, the children of Israel said, "We are quite independ- in the life of man. Whosoever receives this power is able to inent of Him; we can do without Him and follow Moses; we have fluence all with whom he comes in contact. . . . a book and in it are found the teachings of God; what need The difference between spiritual philosophers and others is therefore have we of this man?" Christ said to them, "The book shown by their lives. The Spiritual Teacher shows his belief in sufficeth you not." It is possible for a man to hold to a book of his own teaching by himself being what he recommends to medicine and say, "I have no need of a doctor; I will act accord- others. i ng to the book; in it every disease is named, all symptoms are An humble man without learning, but filled with the Holy explained, the diagnosis of each ailment is completely written Spirit, is more powerful than the most profound scholar, without and a prescription for each malady is furnished; therefore out that inspiration. He :who is educated by the Divine Spirit why do I need a doctor?" This is sheer ignorance. A physician is can, in his time, lead others to receive the same Spirit. needed to prescribe. Through his skill, the principles of the book I pray for you that you may be informed by the life of the are correctly and effectively applied until the patient is restored Divine Spirit, so that you may be the means of educating others. to health. Christ was a heavenly physician. He brought spiritual The life and morals of a spiritual man are, in themselves, an eduhealth and healing into the world. Baha'u'llah is likewise a divine cation to those who know him. physician. He has revealed prescriptions for removing disease Think not of your own limitations, dwell only on the welfare from the body-politic and has remedied human conditions by spiritual power. 5 • 0 Thou Glory of the Most Gloriousl 46 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 47 of the Kingdom of Glory. Consider the influence of Jesus Christ enable thee to penetrate all things, and a Dazzling Spark which on His Apostles, then think of their effect upon the world. enlightens all sides; a Brilliant Flame in the zenith of the heavens, These simple men were enabled by the Power of the Holy will teach thee that which thou dost not know of the facts of the Spirit to spread the glad tidings! universe and of the divine doctrine. Verily, I say unto thee, So may you all receive Divine assistance! No capacity is lim- every soul that ariseth today to guide others to the path of safety ited when led by the Spirit of God! 7 and infuse into them the Spirit of Life, the Holy Spirit will inspire that soul with evidences, proofs and facts, and the lights How TO ATTRACT THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT will shine upon it from the Kingdom of God. Do not forget what I have conveyed unto thee from the breath of the Spirit. Know thou that the Messianic Spirit and the outpouring of the Verily it is the shining morn and the rosy dawn which will im- Holy Spirit is always manifest, but capacity and ability (to part unto thee the lights, reveal the mysteries and make thee receive it) is more in some and less in others. After the Cruci- competent in science, and through it the pictures of the Supreme fixion the Apostles had not in the beginning the capacity and World will be printed in thy heart and the facts of the secrets ability to witness the Messianic reality; for they were agitated. of the Kingdom of God will shine before thee. 13 But when they found firmness and steadfastness, their inner sight became opened, and they saw the reality of the Messiah as manifest. 8 A soul who is firm will become a son of the Kingdom of God and will be confirmed with the power of the Holy Spirit. 9 The Holy Spirit speaketh to the pure hearts and to the good and righteous souls in every spot of the earth . . . . Turn thyself wholly to it-thus thou shalt be enabled to ascertain its influence and power, the strength of its life and the greatness of its confirma tion. 10 Do not look at your weakness, nay, rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Verily, it maketh the weak strong, the lowly mighty, the child grown . . . and the small great. 11 The Holy Spirit breathes in this day unto the hearts which are moving, beating, pure and attracted by the love of God. 12 I now assure thee, 0 servant of God, that, if thy mind become empty and pure from every mention and thought and thy heart attracted wholly to the Kingdom of God, forgetting all else besides God and coming into communion with the Spirit of God, then the Holy Spirit will assist thee with a power which will FAITH AND CERTITUDE 49 Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that "He shall not be asked of His doings." Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief, and its very foundation. Upon it must CHAPTER SIX depend the acceptance of every goodly deed. Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not FAITH AND CERTITUDE cause you to slip. . . . He that hath acknowledged this principle will be endowed with the most perfect constancy. Such is the FAITH AN AWARENESS OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD teaching which God bestoweth upon you, a teaching which will deliver you from all manner of doubt and perplexity, and enable THE Hand of Omnipotence hath established His Revelation you to attain unto salvation in both this world and the next. He, upon an unassailable, an enduring foundation. Storms of verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Bountiful. 4 human strife are powerless to undermine its basis, nor will men's fanciful theories succeed in damaging its structure. 1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. . . . By faith we understand that the worlds I,testify, 0 my God, to that whereunto Thy chosen Ones have have been framed by the Word of God, so that what is seen hath testIfied and acknowledge that which the inmates of the all- not been made out of things which appear. . . . highest Paradise and those who have circled round Thy mighty He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is Throne have acknowledged. The kingdoms of earth and heaven a rewarder of them that seek after Him. By faith Noah, being are Thine, 0 Lord of the worlds! 2 warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an :j.rk to the saving of his house. . . . By faith Abra- SIGNS OF TRUE FAITH ham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he Although a person of good deeds is acceptable at the threshold was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing of the Almighty, yet it is first "to know" and then "to do." whither he went. By faith he became a sojourner in the land of Although a blind man produceth a most wonderful and exquisite promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac art, yet he is deprived of seeing it. Consider how most animals and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked !abor for man, draw loads and facilitate travel; yet, as they are for the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Ignorant, they receive no reward for this toil and labor. The God. By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the clQud raineth, roses and hyacinths grow; the plain and meadow, king, for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. . . . the gar~en and trees become green and blossom; yet they do And what more shall I ;ay? for the time will fail me if I tell of ~ot realIze the ;esults and outcom~ of all these. The lamp is Gideon, . . . of David and Samuel and the prophets, who lIghted, but as It hath not a conSCIOUS knowledge of itself, no through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obone hath become glad because of it. Moreover, a soul of excel- tained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power lent deeds and good manners will undoubtedly advance, from of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made whatever horizon he beholdeth the lights radiating. Herein lies strong. . . . Others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yea, the difference: By faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge, moreover of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they and second, the practice of good deeds. 3 were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the 50 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING FAITH AND CERTITUDE 51 sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins being desti- He that par taketh of the 'waters of My Revelation will t~ste. all tute, afllicted, ill-treated-of whom the world was ~ot worthy- the incorruptible delights ordained by God from the begInmng wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and the holes of that hath no beginning to the end that hath no end. 9 the earth. . . . Therefore, let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so The first sign of faith is Love. 10 gre~t a cloud of ~itnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin Verily I read thy letter, which indicated that the Truth (of whIch doth so easIly beset us, and let us run with patience the God) hath revealed itself unto thee, that thy fear is quieted and race that is set before us. 5 that thou hast attained unto composure, assuredly believing in this ~n this most resplendent Dispensation, this most mighty Sov- great Cause. ereIgnty, a number of illumined divines, of men of consummate Know thou, verily, there are many veils in which the Truth learning, of doctors of mature wisdom, have attained unto His is enveloped; gloomy veils; then delicate and transparent veils; Court, drunk the cup of His divine Presence and been invested then the envelopment of Light, the sight of which dazzles the with the honor of His most excellent fav~r. They have re- eyes. . . . 11 nounced for the sake of the Beloved the world and all that is therein. . . . ' Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracts the heavenly ~II these were guided by the light of that Sun of divine Revestrength. I hope thou wilt attain both. 12 la~lOn, confessed and acknowledged His truth. Such was their faIth that most of them renounced their substance and kindred, and cleav:d t.o the good-pleasure of the All-Glorious. They laid How Is FAITH GAINED? down theIr lIves for theIr Well-Beloved and surrendered their Rely upon God, thy God and the Lord of thy fathers. For the all in His path. Their breasts were made'targets for the darts of people are wandering in the paths of delusion, bereft of discernthe enemy, and their heads adorned the spears of the infidel. No ment to see God with their own eyes, or hear His Melody with land remained which did not drink the blood of these embodi- their own ears. 13 ments of detachment, and no sword that did not bruise their necks. Their deeds alone testify to the truth of their words. 6 . . . Every man hath been, and will continue to be, able of The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of himself to appreciate the Beauty of God, the Glorified. Had he deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is not been endowed with such a capacity, how could he be called better than his life. . . . 7 to account for his failure? If, in the day when all the peoples of the earth will be gathered" together, any man should reply and Just as the conception of faith hath existed from the beginning say: "Inasmuch as all men have erred, and none hath been found that hath no beginning, and will endure to the end that hath no willing to turn his face to the Truth, I, too, following their end, in l~ke ~~nn~r will the .true believer eternally live and en- example, have grievously failed to recognize the Beauty of the dure .. HIS spmt WIll everlastIngly circle round the Will of God. Eternal," such a plea will, assuredly, be r~jected. For the faith He wIll last as long as God Himself will last. . . . It is evident of no man can be conditioned by anyone except himself. 14 that .the loftiest man.sio~s in the Realm of Immortality have been ordaIned .as t~e ?abitatlOn of them that have truly believed in If thou wishest. the divine knowledge and recognition, purify God and In HIS SIgns. Death can never invade that holy seat. 8 thy heart from all beside God, be wholly attracted to the ideal, ttt? nre lITa hT1' ""X t

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52 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

beloved One; search for and choose Him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments. For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will be opened and will recognize the Sun through the Sun itself. Then (man) will be in no need of arguments (or proofs) , CHAPTER SEVEN for the sun is altogether independent, and absolute independence is in need of nothing, and proofs are one of the things (of which HEALING AND HEALTH absolute independence has no need). Be not like Thomas; be thou like Peter. 15 DIFFERENT KINDS OF HEALING Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker's heart, and the breeze of T HERE are two ways of he.aling sickness, materia.l means an.d spiritual means. The first IS by the use of reme~les, of .medl- His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness cines' the second consists in praying to God and 10 turmng to of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissi- Him: Both means should be used and practiced. . pated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his Illness caused by physical accident shou!d. be treated ~Ith being. 16 medical remedies' those which are due to spmtual causes dIsappear through spiritual means. Thus an illness caus~d by affliction, Verily, I beseech the Lord of Hosts to increase thy faith each fear, nervous impressions, will be healed by spiritua~ rather than day over that of the previous day. 17 by physical treatment. Hence, both kinds of r~medles should be Be confident in the bounty of thy Lord. 18 considered. Moreover they are not contradIctory, and thou shouldst accept the physical remedies as coming from the mercy Say: The first and foremost testimony establishing His truth and favor of God, Who hath revealed and made manifest medical is His own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For science so that His servants may profit from this kind of treatwhoso faileth to recognize either the one or the other He hath ment also. Thou shouldst give equal attention to spiritual established the words He hath revealed as proof of His reality treatments, for they produce marvelous effects. and truth. This is, verily, an evidence of His tender mercy unto Now, if thou wish est to know the Divine remedy which will men. He hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recog- heal man from all sickness. and will give him the health of the nize the signs of God .... He will never deal unjustly with any Divine Kingdom, know that it is the precepts and teachings of one, neither will he task a soul beyond its power. He, verily, is God. Guard them sacredly. 1 the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. 19 Should ye be attacked by illness or disease, consult skillful Faith in God, and the knowledge of Him, cannot be fully physicians. . . . realized except through believing in all that hath proceeded from Do not neglect medical treatment when it is necessary, but Him (the Manifestation), and by practicing all that He hath leave it off when health has been restored. Treat disease through commanded and all that is revealed in the Book from the diet, by preference, refraining from the use of drugs; and if you Supreme Pen. 20 find what is required in a single herb, do not resort to a comn HEALING AND HEALTH 55 54 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

pounded medicament . . . . Abstain from drugs when the health nervous excitement is produced, which will make the malady en- ~. ' is good, but administer them when necessary. 2 tirely disappear. In the same way, if a cause of terror suddenly occurs, perhaps an excitement may be produced in the nerves of When . . . the science of medicine . . . has reached ma- a strong (well) person, which will immediately cause a malady. turity cures will be performed by things which are not repulsive The cause of the sickness will be no material thing, for that perto the smell and taste of man; that is to say by aliments, fruits son has not eaten anything, :lnd nothing harmful has touched and vegetables which arc agreeable to the taste and have an agree- him; the excitement of the nerves is then the only cause of the able smell. . . . illness. In the same way the sudden realization of a chief desire The cause of the entrance of disease into the human body is will give such joy that the nerves will be excited by it, and this either a physical one or is the effect of excitement of the nerves. excitement may produce health. But the principal causes of disease are physical; for the human To conclude, the complete and perfect connection between the body is composed of numerous elements, but in the measure of spiritual doctor and the sick person-that is, a connection ~f such an especial equilibrium. As long as this equilibrium is main- a kind that the spiritual doctor entirely concentrates himself, tained, man is preserved from disease; but if this essential balance, and all the attention of the sick person is given to the spiritual which is the pivot of the constitution is disturbed, the constitu- doctor from whom he expects to realize health-causes an excitetion is disordered, and disease will supervene. ment of the nerves, and health is produced. . . . So long as the aim is the readjustment of the constituents But all this has effect only to a certain extent, and that not of the body, it can be effected either by medicine or by food. always. For if some one is afflicted with a very violent disease, or is wounded, these means will not remove the d~sease nor close It is therefore evident that it is possible to cure by foods, ali- and heal the wound. That is to say, these means have no power ments and fruits; but as today the science of medicine is imper- in severe maladies, unless the constitution helps, because a strong 1 fect, this fact is not yet fully grasped. When the science of constitution often overcomes disease. j.

medicine reaches perfection, treatment will be given by foods, ali- But (another) kind of healing is produced through the power , I

ments, fragrant fruits, and vegetables, and .by various waters, of the Holy Spirit. This does not depend on contact, nor on hot and cold in temperature. 3 sight, nor upon presence; it is not dependent upon any condition .. (Healing may result) from the entire concentration of the Whether the disease be light or severe, whether there be a contact of bodies or not, whether a personal connection be established "i,' mind of a strong person upon a sick person, when the latter ex- ih, pects with all his concentrated faith that a cure will be effected between the sick person and the healer or not, this healing takes from the spiritual power of the strong person to such an extent place through the power of the Holy Spirit. 4 that there will be a cordial connection between the strong person Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, 1.1:.

and the invalid. The strong person makes every effort to cure the our intellect keener. . .. But when sadness visits us our strength sick patient, and the sick patient is then sure of receiving a cure. leaves us. 5 From the effect of these mental impressions an excitement of the nerves is produced, and this impression and this excitement of the All true healing comes from God. There are two causes for nerves will become the cause of the recovery of the sick person. sickness, one is material, the other spiritual. If the sickness is of So when a sick person has a strong desire and intense hope for the body, a material remedy is needed, if of the soul, a spiritual , something, and hears suddenly the tidings of its realization, a remedy. < ,

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56 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING HEALING AND HEALTH 57

If the heavenly benediction be upon us while we are being This knowledge (of the healing art) is the most importan~ of healed then only can we be made whole, for medicine is but the all the sciences, for it is the greatest means from God, the Ltfeoutward and visible means through which we can obtain the giver to the dust, for preserving the bodies of ~ll people, and .~e heavenly healing. Unless the spirit be healed, the cure of the has put it in the forefront of all sciences and wls.doms. For thiS IS body is worth nothing. All is in the hands of God, and without the day when you must arise for My Victory. Him there can be no health in us. 6 Say: Thy name is my healing, 0 my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love HEALING AS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Tho1,1, Without the help of God man is even as the beasts that perish, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. but God has bestowed such wonderful power upon him that he 10 might ever look upward, and receive, among other gifts, healing from His Divine Bounty. 7 MEANS OF PRESERVING HEALTH o thou pure and spiritual one! Be the essence of cleanliness among mankind . . . under all ''l'

