tongue tied and twisted
just an earth bound misfit
God, I am earthly, make me heavenly.
BURST this cage asunder.
Become free from this earthly prison of self.
Accept dire vicissitudes with radiant acquiescence
And with these hands of renunciation, draw forth from the life giving waters.
Seize this chance for it will come to thee no more.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Resurrection of Christ
It's Easter this weekend and I'm learning new things about Christianity everyday :)
So - there was a talk today about the meaning of Easter, and I feel the speaker made a couple of really good points:
1. Evidence will never be overwhelmingly convincing, because that would negate our role in terms of searching, in having Faith - a means by which the believer can be distinguished from the non-believer. As Baha'u'llah comments in the Kitab-i-Iqan, the general reason that God conceals His meanings in His words, appears to be to divide the peoples of the world:
"Know verily that the purpose underlying all these symbolic terms and abstruse allusions, which emanate from the Revealers of God's holy Cause, hath been to test and prove the peoples of the world; that thereby the earth of the pure and illuminated hearts may be known from the perishable and barren soil. From time immemorial such hath been the way of God amidst His creatures, and to this testify the records of the sacred books." (Baha'u'llah)
The book of Daniel states: "Go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
2. Christ means nothing without the context of God - it doesn't make sense. In the same way now, Christ Himself, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah. Even extended to: God, this eternal religion, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah. Our creation, our existence, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah - just as our existence doesn't make sense without God.
Interesting things he commented on, that I disagree with:
1. That Christ was physically resurrected
2. If Christ wasn't physically resurrected, there would be no point in believing in Him
3. The Kingdom of God refers to conduct of believers on an individual level, as opposed to a social transformation
How could the early believers have accepted Christ before his "resurrection" - what was the grounds whereby they accepted Him?
Is it possible to believe in the Second Coming of Christ, while not believing in a bodily resurrection?
In the context of the Second Coming of Christ having already taken place - what does this mean for the resurrection?
What of the tomb that was found empty?
So, here, as a beautiful summary is 'Abdu'l-Baha's explanation regarding the resurrection:
Question.—What is the meaning of Christ’s resurrection after three days?
Answer.—The resurrections of the Divine Manifestations are not of the body. All Their states, Their conditions, Their acts, the things They have established, Their teachings, Their expressions, Their parables and Their instructions have a spiritual and divine signification, and have no connection with material things. For example, there is the subject of Christ’s coming from heaven: it is clearly stated in many places in the Gospel that the Son of man came from heaven, He is in heaven, and He will go to heaven. So in chapter 6, verse 38, of the Gospel of John it is written: “For I came down from heaven”; and also in verse 42 we find: “And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?” Also in John, chapter 3, verse 13: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”
Observe that it is said, “The Son of man is in heaven,” while at that time Christ was on earth. Notice also that it is said that Christ came from heaven, though He came from the womb of Mary, and His body was born of Mary. It is clear, then, that when it is said that the Son of man is come from heaven, this has not an outward but an inward signification; it is a spiritual, not a material, fact. The meaning is that though, apparently, Christ was born from 104 the womb of Mary, in reality He came from heaven, from the center of the Sun of Reality, from the Divine World, and the Spiritual Kingdom. And as it has become evident that Christ came from the spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance under the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an outward fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the earth is also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; and likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material ascension.
Beside these explanations, it has been established and proved by science that the visible heaven is a limitless area, void and empty, where innumerable stars and planets revolve.
Therefore, we say that the meaning of Christ’s resurrection is as follows: the disciples were troubled and agitated after the martyrdom of Christ. The Reality of Christ, which signifies His teachings, His bounties, His perfections and His spiritual power, was hidden and concealed for two or three days after His martyrdom, and was not resplendent and manifest. No, rather it was lost, for the believers were few in number and were troubled and agitated. The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it.
Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true resurrection. But as the clergy have neither understood the meaning of the Gospels nor comprehended 105 the symbols, therefore, it has been said that religion is in contradiction to science, and science in opposition to religion, as, for example, this subject of the ascension of Christ with an elemental body to the visible heaven is contrary to the science of mathematics. But when the truth of this subject becomes clear, and the symbol is explained, science in no way contradicts it; but, on the contrary, science and the intelligence affirm it.
My favourite thing from His explanations - is how it is emphasized that the spiritual meaning is so much more significant than the literal meaning.
So - there was a talk today about the meaning of Easter, and I feel the speaker made a couple of really good points:
1. Evidence will never be overwhelmingly convincing, because that would negate our role in terms of searching, in having Faith - a means by which the believer can be distinguished from the non-believer. As Baha'u'llah comments in the Kitab-i-Iqan, the general reason that God conceals His meanings in His words, appears to be to divide the peoples of the world:
"Know verily that the purpose underlying all these symbolic terms and abstruse allusions, which emanate from the Revealers of God's holy Cause, hath been to test and prove the peoples of the world; that thereby the earth of the pure and illuminated hearts may be known from the perishable and barren soil. From time immemorial such hath been the way of God amidst His creatures, and to this testify the records of the sacred books." (Baha'u'llah)
The book of Daniel states: "Go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
2. Christ means nothing without the context of God - it doesn't make sense. In the same way now, Christ Himself, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah. Even extended to: God, this eternal religion, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah. Our creation, our existence, doesn't make sense without Baha'u'llah - just as our existence doesn't make sense without God.
Interesting things he commented on, that I disagree with:
1. That Christ was physically resurrected
2. If Christ wasn't physically resurrected, there would be no point in believing in Him
3. The Kingdom of God refers to conduct of believers on an individual level, as opposed to a social transformation
How could the early believers have accepted Christ before his "resurrection" - what was the grounds whereby they accepted Him?
Is it possible to believe in the Second Coming of Christ, while not believing in a bodily resurrection?
In the context of the Second Coming of Christ having already taken place - what does this mean for the resurrection?
What of the tomb that was found empty?
So, here, as a beautiful summary is 'Abdu'l-Baha's explanation regarding the resurrection:
Question.—What is the meaning of Christ’s resurrection after three days?
Answer.—The resurrections of the Divine Manifestations are not of the body. All Their states, Their conditions, Their acts, the things They have established, Their teachings, Their expressions, Their parables and Their instructions have a spiritual and divine signification, and have no connection with material things. For example, there is the subject of Christ’s coming from heaven: it is clearly stated in many places in the Gospel that the Son of man came from heaven, He is in heaven, and He will go to heaven. So in chapter 6, verse 38, of the Gospel of John it is written: “For I came down from heaven”; and also in verse 42 we find: “And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?” Also in John, chapter 3, verse 13: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”
Observe that it is said, “The Son of man is in heaven,” while at that time Christ was on earth. Notice also that it is said that Christ came from heaven, though He came from the womb of Mary, and His body was born of Mary. It is clear, then, that when it is said that the Son of man is come from heaven, this has not an outward but an inward signification; it is a spiritual, not a material, fact. The meaning is that though, apparently, Christ was born from 104 the womb of Mary, in reality He came from heaven, from the center of the Sun of Reality, from the Divine World, and the Spiritual Kingdom. And as it has become evident that Christ came from the spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance under the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an outward fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the earth is also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; and likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material ascension.
Beside these explanations, it has been established and proved by science that the