Turn thou toward God with thy heart beating with His love, circumstances conform yourselves to refined manners . . . let devoted to His praise, gazing toward His Kingdom and seeking no trace of uncleanliness appear on your clothes. . . . Immerse help from His Holy Spirit in a state of ecstasy, rapture, love, yourselves in pure water. . . . Verily We have desired to see in yearning, joy and fragrance. God will assist thee, through a you the manifestations of Paradise on earth, so that there may be Spirit from His Presence, to heal sickness and diseases. 8 diffused from you that whereat the hearts of the favored ones You have asked concerning approval of Christian Science shall rejoice. 11 treatment and healing. Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual Cleanliness and sanctity in all conditions are characteristics of effect. Therefore we pray, "0 God! heal this sick one!" Per- pure beings and necessities of free souls. . . . chance God will answer. Does it matter who prays? God will In all conditions, cleanliness and sanctity, purity and delicacy .. ," ~,

answer the prayer of every servant if that prayer is urgent. His exalt humanity and make the contingent beings progress. Even mercy is vast, illimitable. 9 when applied to physical things, delicacy causeth the attainment of spirituality, as it is established in the Holy Scriptures. :~ In God mfist be our trust. There is no God but Him, the External cleanliness, although it is but a physical thing, hath a Healer, the Knower, the Helper. . . . Nothing in earth or great influence upon spirituality. For example, although sound heaven is outside the grasp of God. is but the vibrations of the air, which affect the tympanum of the o physician! In treating the sick, first mention the name of ear, and vibrations of the air are but an accident among the acci- Thy God, the Possessor of the Day of Judgment and then use dents which depend upon the air, consider how much marvelous what God hath destined for the healing of His creatures. By My notes or a charming song influence the spirits! A wonderful song , Life! The physician who has drunk from the Wine of My Love, giveth wings to the spirit and filleth the heart with exaltation. ..' ,/ his visit is healing, and his breath is mercy and hope. Cling to To return to the subject, the fact of having a pure and spotless him for the welfare of the constitution. He is confirmed by body likewise exerciseth an influence upon the spirit of man. God in his treatment. . . . 0 friends of God! Experience hath shown how much the

'lof', ,"". THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING 59 HEALING AND HEALTH

reno~ncing of tob~cco, wine and opium, giveth health, strength eases, in the same way the spirit will be cured of all spiritual and I.ntellectual enjoyments, penetration of judgment and physi- diseases. A cure of physical disease is very easy, but the cure. of cal vIgor. . . . spiritual disease is very difficult. 1£ one has fever and you give ~he~efore strive that the greatest cleanliness and sanctity, him medicine, the fever will vanish; but if the spirit is afflicted whIch IS the gr~~,t desire of 'Abdu'l-Baha, should be resplendent with the disease of ignorance, it is difficult to remove that disease. among the Baha IS, and that the companions of God should sur- For example, if the spiritual health is afflicted with the love of the pass the rest of mankind in all conditions and perfections' that world, spiritual medicine must be given. These medicines are the they may be physically and morally superior to others.' that advices and commands of God, which will have effect upon it. 17 through ~leanlin~ss and purity, refinement and health, the~ may be the cJ1lCf of WIse men, and that by their affranchisement their I beseech God to ordain prosperity unto thee in this world, prudence and the control of their desires, they may be the p~inces to confer favor upon thee in His supreme Kingdom, and to heal of the pure, the free and the wise. 12 thee from the illness which has befallen thee for some hidden reason which no one knows save God. Verily, the will of God The drinking of wine . . . is the cause of chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind. 13 engages occasionally in some matter for which mankind is unable to find out the reason. The causes and reasons shall appear. T~e powers of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely Trust in God and confide in Him, and resign thyself to the will r: phYSIcal or spiritual, but are between the two. The nerve is con- of God. Verily, thy God is affectionate, compassionate and mer- ?ected wIth both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spir- ciful. He will look at thee with the glances of the eye of merci- Itual and physical relations are normal. fulness, will guard thee with the eye of bounty, and will cause \'«"hen the material world and the divine world are well co- His mercy to descend upon thee. 18 re!~ted, when the h~a.rts become heavenly and the aspirations become pure. and dlvme, perfect connection shall take place. . . . For these thy prevailing diseases are not on account of Then s~~ll thIsyower produce a perfect manifestation. Physical sins, but they are to make thee detest this world and know that and spmtual dIseases will then receive absolute healing. 14 there is no rest and composure in this temporal life. I beg of God that thou mayest find a cheerful life in- I ho.pc thou. ,:iit become .as a risin.g light and obtain spiritual crease the longing . . . of the maidservants of the Merciful One health, and SplfItual health IS conducIve to physical health. 15 and bring joy and happiness to the handmaidens of God; so that thou mayest diffuse the fragrances and chant the (revealed) Verily the most necessary thing is contentment ~nder all cir- verses. 19 cumstanc~s; by thi.s one is preserved from morbid conditions and from lasslt.ude. YIeld not to grief and sorrow; they cause the If the health and well-being of the body be expended in the greatest n:1sery. J?alousy consumeth the body and anger doth path of the Kingdom, this is very acceptable and praiseworthy; burn the lIver; aVOId these two as you would a lion. 16 and if it is expended to the benefit of the human world in general-even though it be to their material benefit and be a means SPIRITUAL HEALTH of doing good-that also is acceptable. But if the health and welfare of man be spent in sensual desires in a life on the animal plane, I hop.e,. as you have received physical health, you will receive . . . then disease is better than such health; nay, death itself is your spll"Jtual health. As the body will be cured of physical dis- preferable to such a life. If thou art desirous of health. wish thou 60 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

healt~ f~r serving ~he K~ngdom. I hope thou mayest attain a perfe~t. InsIght, an ~nflexible resolution, a complete health and spmtual and ph~slcal strengt~ in order that thou mayest drink from the fountam of eternal hfe and be assisted by the spirit of Divine confirmation. 20 CHA PTER EIGHT

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

SERVICE

THERE is no greater result than bonds of service in the Divine kingdom and attainment to the good-pleasure of the Lord. Il Therefore I desire that your hearts may be directed to the king- II dom of God, that your intentions may be pure and sincere, your purposes turned toward altruistic accomplishment unmindful of your own welfare; nay, rather, may all your intentions center in the welfare of humanity, and may you seek to sacrifice yourselves in the pathway of devotion to mankind. Even as His Holiness Jesus Christ forfeited his life, may you likewise offer yourselves in the threshold of sacrifice for the betterment of the world; and just as His Holiness Baha'u'llih suffered severe ordeals and calamities nearly fifty years for you, may you be willing to undergo difficulties and withstand catastrophes for humanity in general. 1 There can be· no true satisfaction or contentment apart from. the general prosperity. 2 o people of God! Be pot occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations. The betterment of the world .can be accomplished through pure and excellent deeds and well-approved and agreeable conduct. 3 The fruits of the tree of man have ever been and are goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character. Withhold not these fruits from the heedless. If they be accepted, your end is attained, and If 7 , rete. ;. n ir W''( (" *1'b ) '3 t't It' t - ' r '1 mgT"

PRACTICAL ApPLICATIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 63 62 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING The beloved of God and the maidservants of the Merciful must the purpose of life achieved. If not, leave them in their pastime train their children with life and heart and teach them in the of vain ~ispute~. Strive, 0 people of God, that haply the hearts school of virtue and perfection. They must not be lax in this of the divers kmdreds of the earth may, through the waters of matter; they must not be inefficient. Truly, if a babe did not your for~earance and loving-kindness, be cleansed and sanctified live at all it were better than to let it grow ignorant, for that from ammosity and hatred, and be made worthy and befitting innocent babe, in later life, would become afilicted with innumrecipients of the splendors of the Sun of Truth. 4 erable defects, responsible to and questioned by God, reproached . If thou seekest eternal glory, let thyself be humble and meek and rejected by the people. What a sin this would be and what m the presence of the beloved God; make thyself the servant of an omission! all, and serve all ~Iike. The service of the friends belongs to God, The first duty of the beloved of God and the maid-servants of , not ~o them. Stnve to become a source of harmony, spirituality, the Merciful is this: they must strive by all possible means to 'r, and Joyfulness to the hearts of the friends. 5 educate both sexes, male and female; girls like boys; there is no r,', difference whatsoever between them. The ignorance of both is Be not idle, but active, and fear not. 6 blameworthy, and negligence in both cases is reprovable. "Are . If thou seekest after a work which is brighter and more attrac- they who know and they who do not know equal?" tive, sweeter and more delightful than all the affairs it is the The command is decisive concerning both. If it be considered li th~alldom in the Threshold of the Almighty and servit~de to His through the eye of reality the training and culture of daughters is "1,I Highness the Lord of Might. 7 more necessary than that of sons, for these girls will come to the Ere long the word of God will display a wonderful influence station of motherhood and will mold the lives of the children. The first trainer of the child is the mother. The babe, like unto a fif and ~nally that region (~merica) will become the paradise of green and tender branch, will grow according to the way it is , '

Abha. ~onse~uently, stnve ye bravely that this aim may be trained. If the training be right, it will grow right, and if ,', l~ " a.ccompltshed III the near future. Striving means this: ye must crooked, the growth likewise, and unto the end of life it will Itve and move according to the Divine commands and behests conduct itself accordingly. be united in loving with joy and ecstasy; ., engage contin: Hence, it is firmly established that an untrained and uneduually in the service of the Cause of God. 8 cated daughter, on becoming a mother, will be the prime factor TRAINING OF CHILDREN in the deprivation, ignorance, negligence and the lack of training \'1 1 of many children. As to thy question concerning training children: it is incumbent upon thee to nurture them from the breast of the love of o ye beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful! Teaching and learning, according to the decisive texts of the God, to urge, them toward spiritual matters, to turn unto God Blessed Beauty (Bahi'u'llih), is a duty. Whosoever is indifferent and to a~quIre good m~n.ner,s, best characteristics and prllise- therein depriveth himself of the great bounty. Beware! Beware! worthy ~Irtues a?d qualItIes III the world of humanity, and to that ye fail not in this matter. Endeavor with heart, with life to study s~I~nces wIth the utmost diligence; so that they may be· train your children, especially the daughters. No excuse is 'acc?me spmtual? hea~enly and attracted to the fragrances of sanc- ceptable in this matter. tIty from theIr c~I~dhood and be reared in a religious, spiritual Th~s may eternal glory and everlasting supremacy, like unto and ~eavenly trallllllg. Verily I beg of God to confirm them the mId-day sun, shine forth in the assemblage of the people of therelll. 9 _ W"j·-t 1 '%'t "3 eyrcw" : . ~"'ur 7 WI t' ... aj'-tr~'u'rnt 1 'Wc tTY fWtrW

64 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRACTICAL ApPLICATIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 65 BaM, and the heart of 'Abdu'l-Baha become happy and thank- the delivery of this Truth, it is indeed acceptable and beloved, ful. 10 but if thou acquire both it would be better and more perfect, Teach your children what hath been revealed through the because in this new century the attainment of science, arts, and Supreme Pen. Instruct them in what hath descended from the belles lettres whether divine or worldly, material or spiritual, is heaven of greatness and power. Let them memorize the Tablets a matter which is acceptable before God and a duty which is inof the Merciful. . 11 cumbent upon us to accomplish. Therefore, never deny the spiritual things to the material, rather, both are incumbent upon PRA YERS FOR CHILDREN thee. Nevertheless, at the time when thou art working for such o God! Educate these children. These children are the young a scientific attainment thou must be controlled by the attraction trees of Thy orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of of the love of thy Glo~ious Lord and mindful of menti?ning His Thy garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality splendid Name. This being the case, thou must attam the art shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in thou art studying to its perfection. 15 order that they may be trained, grow and develop and appear in the utmost beauty. Thou art the Giver! Thou art the Com- WORK AND WEALTH passionate! 12 Man should know his own self, and know those things which o unequalled Lord! For this helpless child be a protector, for lead to loftiness or to baseness, to shame or to honor, t9 affluence this weak and sinful one be kind and forgiving. or to poverty. After man has realized his own ~eing and beco~e mature, then for him wealth (or competence) IS needed. If thIS o Creator! Although we are but useless grass, still we are of wealth is acquired through a craft or profession, it is approvable. Thy garden; though we are but young trees, bare of leaves and blossoms, still we are of Thy orchard; therefore nourish this grass 16 with the rain of Thy bounty; refresh and vivify these young, In the Baha'i Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are counted as languishing trees with the breeze of Thy spiritual springtime. worship. The man who makes a piece o.f notepa~er to the best of Awaken us, enlighten us, sustain us, give us eternal life and his ability, conscientiously, concentratmg all hIS forces on peraccept us in Thy kingdom. 13 fecting it, is giving praise to God. Briefly, all effort put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by EDUCATION the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This To acquire knowledge is incumbent on all, but of those is worship: to serve mankind and to minister tothe needs of the sciences which may profit the people of the earth, and not such people. Service is prayer.. t' • 17 sciences as begin in mere words, and end in mere words. The True reliance is for the servant to pursue his profession and possessors of sciences and arts have a great right among the peo- calling in this world, to hold fast unto the Lor~, to seek naug~t ple of the world. . . . Indeed, the real treasury of man is his but His grace, inasmuch as in His hands is the destiny of all HIS knowledge. Knowledge is the means of honor, prosperity, joy, servan ts. 18 gladness, happiness and exultation. 14 Now as to what thou hast asked concerning giving up the o My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livel~­ hood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon theIr ~cientific attainment in Paris for the sake of confining thy days to kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds. 19 pe- Y2E r "ttV • 1 5 t

66 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRACTICAL ApPLICATIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 67 It behoveth thee to sever thyself from all desires save thy Lord, this duty, the help of the invisible One shall most certainly aid the Supreme, expecting no help or aid from anyone in the uni- him. He can enrich, through His grace, whomsoever He pleaseth. verse, not even from thy father or children. Resign thyself to He, verily, hath power over all things. . . . 22 God! Content thyself with but little of this world's goods! Verily, economy is a great treasure. If one of thy relations op- A PRAYER FOR THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE press thee, complain not against him before the magistrate; rather manifest magnificent patience during every calamity and hard- Lord! Pitiful are we, grant us Thy favor; poor, bestow upon ship. Verily thy Master is the Lord of Faithfulness! Forgive and us a share from the ocean of Thy wealth; needy, do Thou satisfy overlook the shortcomings which have appeared in that one, for us; abased, give us Thy glory. The birds of the air and the beasts the sake of love and affection. Know that nothing will benefit of the field receive their meat each day from Thee and all beings thee in this life save supplication and invocation unto God, serv- partake of Thy care and loving-kindness. ice in His vineyard, and, with a heart full of love, (to) be in Deprive not this feeble one of Thy wondrous grace and vouchconstant servitude unto Him. 20 safe by Thy might unto this helpless soul Thy bounty. Give us our daily bread and grant Thy increase in the necessioye that pride yourselves on mortal riches! Know ye in ties of life; that we may be dependent on none other but Thee. truth that wealth is a mighty barrier between the seeker and his may commune wholly with Thee, may walk in Thy ways and dedesire, the lover and his beloved. The rich, but for a few, shall in clare Thy mysteries. Thou art the Almighty and the Loving and no wise attain the court of His presence nor enter the city of con- the Provider of all mankind. 23 tent and resignation. Well is it, then, with him, who, being rich, is not hindered by his riches from the eternal kingdom, nor de- GENEROSITY AND GIVING prived by them of imperishable dominion. By the Most Great Name! The splendor of such a wealthy man shall illuminate the o Ye Rich Ones on Earth! The poor in your midst are My dwellers of heaven, even as the sun enlightens the people of the trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own earth! 21 ease. 24

They who are possessed of riches must have the utmost A man should be a constant source of well-being and a ready regard for the poor, for great is the honor destined by God for help to prosperity for multitudes of people. 25 those poor who are steadfast in patience. By My life! There is no He (the true seeker) should succor the dispossessed, and never honor, except what God may please to bestow, that can compare withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to this honor. Great is the blessedness awaiting the poor that to animals, how much more unto his fellow-man, to him who is endure patiently and conceal their sufferings, and well is it with endowed with the power of utterance. 26 the rich who bestow their riches on the needy and prefer them before themselves. God does not ask from any soul except according to his Please God, the poor may exert themselves and strive to earn ability . . . . the means of livelihood. This is a duty which, in this most great Whosoever comes with one good act, God will give him ten- Revelation, hath been prescribed unto everyone, and is ac- fold. There is no doubt that the living Lord shall assist and concounted in the sight of God as a goodly deed. Whoso observeth firm the generous soul. 27

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68 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING PRAC'J'ICAL ApPLICATIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 69

STRENGTH AND BEAUTY OF CHARACTER Moderation is necessary in all affairs. Man must take a lesson from Divine actions and deeds for God suffers a tree to grow a Ask thou God that thou may est attain to the age of maturity long time before it grows to perfection. He is able ~o make a tree so that thou mayest recognize the beauty and ugliness of deeds grow to fruition in an instant, but wisdom reqUIres a gradual and actions. 28 development. 33 His Highness Christ has addressed the world, saying, "Except The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His ye become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the scourge and the apprehension of His justice and decree. 34 Kingdom" j that is, men must become pure in heart to know God. This fear (of God) is the chief commander of the army of thy . . . The hearts of all children are of utmost purity. They are Lord. Its hosts are a praiseworthy character and goodly deeds. mirrors upon which no dust has fallen. But this purity is on Through it have the cities of men's hearts been opened throughaccount of weakness and innocence, not on account of any out the ages and centuries, and the standards of ascendency and strength and testing, for as this is the early period of their childtriumph raised above all other standards. 35 hood their hearts and minds are unsullied by the world. They cannot display any great intelligence. They have neither hypocrisy nor deceit. This is on account of the child's weakness whereas the man becomes pure through his strength. Through the power of intelligence he becomes simple; through the great ',1 , ! power of· reason and understanding and not through the power of weakness, he becomes sincere. When he attains to the state of , : i perfection he will receive these qualities; his heart becomes purified, his spirit enlightened, his soul is sensitized and tender; all through his great strength. This is the difference between the perfect man and the child. Both have the underlying qualities of simplicity and sincerity. 29 The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love. 30 o My Son! The company of the ungodly increaseth sorrow, whilst fellowship with the righteous cleaneth the rust from off the , it I'

heart. He that seeketh to commune with God, let him betake I'

himself to the companionship of His loved ones; and he that de- )~ sireth to hearken unto the word of God, let him give ear to the word of His chosen ones. 31 Courtesy is, in truth, a raiment which fitteth all men, wheth~r young or old. Well is it with him that adorneth his temple therewith, and woe unto him who is deprived of this great bounty. 32 ':1 ',I

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DETACHMENT AND SACRIFICE 71 the world and all that is therein; for My will and the will of another than Me, even as fire and water, cannot dwell together in one heart. 4 Detachment is as the sun; in whatsoever heart it doth shine it CHAPTER NINE quencheth the fire of covetousness and self. He whose sight is illumined with the light of understanding will assuredly detach DETACHMENT AND SACRIFICE himself from the world and the vanities thereof. • • • Let not the world and its vileness grieve you. Happy is he whom riches DETACHMENT fill not with vain-glory, nor poverty with sorrow. 5

W HEN people said to 'Abdu'l-Baha, "We are glad, oh so glad that you are free," he replied: The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained. 6 "Freedom is not a matter of place, but of condition. I was hapJ?Y in that prison, for those days were passed in the path of That seeker must at all times put his trust in God, must reservIce. nounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from the ,,",,:orld To me prison was freedom. of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. . . . Troubles are a rest to me. (He) should also regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep Dea th is life. himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quench- To be despised is honor. eth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. Therefore was I full of happiness all through that prison time. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed desire. He should treasure the companionship of those that have freedom! For self is the greatest prison. renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and When this release takes place one can never be imprisoned. worldly people a precious benefit. . . . He should consume Unless one accepts dire vicissitudes, not with dull resignation, every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, ~ but with radiant acquiescence, one cannot attain this freedom." 1 and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him . . . . He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved o My Servant! Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the lo?se thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wtll come to thee no more. 2 wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfil., 7 o Befriended Stranger! The candle of thine heart is lighted by The essence of detachment is for man to turn his face toward the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of the courts of the Lord, to enter His presence, behold His counteself and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of nance, and stand as witness before Him. 8 Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure and cherish it even as thy very sight and life. . 3 DETACHMENT NOT ASCETICISM o Son of Earth! Wouldst thou have Me, seek none other than Disencumber yourselves of all attachment to this world and the Me; and wouldst thou gaze upon My beauty, close thine eyes to vanities thereof. . . . Beware that ye approach them not, inas- 72 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING DETACHMENT AND SACRIFICE 73 much as they prompt you to walk after your own lusts and THE MYSTERY OF SACRIFICE cove tOllS desires, and hinder you from entering the straight and The mystery of sacrifice is a most great subject and is inexglorious Path. haustible. Know ye that by the world is meant your unawareness of Him Briefly it is as follows: The moth is a sacrific~ to the can~le. Who is your Maker, and your absorption in aught else but Him. The spring is' a sacrifice to the th~rsty. o~e. T.he S111cere lover IS a The "life to come," on the other hand signifieth the things that sacrifice to the loved one. The pomt lies m thiS: He must wholly give you a safe approach to God, the All-Glorious, the Incomforget himself. . . . He must seek the good ple~sure of the True parable. Whatsoever deterreth you, in this Day, from loving One' desire the face of the True One; and walk 111 the Path of the God, is nothing but the world. Flee it that ye may be numbered with the blest. Should a man wish to adorn himself with the Tru~ One. . . . This is the first station of sacrifice. The second station of sacrifice is as follows: Man must become ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the like unto the iron thrown within the furnace of fire. The qualibenefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth ties of iron such as blackness, coldness and solidity, which belong to the ear~h, disappear and vanish, while the characteristics of nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens fire, such as redness, glowing and heat, which ~e1ong to the , I; •

or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Kingdom, become apparent and visible. Ther~f?re Iron ~ath sac- Eat ye, 0 people, of the good things which God hath allowed rificed its qualities and grades to the fire, acqumng the virtues of you, and deprive not yourselves of His wondrous bounties. that element. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful. 9 Likewise when the souls are released from the fetters of the world the 'imperfections of mankind and the animalistic dark- The pious practices of the monks and priests among the people ness a~d have . . . partaken a share from the outpouring of the of His Holiness the Spirit (i.e. Christ) are remembered before placeless and have acquired Lordly perfections, they are the "ran- God; but in this Day they must abandon solitude for (the society somed ones" of the Sun of Truth. . . . 13 of men), and engage in that which may profit both themselves and other men. 10 It is incumbent upon thee, since thou hast attained the know~­ edge of God and His love, to sacrifice ~hy spirit a~d all thy condi- It is made incumbent on everyone of you to engage in some one occupation, such as arts, trades, and the like. We have made tions for the life of the world, beanng every difficulty for the comfort of the souls, sinking to the depth of the sea of ordeals for i! :j '. I this-your occupation-identical with the worship of God, the the sake of the love of faithfulness. . . . True One. Reflect 0 people, upon the mercy of God and upon The mystery of sacrifice i$ that man should sacri~ce all his co~­ :1 His favors, then thank Him in mornings and evenings. 11 ditions for the divine station of God. The station of God IS :I:I mercy, kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, favo~, grac~ and giving ,·1 Ii As to the fact that man must entirely forget himself, by this is life to the spirits and lighting the fire of HIS love 111 the hearts 1·1 I: meant that he should arise in the mystery of sacrifice and that is and arteries. 14 t: the disappearance of mortal sentiments and extinction of blamable morals which constitute the temporal gloom, and not that . . . Nearness to God is possible through devotion to Him, I',." the physical health should be changed into weakness and de- through entrance into the Kingdom, and service to ~uma~ity; it 1.1

bilit~ : i 12 is attained by unity with mankind and through lov111g-kmdness 74 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

to ~1l; it is dep~ndent upon investigation of truth, acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, service in the cause of Universal Peace, and DETACHMENT AND SACRIFICE

fashion amidst (God's) servants that by their actions they may lead all unto the Lord of Glory. I swear by the Sun of the Ir personal sanctification. In a word, nearness to God necessitates f Horizon of Holiness that the friends of God never have regarded !' sacrifice of self, severance and the giving up of all to Him. Nearness is likeness. . 15 nor will regard the earth or its transitory riches. 18 ,,:t: \"',1

o Son of Being! Thy heart is My ho~e; sanctify ~t for My ~ne of the requirements of faithfulness is that thou mayest descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelatIOn; cleanse It for My }! . sacrIfice thyself .and, !n the divine path, close thine eye to every manifestation. 19 I' pleasure and stnve With all thy soul that thou mayest disappear and be lost, like unto a drop, in the ocean of God's love. Know thou that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to ~od t~e whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrific- Be not content with the ease of a. passing day, and deprive not thyself of everlasting rest. Barter not the garden of eternal. delight for the dust-heap of a mortal world. Up from thy pnson ascend unto the glorious meads above, and from thy mortal cage I mg Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all cre- wing thy flight unto the paradise of the Placeless. 20 ated things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the Blind thine eyes, that thou mayest behold My beauty; stop earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which thine ears that thou mayest hearken unto the sweet melody of My

'l.~ the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind voice; empty thyself of all learning, that thou ~ayest partake of hatl~ unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the mfluence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but mani- My knowledge; and sanctify thyself from nches, that thou mayest obtain a lasting share from the ocean of My eternal i I,

fe~tations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, wealth. Blind thine eyes, that is, to all save My beau~y; stop HIs all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit. 17 thine ears to all save My word; empty thyself of alliearnmg save the knowledge of Me; that with a clear vision, a pure. heart and H i "! , VICTORY THROUGH DETACHMENT an attentive ear thou mayest enter the court of My hohness. 21 Therefore, to-day "victory" neither hath been nor will be Man must become evanescent in God, must forget his own opposi.tion to anyone, nor strife with any person; but rather selfish conditions that he may thus arise to the station of sacrifice. what IS well-pleasing is that the cities of (men's) hearts, which It should be to such a degree that if he sleep, it should not be for are under the dominion of the hosts of selfishness and lust, should pleasure, but to rest the body in order to do better, to speak be subdued by the sword of the Word, of wisdom and of exhorta- better to explain more beautifully, to serve the servants of God tion. Everyone, then, who desireth "victory" must first subdue the city of his Own heart with the sword of spiritual truth and and t~ prove the truths. When he remains awake, ~e shou~d seek to be attentive, serve the Cause of God and sacrIfice hiS own ., I •

I ,

o.f the Word, and must protect it from remembering aught be- stations for those of God. When he attains to this station, the consIde God: afterwards let him turn his regards towards the cities firmations of the Holy Spirit will surely reach him, and man with i'· ~; o,f (other's) hearts. This is what is intended by "victory": sedi- this power can withstand all who inhabit the earth. 22 I

( tIon hath never been nor is pleasing to God, and that which cer- j

tain ignorant persons formerly wrought was never approved. If Verily, I say, the world is like the v~por in a des~rt, ~hich th.e I i,,·

ye be slain for His good pleasure verily it is better for you than thirsty dreameth to be water and s~rIveth after l~ With all hiS i might, until when he cometh unto It, he findeth It to be mere that ye should slay. Today the friends of God must appear in such illusion . . . . 1 .) , j nW'j tt X" t' 7 t' m r

76 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING o my servants! Sorrow not, if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be un veiled to your eyes. You are destjned by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share CHAPTER TEN in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and everyone of them you will no doubt attain. 23 RECTITUDE AND PURITY PRA YERS FOR DETACHMENT o Lord, help me to be meek and lowly and strengthen me in DEEDS MORE POWERFUL THAN WORDS severing myself from all things and in holding to the hem of the garment of Thy Glory, so that my heart may be filled with Thy love and leave no space for the love of the world and the attachment to its qualities. . . . Verily, Thou art! merciful and, verily, T HOU hast said aright, that verily, Abdu'l-Baha looketh to deeds and not to words. Even as it was said by Christ, "Ye ~ f· " ,

shall know them by their fruits." 1 II!

Thou art the Generous, the Helper. 24 . . . 0 God, my God! Look not upon my hopes and my The companions of God are in this day, the lump that must r. I leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such I doings, nay rather look upon Thy Will that hath encompassed I trustworthiness such truthfulness, and perseverance, such deeds I

the heavens and the earth. 25 and character ~hat all mankind may profit by their example. He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! ... Within the very breath of such souls as are pure and sanctio God, my God! Thou seest me, Thou knowest me; Thou art fied far-reaching potentialities are hidden. So great are these \' my Haven and my Refuge. None have I sought nor any will I potentialities that they exercise their influence upon all created seek save Thee, no path have I trodden nor any will I tread but things. 2 the path of Thy love. In the darksome night of despair, mine eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn of Thy o army of God! Through the protection and help vouchboundless favor, and at the hour of dawn my drooping soul is safed by the Blessed Beauty, ye must conduct yourselves in such refreshed and strengthened in remembrance of Thy beauty and a manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brillian~ as perfection. He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though he the sun among other souls. ,Should anyone of you enter ~ Cl~y, be but a drop, shall become the boundless ocean, and the merest he should become a center of attraction by reason of hiS Slll- I

atom which the outpouring of Thy loving-kindness assisteth, cerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness :md loving-kindness towards all the people of the I shall shine even as the radiant star. Shelter under Thy protection, 0 Thou Spirit of Purity, Thou world, so that the people of that city cry out and. say: "~his 1 I Who art the All-Bountiful Provider, this enthralled, enkindled man is unquestionably a ~ah;l'i, for his m~nne:s? hiS behaVIOr, " I

his conduct, his morals, hiS nature, and dispOSition reflect the ~ I servant of Thine. Aid him in this world of being to remain steadfast and firm in Thy love and grant that this broken-winged attributes of the Baha'is. 3 bird may attain a refuge and shelter in Thy Divine Nest, that Beware, 0 people of Baha, lest ye walk in the ways of them "

abideth upon the Celestial Tree. 26 whose words differ from their deeds. Strive that ye may be ~. '! • 77

'I ~i 78 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING RECTITUDE AND PURITY 79 enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the signs of God, If the whole earth were to be converted into silver and gold, and to mirror forth His commandments. Let your acts be a no man who can be said to have truly ascended into the heaven guide unto all mankind, for the professions of most men, be of faith and certitude would deign to regard it, much less to they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is through your seize and keep it. . . . They who dwell within the tabernacle of deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others. A good God, and are established upon the seats of everlasting glory, will character is, verily, the best mantle from God. With it He refuse though they be dying of hunger to stretch their hands, and adorneth the temple of His loved ones. By My life! The light seize unlawfully the property of their neighbor, however vile and of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the worthless he may be. 8 radiance thereof. One righteous act is endowed with a potency that can so ele- JUSTICE AND EQUITY vate the dust as to pass beyond the heaven of heavens. It can tear every bond asunder, and hath the power to restore the force Turn treachery to trust, slander to brotherly counsel, oppresthat hath spent itself and vanished . . . . Be pure, 0 people of sion to justice, heedlessness to the remembrance of God. 9 God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous. 4 Be fair to yourselves and to others that the evidences of Justice may be revealed through your deeds among our faithful servants. HONESTY Equity is the most fundamental among human virtues. The evaluation of all things must needs depend upon it . . . . Ob- Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. Without serve equity in your judgment, ye men of understanding heart! truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are He that is unjust in his judgment is destitute of the characterimpossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is established in istics that distinguish man's station. 10 man, all the divine qualities will also be acquired. 5 The light of men is Justice, quench it not with the contrary You must live and act with the utmost truthfulness, righteous- winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the ness, chastity, uprightness, purity, sanctity, justice and equity. appearance of unity among men. 11 But if-I seek refuge in God-anyone betray the least of trusts Know thou, of a truth, these great oppressions that have befalor neglect and be remiss in the performance of duties which are len the world, are preparing it for the advent of the Most Great intrusted to him, or by oppression takes one penny of extortion Justice. . . . 12 from the subjects, or seeks after his own personal, selfish aims and ends in the attainment of his own interests, he shall undoubtedly The sun of Justice hath risen above the horizon of Baha'u'llah. remain deprived of the outpourings of His Highness the Al- For in His Tablets the fo'undations of such a justice have been mighty! Beware! Beware! lest ye fall short in that which ye are laid as no mind hath from the beginning of creation conceived. commanded in this Tablet! 6 13

Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning. Suffer not PURITY yourselves to be deprived of the robe of forbearance and justice, Disencumber yourselves of all attachment to this world and that the sweet savors of holiness may be wafted from your hearts the vanities thereof. Beware that ye approach them not, inasupon all created things. 7 much as they prompt you to walk after your own lusts and

I, 'nts, pr· t (t W'· 7' rr tl t .,'

80 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING RECTITUDE AND PURITY 81

cove.tous desires, and hinder you from entering the straight and Purity and chastity have been and still are, the most great ornaglorious Path . . . . They that follow their lusts and corrupt in- ments for the handmaidens of God. . . . The brightness of the clinations have erred and dissipated their efforts. They indeed light of chastity sheddeth its illumination upon the worlds of the are of the lost. 14 spirit. 19 o Friends! Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that The drinking of wine is . . . the cause of chronic diseases, which I have not desired for you, and approach Me not with life- weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind. 20 less hearts defiled with worldly desires and cravings. 15 Beware lest ye barter the River that is life indeed for that Blessed thou art and more blessed thou shalt be if thy feet be which the pure-hearted detest. Become yc intoxicated with the firm, thy heart tranquil through the fragrance of His Holy wine of the love of God, and not with that which deadeneth your Spirit and thy secret and hidden thoughts pure before the Lord minds, 0 ye that adore Him! 21 of Hosts. 16 The civilization so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. . . . If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation . . . . He hath chosen out of the whole world the hearts of His servants, + .1 I and made them each a seat for the revelation of His glory. Wherefore sanctify them from every defilement, that the things :I ;,1 for which they were created may be eng raven upon them. 17 , I .j o Quintessence of Passion! Put away all covetousness and seek contentment; for the covetous hath ever been deprived, and the contented hath ever been loved and praised. 18 ,." He is not to be numbered with the people of Baha who followeth his mundane desires, or fixeth his heart on the things of the earth. He is my true follower who, if he come to a valley of pure gold, will pass straight through it aloof as a cloud, and will neither turn back nor pause. Such a man is assuredly of Me. . . . And if he met the fairest and most comely of women, he would not feel his heart seduced by the least shadow of desire for her beauty. Such an one indeed is the creation of spotless chastity. They that have tarnished the fair name of the Cause of God by following the things of the flesh-these are in palpable error! t), i " OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY 83 It behooveth everyone who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine CHAPTER ELEVEN inspiration. They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recog- OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY nize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest 'I means for the maintenance of order in the world and the secur- OJ.\EDIENCE TO GOD ity of its peoples . . . . We, verily, have commanded you to "

\" refuse the dictates of your evil passions and corrupt desires, and KNoW ye that the em?odiment of liberty. and it~ symbol is not to transgress the bounds which the pen of the Most High the al1lmal. That whIch beseemeth man IS submissIOn unto hath fixed, for these are the breath of life unto all created such res~raints ~s will protect him from his own ignorance, and things . . . . guard hIm agamst the harm of the mischief-maker. Liberty o ye peoples of the world! Know assuredly that My comcauseth n;an. to overs:ep th~ bounds of propriety, and to infringe mandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My on the dIgnity of hIs statIOn. It debaseth him to the level of servants, and the feys of My mercy for My creatures. Thus extreme depravity and wickedness. hath it been sent down from the heaven of the Will of your Rega.rd men as a flock of sheep that need a shepherd for their Lord, the Lord of Revelation. Were any man to taste the protectIOn. . . . sweetness of the words which the lips of the All-Merciful have . The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except willed to utter, he would, though the treasures of the earth be i,I m complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso in his possession, renounce them one and all, that he might vindihath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the cate the truth of even one of His commandments, shining above dominion of earth and heaven. 1 the dayspring of His bountiful care and loving-kindness. . . . Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice wine with the hath revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His .fingers of might and power. To this beareth witness that which I·, :,.J mighty Book. 2 the Pen of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, 0 men I.

Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not mine but of insight! 4 His that sent me. ' OBEDIENCE THROUGH FEAR AND THROUGH LOVE If any man shall do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." 3 Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion so that the Promise- and the Threat, recorded in the Books . ~he first ~uty presc~ibed by God for His servants is the recog- of God, may prevent them from the things forbidden and llltIOn of Him Who IS the Day Spring of His Revelation and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments. But this the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry. 5 84 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING OBEDIENCE AND HV1rln.ITY

The peopl~ of wealth and men of honor and power must have They who are the beloved of God, in whatever place they the ~est P?sslble regard for the respect of Religion. Religion is a gather and whomsoever they may meet, must evince, in their ma,nt,fest lIght and a strong fortress for the protection and tran- attitude towards God, and in the manner of their celebration of qUIllIty of the people of the world. For the fear of God com- His praise and glory, such humility and submissiveness that every ma?ds ,peo~le to do that which is just and forbids them that atom of the dust beneath their feet may attest the depth of their which IS eVIl. I,f the la~p of religion remain concealed agitation devotion. . . . They should conduct themselves in such manner and anarchy wIll prevail, and the orb of Justice and Equity and that the earth upon which they tread may never be allowed to t~e sun of Peace and Tranquillity will be withheld from giving address them such words as these: "I am to be preferred above lIght. Every man of discernment testifies to that which is you. For witness, how patient I am in bearing the burden which (here) me,ntioned. 6 the husbandman layeth upon me. I am the instrument that cOntinually imparteth unto dl beings the blessings with' which He o Son of Man! Neglect not My commandments if thou Who is the Source of all grace hath entrusted me. Notwithstandlove~t My beauty, and forget not My counsels if thou wouldst ing the honor conferred upon me, the unnumbered evidences of attam My good pleasure. ' 7 my wealth-a wealth that supplieth the needs of all creation-- behold the measure of my humility, witness with what absolute HUMILITY submissiveness I allow myself to be trodden beneath the feet of Verily, through meekness, man is elevated to the heaven of men. . . . power; and again pride degrades him t\..' the lowest station of Show forbearance and love to one another. Should anyone humiliation and abasement. 8 among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or' be striv- ,We are all poor at His door, weak before His power, lowly at ing to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a HIS threshold, and we possess the power of neither good nor spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help him to see and harm, He is indeed the Con firmer, the Strengthener, the recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the Benevolent! 9 least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments. The whole duty of man in this day is to attain that share of the Verily I supplicate God to confirm thee in that which He flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let none, theredesireth, to protect thee from conceit and self-exaltation and fore, consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle. The from selfish concerns, to make thee devoted unto Him and portion of some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, the porresigned unto Him. • 10' tion of others might fill a cup, and of others even a gallon- If thou art seeking everl;lsting glory, choose humility in the measure. . . . .' path of the True One. 11 , Beseech ye the one trife God to grant that ye may taste the savor of such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of o Son of Man! Transgress not thy limits, nor claim that the sweetness of such humility and submissiveness as are shown which beseemeth thee not. Prostrate ~hyself before the Coun- for His sake. ' 14 tenance of thy God, the Lord of might and power. 12 .0 Son .o~ Man! Hu~ble thyself before Me that I may gra- If a person humbles himself for the sake of God before the clO~sly VISIt thee. ArISe for the triumph of .My cause, that friends of God, this is humbleness shown to the True One HimwhIle yet on earth thou mayest obtain the victory. 13 self; for this is done by the one as consideration of the other's , " '@' ,'em 1 rs ''1& .., 1)'$ r t IU'tf? 'W"' 't 0 .' "'t1! 5"$'" HZ n :r rn t. NN ••

OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY 87· 86 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

faith in God. Hence to be humble for the sake of God befor~ o Son of Beingl How couldst thou forget thine own faults another means to be humble before God Himself. In this case and busy thyself with the faults of others? Whoso doeth ihis is if the other does not behave in like manner, or if he shows forth accursed of Me. 19 haughtiness, the discerning man will attain to the loftiness of his own action and to the reward thereof; while the detriment in the o Son of Dust! 'Verily I say unto thee: Of all meA the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself action of the other will return to the latter himself. Likewise, if over his brother. 20, anyone acts with haughtiness, that haughtiness will be directed ,to the True One. 15 He (the seeker) must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of Beware that ye swell not with pride before God and disdain- pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and 'resignation, fully reject His loved ones. Defer ye humbly to the faithful, observe silence, and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a they that have believed in God and in His signs, whose hearts smoldering fire, and ,excess of speech'a deaaly poison. Material witness to His unity, whose tongues proclaim His oneness, and fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue de-, who speak not except by His leave. Thus do we exhort you with voureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth justice, an~ warn you with truth" lest perchance ye may be but for a time whilst the effects of the latter endure a century. 21 . awakened. 16 The fear of God hath ever been the pr~me factor in the educa';' If ye meet the abased or down-trodden, turn not away dis- tion of His creatures. Well is it with them that have attained .! :1

dainfully from them, for the King of Glory ever watcheth over thereunto. . . . Verily I say: The fear of God hath ever been' them and surroundeth them with 'such tenderness as none can a sure 'defence and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the fathom except them that have suffered their wishes and desires world. It is the chief cause of the protection of mankind, and to be merged in the will of your Lord, the Gracious, the All- the supreme instrument for its preservation. 22 Wise. 0 yerich ones of the earth! Flee not from the face of the poor that lieth in the dust, nay rather befriend him and suffer PRAYERS FOR HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE him to recount the tale of the woes with which God's inscrutable decree hath caused him to be afflicted. By the righteousness of God! ~hilst ye consort with him, the Concourse on high will be look- I beseech Thee, 0 Thou who art the Lord of all names, by' Thy mg upon you, will be interceding for you, will be extolling your name through which Thou hast subdued all created things, to ,names and glorifying your action. Blessed 'are the learned that graciously aid Thy loved ones . . . to fix their gaze at all times pride not themselves on their attainments; and well is it with the upon Thy'pleasure, and tofyield Thee thanks for the evlderices of righteous that mock not the sinful, but rather conceal their mis- Thine irrevocable decree. For Thou art verily praiseworthy in all deeds, so that their own shortcomings may remain unveiled to that Thou hast done in the past, or wilt do in the future, and art men's eyes. 17 to be obeyed in whatsoever Thou hast ~ished or wilt wish, and to' be loved in all that Thbu hast desired or wilt desire. Thou lookest o Son of Spirit! Vaunt not thyself over the poor, for I lead upon them that are dear to Thee with the eyes of Thy lovinghim on his way and behold thee in thy evil plight and confound kindness, and sendestdown for them only that which will profit thee for evermore. 18 them through Thy grace and Thy gifts. 23 88 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

If it be Thy pleasure, make me to grow as a tender herb in the m~adows of Thy grace, that the gentle winds of Thy will may stIr me. up and bend me into conformity with Thy pleasure, in s~ch WIse that my movement and my stillness may be wholly dIrected by Thee. 24- CHAPTER TWELVE Thine is the command at all times, 0 Thou who art the Lord of all names and mine is resignation and willing submission to TESTS AND AFFLICTIONS Thy will, 0 Creator of the heavens! 25

THOU hast questioned concerning ordeals and dii6culties and catastrophes: "Are these from God or the result of man's evil deeds?" . Know thou that ordeals are of two kinds: One kind is to test the soul, and the other is punishmerit for actions. That which is for testing is educational and developmental and that which is the punishment of deeds is severe retribution. The father and the teacher sometimes humor the children and sometimes discipline them. This discipline is for educational purposes and is indeed to give them true happiness; it is absolute kindness and true providence. Although in appearance it is wrath, yet in reality it is kindness. Although outwardly it is an ordeal, yet inwardly it is purifying water. Verily, in both cases we must supplicate and implore and commune to the Divine threshold in order to be patient iri ordeals. 1 Tests are benefits from God, for which we should thank Him. Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine. mercy for our own perfecting. . While 'a man is happy he may forget his God; but when grief comes and sorrows overwhelm him, then will he remember his Father Who is in Heaven, and Who is able to deliver him from his humiliations. Men who suffer not, attain rio perfection. The plant' most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the mOst abundant fruit. The laborer cuts up the earth with his plow, and from that earth comes the rich and plentiful harvest. The more a man is , 90 THE DIVINE AR.T OF LIVING TESTS AND APPLICnONS 91 ' chastened, the greater is the harvest of spiritual virtues mown man entirely and prevent him from receiving a portion from forth by him. A soldier is no good general until he has been in the eternal bounty. , -4 the front of the fiercest battle and has received the deepest wounds. '2 ,0 Son of Man! If adversity befall thee not in My path, how canst thou walk in the ways of them that are content with My Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through joy pleasure? If trials afflict thee not in thy longing to meet Me, how in this world? wilt thou attain the light in thy love for My beauty? .' 5 The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. . . . Just as the plow furrows the earth deeply, puri- o Son of Man! My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy. flasten man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at thereunto that thou mayest become an eternal light and an ima state of complete detachment. His attitude in this world will mortal spirit. This is My command unto thee, do thou observe be that of divine happiness. Man is, so to speak, unripe; the heat it. 6 of the fire of suffering will mature him. Look back to the times past and you will find that the greatest men have suffered TESTS DISTINGUISH THE SINCER.E most. . . . Through suffering (one) will attain to an eternal happiness As to trillis (tests in the path of God), verily they are neceswhich nothing can take from him. The Apostles of Christ suf- sary. Hast thou not heard and read how there appeared trials fered: they attained eternal happiness. . . . from God in the days of Jesus, and thereafter, and how the whirl- To attain eternal happiness one must suffer. He who has wind of tests became severe? Even the glorious Peter was not ,reached the state of self-sacrifice has true joy. Temporaljoy will rescued from the flame of trials, and wavered. Then he repented vanish. 3 and mourned the mourning of a bereaved one. . . _. Is it then possible to be saved from the trials of God? No, verily. There Thou hast written concerning the tests that have come upon is a great wisdom therein of which no one is aware save the wise thee. To the sincere ones, tests are as a gift from God, the Ex- and knowing. alted, for a heroic person hasteneth, with the utmost joy and Were it not for tests, genuine gold could not br distinguished gladness, to the tests of a violent battlefield, but the coward is from the counterfeit. Were it not for tests, the courageous could afraid and trembles and utters moaning and lamentation. Like- not be known 'from the coward. Were it not for tests, the people wise, an expert student prepares and memorizes his .lessons and of faithfulness could not be knowri from the people of selfishness. exercises with the utmost effort, and in the day of examination Were it not for' tests, the,.intellects and faculties of the scholars he appears with infinite joy before the master. Likewise, the pure in the great colleges would not be developed. Were it not for gold shines radiantly in the fire of test. Consequently, it is made tests, the sparkling gems could not be known from worthless clear that for holy souls, trials are as the gift of God, the pebbles. Were it not for tests, the fisherman could not be dis,- Exalted; but for weak souls they are an unexpected calamity. tinguished from Annas and Caiaphas, who had great' worldly This test is just as thou hast written; it removes the rUst of dignity. " egotism from the mirror of the heart until the Sun of Truth Were. it not for tests the face of Mary Magdalene would not may shine therein. For no veil is greater than egotism and no glisten with the light of firmness and certainty unto all the . matter how thin that covering may be, yet it will finally veil 'horizons. These are some of the mysteries of tests which We have

I' ,,-:-;'i' , .,". , • \. ~" J. ; ..... \."" ... ' . • '- . .. ..... ~H -",,." ~.>"I 92 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING TESTS AND AFFLICTIONS 93 un~olded to t~ee that thou mayest become cognizant of the mys- As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are tenes of. God 10 every cycle. Verily I pray God to -illumine the faces as pure gold in the fire of tests., ' 7 afflicted by the hands of oppressors: this contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance. In bri~£, for those. Anybody can be happy in the state of cOIIlfort, ease, health, souls there is a recompense in another world and many details ~uccess, pleasure and joy; but if one can be happy and contented are connected with this matter. For those S9uls that suffering is 10 t~~ ttme of trouble, hardship and disease, ~t is the proof of the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of the Lord is far nobtltty. - 8 better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the The souls who bear the tests of God become the manifestations growth and development of this place of mortality. 13 of great bounties; for the divine trials cause some souls to become entirely lifeless, while they cause the holy souls to ascend to the DIVINE ASSISTANCE highest degree of love and firmness. They cause progress and they Be not grieved if affairs become difficult and troubles wax also cause retrogression. 9 intense on all sides! Verily, thy Lord. changeth hardship into But for tribulations, how could the assured be distinguished facility, troubles into ease and afflictions into greatest comfrom the doubters among Thy serv~nts? 10· posure. 14 How many the leaves which the tempests of trials have caused If thy daily living become difficult, soon (God) thy Lord will to fall, and how many, too, are those which, clinging tenaciously bestow upon thee that which will satisfy thee. Be patient in the to the tree of Thy Cause, have remained unshaken by the tests time of affliction and trial, endure every difficulty and hardship that have assailed them, 0 Thou Who art .our Lord the Most with a dilated heart, attracted spirit and eloquent tongue in re- Merciful! 11 membrance of the Merciful. Verily this is the life of satisfaction, the spiritual existence, heavenly repose, divine benediction and the FRUITS OF TESTS AND AFFLICTIONS celestial table! Soon thy Lord will extenuate thy straitened cir- Do ye not look upon the beginning of affairs; attach your cumstances even in this world. 15 hearts to the ends and results. The present period is like unto the Be patient under all conditions, and place your whole trust and sowing time. Undoubtedly it is impregnated with perils and confidence in God. 16 difficulties, but in the future many a harvest shall be g·athered, and benefits and results will become apparent. When one con- Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity. 17 siders the issue and the end, inexhaustible joy and happiness will Blessed are they wh~ cqnsider all in the world as non-existent dawn. and nothing before the mention of the King of Pre-existence; Everything of importance in this world demands the close and who so adhere unto the Firm Handle of God that neither attention of its seeker. The one in pursuit of anything must un- doubts nor evil suggestions, nor swords and cannon, can withhold dergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained or deprive them! Blessed are the steadfast; blessed are the a~d ,the great Success is obtained. This is the case of things per- firm! 18 tatntng to the world. How much higher is that which ~oncerns the Supreme Concourse! That Cause involves every favor, glory If anyone revile you, or trouble touch you, in the path of'God, and eternal bliss in the world of God. 12 be patient, and. put your trust in Him Who heareth, Who seeth. 19 I ( tt'

94 THE' DIVINE ART OF LIVING TESTS AND AFFLICTIONS 95 • Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt Verily, Thou art the Protector, the Guardian, the Preserver, ?te and .with Thy love in my heart all the world's afflictions can the Sufficer, and verily Thou art the Merciflll of the MOst In no wise alarm me. 20 ~~~! ~ . W~os<;>ever, 0 my Lord, is impatient in the tribulations befall- Ing him In Thy path, hath not drunk of the cup of Thy love nor How BAHA'U'LLAH AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA MET AFFLICTIONS . !

tasted of the sweetness of Thy remembrance. 21 Though my bOdy be 'pained by the trials that befall me from Aware as I am, 0 my God, that Thou wilt send down upon Thee, though it b~ afflicted by the revelations of Thy Decree, yet Thy servants only what is good for them, I nevertheless beseech my soul rejoiceth at having partaken of the wa.ters of Thy Thee, ~y T~y name which overshadoweth all things, to raise up, Beauty, and at having attained the shores of the ocean of Thine for their assistance and as a sign of Thy grace and as an evidence eternity. Doth it become a lover to flee from his belov~d, or. to. of Thy .power, those who will keep them safe from alI their desert the object of his heart's desire?' Nay; we alI'~lieve in adversarxes. Thee, and eagerly hope to enter Thy presence: 25 Potent art Thou to do .Thy pleasure. Thou art, verily, the Ye have expressed words of solicitude and an1lciety over the Supr~IJ?e Ruler, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self- troubles and persecutions which have befalIen this imprisoned SubsistIng. ' 22 one. Do not be, at all sad, be ye not affected .••. Persecutions I fe~r no tri~ulation in His path, nor a~y affliction in My love and adversities are merciful gifts. • ~ • Through the appearan~ ., i for Hll~. Verxly God hath made adverSity as a morning dew of tests, my heart IS consoled, and through the experiencing of dire afflictions my soul is calmed. 26, .., upon HIS green pasture, and a wick for His lamp which lighteth earth and heaven. 23 o th~u friend! Be not,sorrowful because of my imprisonment and lament not over my difficulties; nay, rather, ask Godto in-. i ,j A PRA YER FOR PROTECTION AND PRESER VA TION IN TESTS crel!se my hardship in Hispath,.for therein lies a wisdom which AND AFFLICTIONS none are able to comprehend save the near angels. . . ' 27 ·1 ~ my Lord! .~hou knowest that the people are encircled with Thou hast manifested joy at the freedom of 'Abdu'l-Baha. paIn and cala~ltles and are environed with hardships and trou- This happiness came from thy great love. There is no doubt that bles: E~ery: trxal doth attack man and every dire adversity doth the friends have become joyful on account of the liberation ~f assail him hke unto the assault of a serpent. There is no shelter 'Abdu'l-Baha. But I wasfhankful for this prison in the path of and asyl~m for him except under the wing of Thy protection, God, and the lack of liberty was very pleasing to me, for those preservatIOn, guard and custody. days were passed in the path of the love of God with the utmost o Thou the Merciful One! 0 my Lord! Make Thy protection difficulty and trials, bearing fruits and results. Unless one accept my armory, Thy preservation my shield, humbleness before the suffering, undergo trials. and endure vicissitudes he will reap no . door of Thy Oneness my guard, and Thy custody and defense reward nor ~ill he attain success and prosperity. 28 my fortress and IJ?Y abode. Preserve me from the suggestions o~ myself and deSire and guard me from every sickness, trial, I difficulty and ordeal. 1

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LEARNING TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD 97 love is the spirit of life, and the eternal bounty. If the lov~ of God did not exist, the hearts· of men would be dead, and dep,rlved of the sensations of existence; if the love of God· did not exist, spiritual union would be lost; if the love of God did not exist, ".~ .. the light of unity would not illwninate huma~ty; if the love of ~

CHAPTER THIRTEEN God did not exist, the East and West, like two lovers would not embrace each other; if the love of God did not exist; division and disunity would not be changed into fraternity; if the love of God LEARNING TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD did not exist, indifference would not end in affection; if the love of God did not exist the stranger_would not become the friend. T!iE NECESSITY OF KNOWING AND LOVING GOD The love of the human world has shone forth from the love of God, and has appeared by the bounty and grace of God. uestion.-Those who are blessed with good actions and uni- Q versal benevolence, who have praiseworthy characteristics, who act with love and kindness towards all creatures, who care for It is clear that the reali~y of mankind is diverse, that opinions are various and sentiments different; and this difference of opinions, of thoughts, of intelligence, of sentiments among the the poor, and who strive to est~blish unive~sal peace---:wha.t need human species, arises from essential necessity; for the differences have they of the. Divine teachmgs? o~ whIch the~ ~hmk Indeed in the degrees of existence of cr~atures is ,one of the necessities of that they are independent? What IS the condItIOn of these existence, which unfolds itself in infinite forms. Therefore we people? '. . have need of a general power which may dominate the senti- Answer.-Know that such actIOns, such efforts, and such ments, the opinions, and the thoughts of all, thanks to which words are praiseworthy and approved, and ar~ the glory of these divisions may no longer have effect, and all individuals may humanity. But these actions alone are ~ot SUffi.CI~~t; they are a be brought under the influence of the unity of the world of body of the greatest lovelines.s, b~t wIthout SpIrIt. No? t,Pat humanity. It is clear and evident that this greatest power in the which is the cause of everlastIng hfe, eternal honor, unIversal human world is the love of God. It brings the different people enlightenment, real salvation and prosperity, is, first of all, th.e under the shadow of the tent of affection; it gives to the antagoknowledge of God. It is known that the knowle~ge of God IS nistic and hostile nations and families the greatest love and beyond all knowledge,. a~d it is the greatest glory ~f the hUI?an union. 1 world. For in the eXIstIng knowledge of the realIty of thIngs there is ma~erial advantage, and through it outward civilization There are four kinds,.,>f love. The first is the love that flows progresses; but the knowledge of Go~ is the cause. of spiritual from God to man; it consists of the inexhaustible graces, the progress and attraction, a~d thr~u~h It .t~e. pe~ceptl(~n of truth, Divine effulgence and heavenly illumination. Through this love the exaltation of humanIty, dIVIne cIvIhzatIon, rIghtness of the world of being receives·1ife. Through this love man is en:" morals and illumination, are obtained. . . dowed with physical existence, until, through the breath of the Secondly comes the love of God, the light of which shines in 'Holy Spirit-this same love-he receives eternal life and becomes the lamps of the hearts of th~se who know G?d; its brilli~nt rays the image of the Living God. This love is the origin of all the illuminate the horizon and gIve to man the hfe of the K.ingd~. love in the world of creation. In truth, the fruit of human existence is the love of God, for thIS The second is the love that flows from man to God. This is t'ti't " ) t W'; ''b' !"' t)" t1

98 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LEARNING TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD 99 ~aith, attr~ction to the Divine, enkindlement, progress, entrance These four kinds of love originate from God. These are rays mto the Kmgdom of God, receiving the bounties of God illumina- from the Sun of R,eality; these are the breathings of the Holy ',",1

tion with the lights of the Kingdom. This love is the o;igin of all Spirit; these are ,the signs of the Reality. 2 ;.l

philanthropy; this love causes the hearts of men to reflect the rays Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth of the Sun of Reality. therein) He, through the direct operation of His unconstrained The third is the love of God towards the Self or Identity of and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man the unique distinc- G~d. Th~s is the transfiguration of His Beauty, the reflection of tion and capacity to know Him and to love Him-a capacity HImself 10 the mirror of His creation. This is the Reality of that must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the Love, the Ancient Love, the Eternal Love. Through one ray of primary purpose underlying the whole of creation . . • . Upon this Love all other love exists. the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed The fourth is the love of man for man. The love which exists the light. of one of His names, and made it a recipient of one of between the hearts of believers is prompted by the ideal of the His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath unity of spirits. This love is attained through the knowledge of God, so that men see the Divine love reflected in the heart. Each sees in the other the beauty of God reflected in the soul, and, finding this point of similarity, they are attracted to one another in focused the radiance of all of His names and attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty. Is it not astonishing that although man has been created for 3 I , love. This love will make all men the waves of one sea. This love will make them all the stars of one heaven and the fruits of one the knowledge and love of God, for the virtues of the human tree. This love will. bring the realization of true accord, the world, for spirituality; heavenly illumination and life eternal, foundation of real unity. nevertheless he continues ignorant and negligent of all this? Con- But the love which sometimes exists between friends is not sider how he seeks knowledge of everything except knowledge of (true) love, because it is subject to transmutation; this is merely God. For instance, his utmost desire is to penetrate the mysteries fascination. As the breeze blows, the slender trees yield. If the of the lowest strata of the earth. Day by day he strives to know: wind is in the east, the tree leans to the west, and if the wind is wha~ can be found ten meters below the surface, what he can in the west, the tree leans to the east. This kind of love is origi- discover within the stone, what he can learn by archaeological nated by the accidental conditions of life. ' This is not love, it is research in the dust. He put forth arduous labors to fathom ter· merely acquaintanceship; it is subject to change. restrial mysteries, but is not at all concerned about knowing the Today you will see two souls apparently in dose friendship; mysteries of the Kingdom, traversing the illimitable fields of the tomorrow all this may be changed. Yesterday they were ready to eternal world, becoming in:formed of the divine realities, discovdie for one another, today they shun one another's society; This ering the secrets of God, attaining the knowledge of God, witis not love; it is the yielding of the hearts to the accidents of life. nessing the splendors of the Sun of Truth and realizing the glories When that which has caused this "love" to exist passes, the love of ~verlasting life. . . . How much he is attracted to the myspasses also; this is not in reality love. terIes of matter and how completely unaware he 'is of the Love is only of the four kinds I have explained. (a) The love mysteries. of divi?ity. . . . It is as if a kind and loving father of God towards the identity of God. Christ has said God is love. had provIded a hbrary of wonderful books for his son in order (b) The love of God for His children (for His servants). (c) that he might be infoQIled of ,the mysteries of creation 'at the The love of man for God and, (d) The love of man for man. same time surrounding him with every means of comf~rt and :i !

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.. ' . 100 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LEARNING TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD 101 . '.~ .." ,..'t"' enjoyment; but the son amuses himself with pebbles and play- face of the mirror it can never represent the image of the sun nor thIngs, neglectful of all his father's gifts and provision. . . . reflect its light and glory:: '.' . '. . ?ay and night you must strive that you may attain to And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind th.e ~I~mficanc~s of the .heavenly Kingdom, perceive the signs of the one true God with His creation, and no resemblance whatever, Dlvlmty, acquIre certaInty of knowledge and realize that this can exist between the transient and the Eternal, the contingent . world has a Creator, a Vivifier, a Provider, an Architect-know- and the Absolute, He hath ordained that in every age and disi~~ ~his through proofs and evidences and not through suscepti- pensation a pure and stainless Soul be mad~ manifest in. the kingbllmes-nay, rather through decisive arguments and real vision; doms of earth and heaven.... These Essences of Detachmertt, that is to say, visualizing it as. clearly as the outer eye beholds these resplendent Realities are th~. ~annels of G~d',S,~-p.~r.vasiy<; the sun. 4 grace. led by the light of unfailing guidance, and invested with o th~u son of the Kingdom! If one possesses the love of God supreme sovereignty, they are commissioned to use the inspiration ~ver?'thIng that he undertakes is useful, but if the undertaking of their words, the effusions of their infallible 'grac;:e and the IS WIthout the love of God, then it is hurtful and the cause of sanctifying breeze of their Revelation for the cleansing of every veiling oneself from the Lord of the Kingdom. But with the love longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of of God every ~itterness i~ changed into ~weetness and every gift earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust becometh precIOus. For Instance, a musIcal and melodious voice of God,' latent in the reality of man, emerge, as resplendent as imparteth life to an attracted heart, but lureth toward lust those the rising Orb of Divine Revelation, from behind the veil of souls who are engulfed in passion and desire. concealment, and implant the ensign of its revealed glory upon .With ~he love o~ God all sciences are accepted and beloved, but the summits of men's hearts. 6 w~thout. It ~re frUItless; nay~ rather, the cause of insanity. Every sCIence IS lIke unto a tree; If the fruit of it is the love of God The knowledge of the Reality of Divinity is impossible and that is a blessed tree. Otherwise it is dried wood and finally ~ unattainable, but the knowledge of the Manifestations of God food for fire. 5 is the knowledge of God, for the bounties, splendors, and divine attributes are apparent in them. Therefore if man attains to. the LEARNING TO KNOW GOD knowledge of the Manifestations of God, he will attain to the knowledge of God; and if he be neglectful of the knowledge of (The) energies with which the Day Star of Divine bounty and the Holy Manifestations, he will be bereft of the knowledge of s?urce of heaven~y ~ui~ance hath endowed the reality of man God. It is then ascertained and proved that the Holy Manifeshe . . . latent WIthIn hIm even as the flame is hidden within the tations are the center of the bounty, signs, and perfections of candle and the rays of light are potentially present in the lamp. God. Blessed are those who receive the light of the divine boun- The radiance of these energies may be obscured by worldly de- ties from the enlightened Dawning-points. .7 sires even as the light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor He hath called into being His creatures, that they~y know the lamp can be lighted through their Own unaided efforts nor Him Who is the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. . Unto the can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its dross. cities of all nations He hath sent His Messengers, Whom He hath It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp will commissioned to announce unto men tidings of the Paradise of never bu ignited, and unless the dross is blotted out from the His good pleasure, and to draw them nigh unto the Haven of , ' ',. ("1 ...1';,: .... (

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102 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LEARNING TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD 103 abiding security, the Seat of e~ernal holiness and transcendent What outpouring flood can compare with, the stream .of His glory. 8 all-embracing grace, and what blessing can excel the, eVIdences In the past they that were the daysprings and mines of wisdom of so great and pervasive a mercy? There can. be no doubt wh~.t-, in no wise ignored its ultimate Cause or denied its Fountain and ever that if for one moment the tIde of .HIS mercy and grace Source. . . . were to be withheld from the world, it would completely perish. Remarkable and far-reaching as the intellectual and industrial For this reason, from the beginning that hath no beginning the accomplishments of the leaders of thought have been in modern portals of Divine mercy have been flun~ op~n to ~he face of .,'. times, yet to every discerning observer it is clear and manifest all created things, and the clouds of Truth will contInue to ?te that they have derived the greatest part of their knowledge from end that hath no end to rain on the soil of human capaCIty, the.sages of the past.... These sages of 9ld in their turn acquired reality and personality their favors and.bounties~ Su~ hath been theIr knowledge from the Prophets of God, for these verily were God's method continued from everlastIng to everlastIng~ 15 the Manifestations of Divine Wisdom and the Revealers of Thou art, in truth, He Whose mercy hath encompassed all the heavenly mysteries. 9 worlds, and whose grace hath embraced all that dwell on earth Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, thatye may and in heaven. Who is there that hath cried after Thee, and whose unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that prayer hath remained unanswered? Where is he to be found lie hid in its depths. 10 who hath reached forth towards Thee, and whom Thou hast failed to approach? Who is he that Can claim to have fixed his The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be gaze upon Thee, and toward whom the eye of Thy loving-kind- His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through the knowl- ness hath not been directed? I bear witness that Thou hast turned edge of His Divine Manifestation. II toward Thy servants ere they had turned toward Thee, and hadst remembered them ere they had remembered Thee. All grace is Ponder God in your heart, reflect on His Manifestations, and Thine, 0 Thou in Whose hand is the kingdom of Divine gifts be not of them that are void of understanding. 12 and the source of every irrevocable decree. 16 Turn to God, supplicate humbly at His threshold, seeking ... The manifold bounties of the Lord of all beings have, at . assistance and confirmation, that God may rend asunder the all times through the Manifestations of His Divine Essence, veils that obscure your vision. Then will your eyes be filled with encompa;sed the earth 'and all that dwell therein. Not for a illumination, face to face you will behold the reality of God and moment hath His grace been with~eld, nor ha~e the showers of your heart become completely purified from the dross of ignor- His loving-kindness ceasea to rain upon mankInd. 17 ance, reflecting the glories and bounties of the kingdom. 13 Consider to what extent the love of God makes itself manifest. Goo's LOVE FOR US Among the signs of His love which appear in the.wor!d are the dawning-points of His Manifestations. What an Infimte de~ree o Son of Man! Veiled in My immemorial being and in the of love is reflected by the divine Manifestations t?~ard mankl!ldl ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My Love for Thee; there- For the sake of guiding the people they have WIllIngly forfeIted fore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and their lives to resuscitate' human hearts. They have accepted the revealed to thee My beauty. 14 cross. To enable human souls to attain the supreme degree of .

I • 104 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LEARNING ,!O KNOW AND LOVE 'GOD 10,5 I advancement, they have suffered during their limited years '1 Know verily nothing will benefit a person save the love of t~e extreme ordeals and difficulties. . . . Merciful One. Nothing illuminates a man's heart save the radI- Observe how rarely human souls sacrifice their pleasure or ance which shines forth from the Kingdom,of God I Put away comfort for others; how improbable that a man would offer his every thought and doubtful mentioning 'and keep thy th(i)ug~ts eye or suffer himself to be dismembered for the benefit of an- entirely on that which uplifts man to the heaven of the gift other. Yet all the divine Manifestations suffered, offered their of God. . . . . 23 lives and blood, sacrificed their existence, comfort and all they possessed for the sake of mankind. Therefore consider how much WHAT THE LOVE OF GOD BRINGS TO US they love. Were it not for their love for humanity, spiritual love would be mere nomenclature .. Were it not for their illumi- o Son of Man! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. ,.1.. '

nation, human souls would not be radiant. How effective is their Wherefore, do' thou' love Me that I may name thy name and fill love! This is a sign of the love of God; a ray of the Sun of thy soul with the spirit of life. 2:"1- Reality. '18 o Son of Man! Love Me that I may love thee. If thou lovest .j>, •

.;' .. LEARNING TO LOVE GOD Me not, My love can_ in no wise reach thee. Know this, () servant. 25 . To the heaven of Thy loving-kindness lift me up, 0 my Quickener, and unto the Day Star of Thy guidance lead me, 0 Thou o Son of Being! My love is my stronghold; he that entereth my Attractor! 19 therein shall be safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish. 26 The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Bel~ved One, and sever himself from all else but God, and desire nought o Son of Utterance! Thou art My stronghold; enter therein save that which is the desire of his Lord. . 20 that thou mayest abide in safety. My love is in thee, know it; Help me to guard the pearls of Thy love which by Thy decree, that thou mayest find Me nigh unto thee. 27 Thou hast enshrined within my heart. 21 o Befriended Stranger! The healer of all thy ills is thy re- Let the flame of the love of God burn brightly within your membrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy all-precious ',' radiant hearts. Feed it with the oil of Divine guidance, and protect it within the shelter of your constancy. Guard it within . treasure and cherish. it even as thine own sight and life. . The day is approaching when the intervening clouds will have the globe of trust and detachment from all else but God, so that been completely dissipated, when the light of the words, "All the evil whisperings of the ungodly may not extinguish its light. honor belongeth unto God and unto them that love. Him" will o My servants! My holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may have appeared, as manifest as the sun, above the horizon of the be likened unto an ocean in whose depths are concealed innumer- Will of the Almighty. 29 able pearls of great price, of surpassing luster. 'It is the duty of every seeker to b.estir himself and strive to obtain the shores of PRA YERS FOR ATTAINING THE KNOWLEDGE AND this ocean, so that he may, in proportion to the eagerness of his THE LOVE OF GOD search and the efforts he hath exerted, partake of such benefits . ,'.' as have been preordained in God's irrevocable and hidden o Thou kind God! 'To me Thou art.kinder than myself, and Tablets. 22 Thy love is more abundant and more ancient. Whenever I am 106 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

reminded of T~y bestowals, I am made happy and hopeful. If I ,have been agitated, I obtain ease of heart and soul. If I am disloyal, I become loyal. If I have been hopeless, I become hopeful. 0 Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Cause Thou the rejoicing of my heart; empower my weak spirit and strengthen my exhausted ne,rves, Illumine Thou mine eyes; suffer my ears to CHAPTER FOURTEEN b~come hearIng, so that I may hearken to the music of the Kmgdom and attain to the joy and happiness everlasting. Verily, LOVE AND UNITY Thou art the Generous, the Giver, and the Kind! . 30 ,0 Thou forgiving Lord! These servants are turning to Thy km?dom and seeking Thy grace and bounty. 0 God! Make T HE prophets of God one and all, Christ Himself as well as the Blessed Beauty (Baha'u'llah), have all appeared and raised their hearts good ax:d pure in order that they may become worthy the call with the one purpose of transforming the world of man of Thy love. PUrIfy and sanctify the spirits that the light of into the Kingdom of God. Their common aim was to turn the the Sun of Reality may shine through them. Purify and sanctify earthly into heavenly, darkness into light, things that are satanic the eyes ~hat they may perceive Thy lights. Purify and sanctify into things Divine. They strove to establish the reign of harthe ears, m or?er that they may hear the call of Thy kingdom. mony and love amongst the children of men, to unfold to their o Lord, VerIly we are weak, but Thou art mighty. Verily we eyes the fundamental unity of all mankind, to demolish the founare poor but Thou art rich. We are seekers, but Thou art the dations of differences in the world, and to confer upon it the One sought. 0 Lord! Have compassion upon us and forgive imperishable blessings of eternal life. us; bestow, upon us capacity and readiness in order that we may o thou honored one! Ponder in thine heart the world of b~ respon~Ive to Thy favors, attracted to Thy kingdom, en- being. Association, harmony and union are the source of life, kmdled wIth the fire of Thy love and resuscitated through the whilst differences and division are the cause of ultimate destrucbreaths of Thy Holy Spirit in this radiant century. Thou art tion. Shouldst thou reflect on all created things, thou '!I'ilt observe powerful; Thou art most generous. 3I that the existence of every being dependeth upon the association and combination of divers elements the disintegration of which will terminate the. existence of that being . . . . This mutual helpfulness is realized either directly or through mediation, and if, for the twinkling of an eye, this confirmation and assistancecloes not descend upon the living being, it will become non-existent, for .all the existing things are linked together and draw help from each other. Therefore the greatest foundation of the world of existence is this cooperation and mutuality. Liken the world of existence to the temple of man. All the limbs and organs of the human body assist one another; therefore life continues. When, in this wonderful organism, there is a· disconnection, life is changed to death and the parts of the body

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108 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING 109 LOVE AND UNITY

disintegrate. Likewise, among the parts of existence there is a civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable wonderful con.nection and interchange of forces, which is the glory upon every high..;aiming race and nation. . . cause of the lIfe of the world and the continuation of these Whatsoever people is graciously favored therewIth by God, ItS countless ,Phenomena. Wh~n one considers the living beings and name shall surely be magnified and extolled by the ~!;lcourse the grOWIng plants, he reahzes that the animals and man sustain from on high, by, the company of angels, and thede~lzens of lif~ by inhaling t?e emanations from the vegetable world, and the Abha kingdom., And whatsoever pe~ple turneth ItS. heart thIs . . . element IS called oxygen. The vegetable kingdom also away from this Divine love-the revelatIOn of the Merclfuldraws life from the living creatures in the substance called shall err grievously, shall fall in despair, and be utterly destroyed. ~arbo~. In brie~, the beings of sensation draw life frorp. the grow- That people shall be denied all refuge, shall become ev~n ag the Ing .b~Ings and In turn the growing things receive life from the vilest creatures of the eart;h, victims of degradation and sh~me. senSItIve creatures. Therefore this interchange of forces and intercommunication is continued and uninterrupted. o ye beloved of the Lord! Strive .to bec?methe x:n~nifestatlons of the love of God, the lamps of DiVIne gUIdance shining amongst, ,From this illustration one can see the base of life is this mutual the kind reds of the earth with the light of love and concord. ,2 aid' and helpfulness, and the cause of destruction and nonexistence would be the interruption of this mutual assistance. LOVE AND UNITY MUST BE ALL-EMBRACING The more the world aspires to civilization the more this most important matter of cooperation becomes manifest. Therefore Should any one con~end that true and endu~ing unity c~n in , in t~e world. of humanity one sees this ma'tter of he'pfulness nowise be realized in this world inasmuch. as Its people WIdely attaIn to a hIgh degree of efficiency; so much so that the con- differ in their manners and habits, their ta~tes,. their temperatinuance of humanity entirely depends upon this interrelation. 1 'ment and character, their thoughts and th~Ir VIews, to t~IS we make reply that differences are of twO kInd~;. the one IS ~he .Know ~hou of a cert~inty ~hat Love is the secret of God's holy cause of destruction, as exemplified by the spmt of conten~lO.n DIspensatIOn, the mamfestatIOn of the All-Merciful, the foun- and strife which animates mutually conflicting and antagomstlc tain of spi.ritual outpourings. Love is heaven's kindly light, the peoples and nations, whilst the oth~r is the sign of diversity, the. Holy Spint's eternal breath that vivifies the human soul. Love symbol and the secret of perfectIOn, and the revealer of the is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent bounties of the All-glorious.' . . . according to Divine creation, in the realities of things. Love i~ . . . Consider, the flowers of the garden; though dlffenng In the one means that insures true felicity both in this world and kind, color, form and shape, yet, inasl1}uch as they are: refres.hed t~e next. L~ve is the lig?t that guideth in darkness, the living by the waters of one spring, revived by t~e b~eat~ of, ?ne WInd, hnk t~at u~l1teth God wIth. man, that assureth the progress of invigorated by the rays of one. sun, thIS dlvemty. In~r~aseth every IllumIned soul. Love IS the most great law that ruleth this their charm and ad4eth unto theIr beauty. How ~npleasIng to mighty and heavenly Cycle, the unique power that bindeth the eye if all the flo~ers and plants, the leaves,and blossoms, the together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme fruit, the branches, and the trees' of the garden were all of the magnetic. force that directs the movements of the spheres in same shape and color I Diversity of color, .formand shape enthe celestIal realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless richeth and adorneth the ,garden, apd helghteneththe" effect ~ower the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of 'thereof. In like manner, when divers shades of, thought, tem~' hfe unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true perament and character, are brought together under the power

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,.J; , ;r I. ~. •: ,~" •• 110 THE DIVINE ART OF LInNG LOVE'AND UNITY 111 and influence of one central agency, the beauty and glory of Some are ignorant; they mu~t be trained an~ educated. One. is human perfection will be revealed and made manifest. Nought sick; he must be healed. Another is as a chd~j, we m~st ~~Slst but the celestial potency of the Word of God, which ruleth and him to attain maturity. We must not detest him who ~ ailm,g, trans~endeth the realities of all things, is capable of harmonizing neither shun him, scorn, nor curse him; but care for,hIm With the divergent thoughts, sentiments, ideas and convictions of the the utmost kindness and tenderness. An infant must not ~e children of men. 3 treated with disdain simply because it is a.n i.nfant. Our re~ponsl­ bility is to train, educate and develop It In order that It ma~ In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color; all advance toward maturity. are one in the color and beauty of servitude to Him. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matters not what I charge you all that, each one of y01;1 concentrate all the the exterior may be if the heart is pure and white within. God thoughts of your 'heart on love and unity. When a thought of does not behold differences of hue, and complexion; He looks war comes oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought at the hearts. He whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of l?ve. preferred in the presence of God; he who is devoted to the Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-~eIng, Kingdom is most beloved. . . . 4 resffulness and content. Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship and ha~piness: .. '. When the racial elements of the American nation unite in If you desire with all yo~~ heart fnend~~lp wlt.h every ~a~e actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of hu- on 'earth, your thought, spmtual and pOSitive, wIll spread, It manity will shine, the day of eternal glory and bliss will dawn, will become the desire of others, growing stronger and stronger, the spirit of God encompass and the Divine favors descend. until it reaches the minds of all men. 7 Under the leadership and training of God, the real shepherd, all When you love a member of your famil,>: or a .compatriot, let will be protected and preserved. He will lead them in green it be with a ray of the Infinite Love! Let It be In God and for pastures of happiness and sustenance and they will attain to the God! 8 real goal of existence. This is the blessing and benefit of unity; this is the outcome of love: 5 MAN'S LACK OF LOVE 'Abdu'l-Baha said:-I have just been told that there has been Every human creature is the servant of God. All have been a terrible accident in this country. A train has fallen into the created and reared by the power and favor of God; all'have been river and at least twenty people have been killed.••. I a?l filled blessed with the bounties ,of the same Sun of Divine truth; all with wonder and surpris~, to notice what interest and eXCItement have quaffed from the fountain of the infinite mercy of God; has been aroused throughout the whole country on account of and all in His estimation and love are equal as servants. He is the death of twenty people, while t~ey remain cold and indifferbeneficent and kind to all. Therefore no one should glorify himent to the fact that thousands of Italians, Turks and Arabs are self over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority killed in Tripoli!'" ... Yet these unfortunate peopl~ are human toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow beings, too. , , Why is there so much interest and eager sympathy shown creature. All must be considered as submerged in the ocean of towards these twenty individuals, while for five thousand persons God's mercy. We must associate with all humanity with gentleness and kindliness. We must love all with love of the heart. .. A reference to t~e ltalo-Turkish war, of 1lI11.

'. , . ' ' ...."', ....._..t.....i . , 112 THE DIVINE AR.T OF LIVING LOVE AND UNITY, 1U there is none? They are all men, they all belong to the famii y bounties and spiritual bestowals w~~~h have ~escended from ~od­ of mankind, but they are of other lands and races. It is no con- in this day for that. purpose. This IS .an eXigency .o~ the. times cern of the disinterested countries if these men are cut to pieces, and the Divine remedy has been provided. T~e s~lt1tual. teachthis wholesale slaughter does not affect them! How unjust, how ings of the religion of God can alone create .thls love, umty and cruel this is, how utterly devoid of any good and true feeling! accord in human hearts. 11 The people of these other lands have children and wives, mothers, daughters and little ones! In these countries today there is hardly Goo's REMEDY a house free from the sound of bitter weeping, scarcely can one find a home untouched by the cruel hand of war. The unity which is productiye of unlimited r_~sul~,~ is. fi~st a _ Alas! we see on all sides how cruel, prejudiced and unjust is unity of mankind which recognizes that a!l are sheltered benbth , ,,-,.~ man, and how slow he is to believe in God and follow His the overshadowing gloryoi the All-GloriOUS; thatall~re,serv- _ ·:::i; commandments. . 9 ants of one God; for all breathe the·same atmosphere,hve upon' the same earth move beneath the same heavens, receive effulgence Although the body-politic is one .family, yet because of. the from the same'sun and are under the protection of one God. 11tis lack of symmetry some members are comfortable, and some are is the most great unity, and its results are ~asting ~f manki~d adin the utmost misery; some members are satisfied, and some are heres to it· but mankind has hitherto vlOlated It, adhermgto hungry; some are clothed with the most costly garments, while some are in need of food and shelter. Why? Because this family sectarian 0; other limited unities such as racial, patljotic~r unity of self interests; therefore no great results have .been fortq.comhas not that reciprocity and symmetry needed. This household ing. Nevertheless it is certain, that the radiance and ~avor~ -of is not well arranged .... Is .it possible for a member of a family God ,are encompassing, ininds have developed, ,perceptl?nS h~ve to be subjected to the utmost misery and abject poverty, and for become acute sciences and arts are widespread and capacity eXIsts the rest of the family to be comfortable? It is impossible, unless for the procl~mation and promulgation of the real and ultimate the rest of the family be without feeling, having become spirit- unity of mankind which will bring for,th marvelous ~esults. It ually atrophied, inhospitable, unkind. 10 will reconcile all religions, make warring nations lovmg,cause -or

. . . The disease which afflicts the body-politic is lack of love hostile kings to become friendly and bring peace and happiness and absence of altruism. In the hearts of men no real love is to the human world. It will cement together the Orient and the found~ and the condition is such that unless their susceptibilities Occident remove forever the foundations of war and upraise' ar~ qUIcke~ed. by some power so that unity, love and accord may the ensig~ of the Most Great Peace. These limited unities are develop withm them, there can be no healing, no agreement therefore signs of that great unity which will make-all the human among mankind. Love and unity are the needs of the body- family one by being pr6ductive of the attractions of conscience pol~tic toda,Y. Without these there can be no progress or pros- in mankind. - 12 perIty obtamed. Therefore the friends of God must adhere to " The great mass of humanity does not exercise re~llove and £e,lthe power which will create this love and unity in the hearts lowship. The elect of humanity are those who hve together m of ~~e sons. of men. Science cannot cure the illness of the body- love and unity. They are preferable before God because the polItIC. SCI~nce cannot create amity and fellowship in human Divine attributes are already manifest in them, The Supreme hearts. NeIther can patriotism or racial allegiance effect a Love and Unity is witnessed in the Divine Manifestatio~s. remedy. It must be accomplished solely through the Divine , Among them unity is indissoluble, changeless, eternal and ever-

" ~ '.~ ,'f"" 114 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LOVE AND UNITY 115 , lasting. Each one is expressive and representative of all. If we of this age were to allow mankind to. inhale the fragrance of fel- . deny on~ of the Mani~estations of God we deny all. To inflict Ipwship and love, every understandmg heart would apprehe1.1d persecutIon upon one IS to persecute all. In all degrees of exist- the meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undiS- ence each one praises and sanctifies the others. Each of them turbed peace and absolute composure. 16 holds to the solidarity of mankind and promotes the unity of human hearts. Next to the Divine Manifestations come the be- ApPLYING THE REMEDY lievers whose characteristics are agreement, fellowship and love. 13 When a man turns his face to God he finds sunshine everywhere. All men are his brothers. Let not conventioAality cause Fr.om the heaven of God's Will, and for the purpose of en- you to seem cold and unsympathetic, when you meet strange nobhng the world of being and of elevating the minds and souls people from other countries. Do n?t look at them as if yo~ su~­ of men, hath been sent down that which is the most effective pected them of being evil-doers, thieves and boors. You thm~ It instrument for the education of the whole human race. The necessary to be very careful, riot to expose yourselves to the risk highest essence and most perfect expression of whatsoever the of making acquaintance with such, possibly, undesirable people. peoples of .old have either said or written hath, through this most I ask you not to. think only of yourselves. Be kind to the potent Revelation, been sent down from the heaven of the Will strangers, whether they come from Turkey, Japan, Persia, Russia, of the All-Possessing, the Ever-Abiding God. Of old it hath been China or any other country in the world. Help to make them revealed: "Love of one's country is an element of the Faith of feel at home; find out where they are staying, ask if you may· God." The Tongue of Grandeur hath, however, in the day of render them any service; try to make their lives a little happier. His manifestation proclaimed: "It is not his to boast who loveth In this way, even if, sometimes, what you at first suspecte~ his country, but it is his who loveth the world." Through the should be true, stilt go out of your way to be kind to them-thI~ power released by these exalted words He hath lent a fresh im- kindness will help them to become better. . . . pulse, and set a new direction, to the birds of men's hearts and Let those who meet you know, without your proclaiming the hath obliterated every trace of restriction and limitation from fact, that you are indeed a Baha'i. .. God's holy Book. . . . 14 Put into practice the teaching of Ba.ha'u'llah~ that ?f kin~n~ss Though the world is encompassed with misery and distress, to all nations. Do not be content with showmg friendship· m yet no man hath paused to reflect what the cause or. source of that words alone; let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path. . 17 may be. . . . The evidences of discord and malice are apparent everywhere, though all were made for harmony and upion. The -, Pray to God that thou mayest become a lover· of men Great Being saith: 0 well-beloved ones! The tabernacle of unity and well-wisher of humankind. 18 ha th been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. . . . 15 Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. . . . Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for them- If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, selves. You will never become angry or impatient if you~ove se?t dow? from the heaven of God's holy Will have revealed, he them for the sake of God. Humanity is not pel;'fect.. There are WIll readIly recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be imperfections in every human being and you will always b~coine regarded as one soul. . . . If the learned and worldly wise men· unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But If yO\~ 116 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING LOVE AND UNITY 117 look toward God you will love them and be kind to them for a language of utm~t kindliness and good-will. If it be accepted, the world of God is the world of perfection and complete m;rcy. Ther~fore do not .look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with if it fulfill its purpose, your object is attained. If anyon~ sho~ld t~e sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfec- refuse it leave him unto himself, and beseech God to gwde. hIm. Beware iest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue.I~ t~e tIOns. The eye that covers faults looks towards the Creator of lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spIrI~, It souls. J:Ie create~ them, ~rains. and provides for them, endows clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the lIght them with capacity and hfe, sight and hearing· therefore they are the signs of His grandeur. ' 19 of wisdom and understanding. 24-

The great and fundamental teachings of BaM'u'llah are the Consort with the peoples o~ religions ~ith l' oy and fragrance; :.~

oneness of ~~d and unity of mankind. This is the bond of union . . . The followers of sincenty and faithfu ness must co~ort '! among Baha IS. aU over the world. They become united them- with all the people of the world with joy and fragrance; for as~o­ selves, then UnIte others. It is impossible to unite unless united. ciation is always conducive to union and harmony, and UOI?n and harmony are the cause of the order of the world and the hfe 20 of the nations. Blessed are' they who hold fast to ~he ~ope of . I desire to make manifest among the friends in America a new compassion and kindness and are detached from anImosity and hght that they may become a new people, that a new foundation hatred! . 25 may be est~bhsh.ed and complete harmony be realized. . . . You must ha,:e mfinIte love for each other, each preferring the other When you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do before himself. . . . You must love your friend better than not turn your face from them. '. '. . ., . yourself; yes, be willing to sacrifice yourself. . . . I desire that Do not allow difference of opmlon, or dIverSity of. thought to you be ready t? sacrifice everything for each other, even life separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, Itself;. then I wdl know that the cause of Baha'u'Uah has been hatred and strife in your hearts. 26 estabhshed. . . . 21 . . . Blessed is he who is illumined w~th the light of .cou~tesy; . ,.;:,

The advent of the prophets and the revelation of the Holy and is adorned with the mantle of upnghtnessl He who IS en- .... '.~ Books is intel!ded ~o create· love between souls and friendship dowed with courtesy is endowed with a great station. 27. " , between the mhabltants of the earth. Real love is impossible o Son of Man! If thou lookest toward mercy, regard n,otihat unless one turn his face towards God and be attracted to His which benefits thee, and hold to that which will benefit the .servbeauty. 22 ants. If thou lookest to~ard justice, choose thou for others what Be most loving one to another. Burn away, wholly for the thou choosest for thyself. 28 .-.:1 'j

sake of the Well-Beloved, the veil of self with the flame of the This is the Day whe~eon the ocean o.f God's mercy hath bee!l ,"i • ! !;I undying Fire, and with faces, joyous and beaming with light manifested unto men, the Day in whIch the Day Star of~ associate with your neighbor. 23 loving-kindness hath s.hed i.ts ~adia:nce upon them, ,the Da~~ . "','-~ ~, :::.;~ Consort with al! men, 0 people of Baha, in a spirit of friendli- which the clouds of HIS bountIful' favor have overshadowed the .,- ,,1, ness and. fellowshIp.. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye whole of mankind. Now is the time to cheer and refresh the possess a Jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in down-cast through the invigorating breeze of loye and fellow:.. . ship, and the living waters of friendliness and ch~rIty.i ' .. ~~ "', .... : ""')j n'i

,"'" .. ,'r: ... ,; ~ ... ,; '. .\~·i'::'~.~;.:~:' v:.;:~~ .~1 r 118 THE DIVINE ART OF L~VING LOVE AND UNITY 119 o ye friends of God! Show ye an endeavo~ that all the nations manding them, and if you wish to give admonition or a~vice let and communities of. the world even the enemies put their trust, it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the .recelver. 32 assurance and hope In YOU; that if a person falls into error for a hundred thousand times he may yet turn his face to you hopeful Beware lest ye off,end any heart, lest ye speak against anyone th~t you ~ill forgive his sins; for he must not become hopeless, in his absence, lest ye estrange yourselves from the servants .of neither gneved nor despondent! This is the conduct of the God. You must consider all His servants as your own family people of Baha! . 30 and relations. Direct your whole effort towards the happiness of those who are despondent, bestow food upon the hungry, clothe .0 ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation con- the needy and glorify the humble. Be a helper to e'!ery helpless fhct .and ~ontention are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor one, and manifest kindness to your fellow creatures In order that depnves himself of God's grace. It is incumbent upon everyone you may attain the good pleasure of God. 33 to show th~ utI?ost love, righteousness, straightforwardpess and Should ye attribute a mistake to a person, it will be ~ caus~ ~f heartfelt kIndlIness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the offense and grief to him-how much greater would thiS be If It world, ~e they friends or strangers. Nay, the spirit of affection is attributed to a number of people! How often it hath occurred aI?-d 10vIng-~indness must so prevail that the stranger may find that a slight difference hath caused a great dissension and hath hlms~lf a ~nend, the enemy a true companion, and every least been made a reason for division. 34 trac~ o.f d~fference be removed. For universality is of God and all limitatIOns earthly. Hence man must strive to show forth Self-love is a strange trait and the means of destruction of s~ch virtues and perfections as may illumine all mankind. The many important souls in the world. If man be imbued with all light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful good qualities but be selfish, all the other virtues will fade or pass showers o~ Providence fall upon all people. The life-giving away and eventually he will grow worse. 35 breeze revlveth every soul, and all living creatures obtain their It hath been decided by the Desire of God that union and harshare .and portion. at His heavenly board. In like manner the mony may day by day increase among the friends of God an~ affectIOns and lovIng-kindness of the servants of the One True the maid-servants of the Merciful One In the West. Not until G.od must be .bountifully and universally extended to all man- this is realized will the affairs advance by any means whatever! kInd. RegardIng this, restrictions and limitations are in no wise And the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is spirpermitted. itual meetings. This matter is very important and is as a magnet W~erefore, 0 my loving friends! Consort with all the peoples (to attract) Divine confirmation. . 36 and kInd reds and religions of the world with the utmost truth- When a man ariseth to expound the arguments of God and to fulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness good-will and friendliness. '31 invite people to enter the religion of God, . . . and advanceth • consummate proofs concerning the appearance of the great Kingdom,. then intense love shall become manifest in his heart. This WARNINGS AND PROMISES love causeth the development of his spirit by the grace of the Act in such a way that your heart may be free from beneficent Lord. 37 hatred. L~t not your heart be offended with anyone. If some Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be one ~om~lts an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from repri- Word will have effect. 38 '."

120 THE DIVINE ART OF LrVING LOVE AND UNITY 1 : 0 My servant I Purge thy heart from malice and, innocent of Thy mercy. The Sun of Thy providence is shining upon. envy, enter the divine court of holiness. 39 Thy gifts encompass all, Thy providence sustains all, Thy prot, o son of being! Ascribe' not to any soul that which thou tion overshadows all and the glances of Thy favor illumine : wouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not that which thou o LordI grant unto. us Thine infinite bestowals and let the li~ doest not. This is My command to thee, do thou observe it. 40 of Thy guidance shine. Illumine the eyes, make joyous the so and confer a new spirit upon the hearts. Give them eternal Ii o ye beloved of the Lord! Commit not that which defileth Open the doors of Thy knowledge; let the light of faith shi the limpid stream of ' love or destroyeih the sweet fragrance of Unite and bring mankind under one shelter beneath the banl friendship. By the righteousness of the Lord! ye were created to of Thy protection so that they may become as waves of one ~ show love 'one to another and not perversity and rancor. Take as leaves and branches of one tree, and may assemble beneath I pride not in love for yourselves but in love for your fellow shadow of the same tent. May they drink from the same fot creatures. 41 tain. May they be refreshed by the same breezes. M.ay they ( tain illumination from the same source of light and life. Tt PRAYERS FOR LOVE AND UNITY art the Giver, the Merciful! o Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same original parents. Thou hast intended that all belong to the same household. In Thy holy presence they are Thy servants and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy tabernacle. All have gathered at Thy table of bounty and are radiant through the light of Thy providence. 0 God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, Thou dost shelter all, Thou dost confer life I upon all. Thou hast endowed all with talents and faculties; all are submerged in the ocean of Thy mercy. 0 Thou kind Lord! unite all, let the religions agree; make the nations one so that they may be as one kind and as children of the same fatherland. May they associate in unity and concord. 0 God! upraise the standard of the oneness of humankind. 0 God! establish the "Most Great P,eace." , Cement the hearts together, 0 God! 0 Thou kind • Father, God! exhilarate the hearts through the fragrance of Thy 16ve;brighten the, eyes through the light of Thy guidance; cheer the hearing with the,melodies of Thy Word and shelter us in the shelter of Thy providence. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful! ETERNAL LIFE , 123 other world, consist in being deprived of the special' divine bleSsings and the absolute bounties, and falling in~o the lowest de- , grees of existence. He who is deprived of these divine favors, although he continues after death, is considered as dead by the people of truth. ' 1 CHAPTER FIFTEEN Thou hast asked me concerning the nature of the soul. Know, verily, that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose ETERNAL LIFE reality the most learned of men have failed to grasp, and whose mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel. It W HA T Is ETERNAL LIFE? is the first among all created things to declare the excellence of its Creator, the first to recognize His glory, to cleave to His troth, T!i~ immortality of the s~irit is me~ti?ned in the Holy Books'; and to bow down in adoration before Him. If it be faithful to . It IS the fundamental basIs of the dlvme religions. Now pun- God, it will reflect His light, and will, eventually, return unto Ishments and r~wards are said to be of two kinds. First, the re- Him. If it fail, however, in its allegiance to its Creator, it will wards and pumshmeI1:ts of this life; secondly, those of the other become a victim to self and passion, and will, in the end, sink world. But the paradIse and hell of existence are found in all the in their depths. 2 worlds of God, ~?ether in this world or in the spiritual heavenly ~orlds. GaI~l1ng ~he~,e rewards is the gaining of eternal life. DEA TH Is CHANGE OF CONDITION That IS ~hy Chnst saId, Act in such a way that you may find If the body undergoes a change, the s.pirit need not be eternal hfe, and that you may be born of water and the spirit so touched. When you break a glass on which the sun shines, the that you may enter into the Kingdom." . , glass is broken, but the sun still shines! . . . If a lamp is broken, . . " . The re~ards of the other world are the eternal life which the flame can still burn bright! IS clearly mentIOn,ed in all the Holy Books, the divine perfections The same thing applies to the spirit of man. Though death the eternal bountIes, and everlasting felicity. The rewards of th~ destroys his body, it has no power over the spirit-this is.eternal,' ot?~r world are the perfections and the peace obtained in the everlasting. . . . 3 , ' sp~nt.ual worlds after leaving this world; whilst the rewards of .. '. ~

thIS lIfe are the ~ealluminous perfections which are realized in this . . . To consider that after the death of the body the spirit world, and whIch a~e the cause of eternal life, for they are the perishes, is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed very progres~ of eXIstence. It is like the man who passes from if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the ~mbry?mc world to the state of maturity, and becomes the the destruction of the cage. Our body is like the cage and the mam~~statIOn of these words: "Blessed be God, the best of Cre- spirit is like the bird. We see that without the cage this bird ators. The re~ards ~f. the other world are peace, the spiritual flies in the world of sleep; therefore if the cage becomes broken, gr~c~s, the varIOUS spIrItual gifts in the Kingdom of God, the the bird will continue and exist; its feeling will be even more I.: gammg ~f the desires of the heart and the soul, and the meeting powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased.. 4 of God, m the world of eternity. In the same way the punish- A friend asked: "How should one look forwar'd to death?" ments of the other world, that is to say, the torments of the 'Abdu'l-~aha answered:"How does one look forward to the end' 122 ., ~.

, ,)' . 7T . 7 1. 27 M' .-, m , r

124 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING 125 of any journey? With hope and with expectation. It is even so tainty, that in the divine worlds, the spirit,;,albeloved.ones (~­ with the end of this earthly journey. In,the next world man will Hevers) will 'recognize each other, and will seek,' utuon (W:1th, find himself freed from many of the disabilities under which he each other), but a spiritual union. Likewise, a love~at,one ~y now suffers. Those who have passed on through death, have a have entertained for anyone will not be forgottenm the. wo~ld sphere of their own. I~ is not removed from ours: their work of of the Kingdom. Likewise, thou wilt not forget (there)· the life the Kingdom, is ours; but it is sanctified from what we call time that thou hast had in the material world. '. ' 6 , and place. Time with us is measured by the sun. When there is no m<;>re sunrise, and no more sunset, that kind of time does not Death proffereth unto every confident believer the. cup that is exist for man. Those who have ascended have different attributes life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It (conditions) from those who are still on earth, yet there is no conferreth the gift of everlasting life. I .. • 7 " real separation. "In prayer there is a mingling of stations, a mingling of condio Son of the Supreme! ., ' ,. . I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost .' tion. Pray for them as they pray for you." 5 thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. \Vhy ( dost thou veil thyself therefrom? ' . ::8 LIFE AFTER DEATH It is clear and evident that all men shall, after their physical' The mysteries of which man is heedless in this earthly world, death, estimate the worth of their deeds, and realize all that 'their ' those will he discover in the heavenly world, and there will he hands have wrought. . . . They that are the f9110",:,er~ of the o~,e be informed of the secret of truth; how much more will he rec.,. true God, shall, the moment they depart out of thls,hfe, exp~tl:'<, ognize or discover persons with whom he hath been associated. ence such joy and gladness as would be impossible to desctl~e" Undoubtedly, the holy souls who find a pure eye and are favored while they that live in error shall)e seized With. such fear ,~n,~, with insight will, in the kingdom of lights, be acq\!.ainted with all trembling, and shall be filled with such consternatlpn,as~o~~g mysteries, and will seek the, bounty of. witnessing the reality of can exceed. Well is it with him that hath quaffed the choice and every great soul. Even they will manifestly behold the Beauty incorruptible wine of faith through the gracious ~avor and.the , of God in that world. Likewise will they find all the friends of Q1anifold bounties of Him Who is the Lord of all Faiths. . •• 9 God, both those of the former and recent times, present in the How often hath a sinner attained, at the hour of death, to the heavenly assemblage. essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draught, hath taken. As to the difference and distinction between Lazarus and that his flight unto the Concourse on high! 10 It is evide~t that the loftiest mansions in the Realm On~?~J" . ,.,~~i •., "rich man": the first was spiritual, while the second was material. One was in the highest degree of knowledge and the other in the lowest depths of ignorance. The difference and distinction will tality have been ordained as the habitation of them tha~; ~~ve .'~., . naturally become realized between all men after their departure truly believed in God and in His signs. Death can,neV'er, 1J1~~ge; ";',::' " t hat h0Iy sea.t , , ... H.,':, '., ,',:, :",5. from this mortal world. But this (distinction) is not in respect •

to place, but it is in respect to the soul and conscience. For the Know thou of a truth, that if the soul of man hath.walked . Kingdom of God is sanctified (or free) from time and place; it is in the ways ;f God, it will, assuredly, retur? andb~;ga~ered" another world and another universe. But the holy souls are 'to the glory of the Beloved. . . . It.shall attam a statl0n~slich:~S' . promised the gift of intercession. And know thou for acer- no pen can depict, or tongue desctlbe. The soul that. hath;.;r~-

'~.. .'.r'~' "'(/ .~ . .,'., . '., 127 theCa~se of God, Il!ld stood un'w:t'l/'erlno'lv:~ ,11i111."~"~" t~ the .sanc#fiedrealm of Light, the~ein lies. the con- ":~':j#~.,,w,,~M'\!!""~'u~ shall, after ,his ,ascension, ,be 'posse~sed of , ·.~nl .. ,..nn of our hearts. ' d' . ,worlds which the Almighty hath created can The inscrutable- divine wisdom underlies such heart-ren mg ,. , , 'him. Such a soul provideth, at the bidding of occurrences. It is as if a kind gardener trans~ers a fr,esh and h- . ,the ..... and Divine Educator, the pure leaven that leav- " tender shrub from a narrow place to a vast regIOn. ~hIs tran ,:ene;h the'-world of being, and furnisheth the power through . whIch the. arts and wonders of the world are made manifest. , ference is not the cause of the witherin.g, the w~nmg or t e . Consider. h0'Y mealneedeth leaven to C leavened with. Those -.': destruction of that shrub, nay, rather, It mak~s It gd'0W an~ thrive acquire freshness and delicacy, and attam ver ure an 'souls that are .the symbols of detachment are the leaven of the' f ·t'~n This hidden secret is well-known to the gardener, world. Meditate on this, and be of the thankful. '12 wh:l; those souls who are unaware of this bounty supposeh thi,t the ardener in his anger and wrath has upro~ted t~e s ru . But ~o those who are aware this concealed fact IS mamfes~ and It is ,possible that the condition of those who have died in sin and unbelief may become changed; that is to say, they may become the object of pardon through the bounty of God, not this predestined decree considered a favor. Do not ,feel gne~ed and disconsolate therefore at the ascension of that bIrd of falth through His justice; for bounty is giving without desert, and just~ce isgi-ving what is deserved. As we have power to pray for fulness, nay under all ~ircumsta~ces pray and beg for that yout h . these souls here, so likewise we shalI possess the same power in the forgiveness and elevatIOn of statIOn. . I hope that you will attain to the utmost patIence, composuri other world, which is the Kingdom of God.· Are not alI the , 'people in the world the creatures of God? In that world also they and resignation and I supplicate rod entreat at the threshold h carimake progress. :As here they can receive'light by their sup- Oneness and b~g pardon and forgiveness. My h~pe from t e plications, there also they can plead for forgiveness, and receive infinite bounties of God is that He may cause thIS dove of the light through entreaties and supplications. Thus as souls in this garden of faith to abide on the branch of the S~preme Chncourie world; through the help of the supplications, the entreaties, and that it may sing in th~ best of tun~s the praIses and t e exc~4 the prayers of the holy ones, can acquire development, so is it lences of the Lord of names and-attrIbutes. the same ·after death. Through their own prayers they can also PRAYERS FOR THE DEPAR:rED progress; more especialIy when they are the object of the intercession of the floly Manifestations. 13 ,0 my God! 0 Thou Forgiver of sins! Bestower of Gifts! Dispeller of afflictions! h h b Veril' I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of sue ~s. ave a an, doned the physical garment and hastened to t~e splt1t~al world CONSOLA TION FOR THE BEREAVED (

From the death of that beloved youth, due to his separation o Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dIspel theIr sorrow from you the utmost sorrow and grief has been occasioned, for and ~~nge. their darkness into light. Cause them to enter tli< he flew away in the flower of his age and the bloom of his youth, Garden of Happiness, cleanse them with the most pure wate to. the heavenly nest. em to behold Th s lendors on the LoftIest Mount 128 THE DIVINE ART OF LIVING

of Thy forgiveness is, verily, able to redeem and make free the sinners by one of its waves. Thou redeemest whomsoever Thou wiliest and deprivest whomsoever Thou wilIest not! Shouldst Thou treat justly, we all are sinners and deserve to be deprived; and shouldst Thou observe mercy, every sinner shall be made REFERENCE NOTES pure and every stranger shall become a friend. Therefore forgive (.'b"I,ler Olle-TRUST IN GOD and pardon and grant Thy mercy unto all. Thou art the For- I. Luke 12:6,7. 2. WAB p. 99. 3. TAli p. 190. giver, the Light-Giver, and the Compassionate! 16 4. TAB p. 200. 5. TAB p. 517. 6. TAB p. 170. 7. TAB p. 1S8. 8. ESW p. 76. 9. BWF p. 140. 10. WAB p. 101. 11. TAB p. 177. 12. TAB p. 381. REFERENCE NOTES 13. TAB p. 415. 14. TAB pp. 337, 338. 15. PUP pp. 45, 46. 16. P&M p. 236. 17. P&M pp. 113, 114. 18. P&M p. 250. ABBREVIATIONS USED 19. P&M p. 212. 20. P&M pp. 245-246. 21. PUP p. 463. Chlll,ler Two-ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD ADJ Advent of Divine Justice I. John 3:.3, 5,6. 2. SW vol. 7, p. 150. ~. TAB vol. 3, Pp. 604-605. AHW Arabic Hidden Words 4. WF pp. 22, 23. 5. WAB p. 155. 6. PUP p. 220. AL 'Abdu'l-Baha in London 7. SW vol. 7, p. 172. 8. TAB vol. 3, p. 709. 9. SW vol. 7, p. 155. 10. SW vol. 7, p. 163. 11. AHW No. 36. 12. TAB p. 405. BNE Baha'u'IIah and the New Era 1.\. PUP pp. 220,.221. 14. TAB p. 641. BP Baha'i Prayers Chllilier T}Jree-ADVANCING TOWARD THE IMMORTAL REALM BS Baha'i Scriptures I. PHW No.7. 2. AHW No.2. 3. BWF p. 229. BW Baha'i World 4. TAB p. 206. 5. AHW No.3 I. 6. Gl. p. 196. BWF Baha'i World Faith 7. BW vol. 1, p 43. 8. MFC PI'. 8,26, 30. 9. BWF pp. 389, 390. EB 10. P&M p. 314. 11. Gl. p. 70. 12. PUP PI'. 66, 67. Episode of the Bab 13. SAQ pp. 273-274. 14. BW vol. I, p. 12. 15. TAB p. 67(,. ESW Epistle to the Son of the Wolf Gl. Cb"I,ler I'our-PRA YER AND MEDITATION Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'IIah 1. SW vol. 8, pp. 44, 45. 2. TAB p. 683. 3. TAB p. 3. Iq. The Kirab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude) 4. TAB p. 69. 5. TAB p. 694. 6. TAB p. 98. MFC Mysterious Forces of Civilization 7. ESW p. 94. 8. Gl. p. 323. 9. AHW No. 16. P&M Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llih 10. WAB p. 155. 11. AHW No. 18. 12. TAB p. 89. 13. Gl. p. 291. 14. TAB p. 639. 15. TAB p. 122. PHW Persian Hidden Words 16. WO vol. 9, p. 271. 17. BP cd. 41, p. 60. 18. BP cd. 41, p. 49. PUP Promulgation of Universal Peace 19. WAB p. 45. 20. TAB p. 168 21. WAB p. 51. SAQ 22. TAB p. 247. 23. WAB pp. 86, 87. 24. P&M p. 312. Some Answered Questions 25. PUP pp. 241,242. 26. SV p. 21. 27. P&M p. 249. SV Seven Valleys 28. SW vol. 8, p. 48. 29. Idem. 30. Gl. p. 265. SW Star of the West 31. TAB p. 186. 32. TAB PI'. 694-5. 33. WAB p. 105. 34. Gl. p. 266. 35. TAB p. 277. 36. Gl. p. 243. TAB Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha 37. TAB p. 113. 38. TAB p. 661. 39. SW vol. 8, p. 47. TB Tablets of Baha'u'llah 40. SAQ p. 268. 41. PUP pp. 182, 183. 42. TAB p'. 483. WAB Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha 43. TAB p. 426. 44. TAB p. 427. 45. GI. p. 303. 46. AHW No. 43. 47. P&M p. 240. 48. P&M p. 90. WF The World Faith 49. P&M p. 315. 50. P&M p. 117. 51. Gl. p. 295. WOB World Order of Baha'u'llih 52. P&M p. 103. 53. P&M p. 272. 54. P&M p. 105. WOM World Order Magazine 55. P&M p. 329. 56. Iq. p. 238. 57. WAB pp. 163-164. 58. PUP pp. 454-456. 59. BNE pp. 114-115. 60. Gl. p. 136.

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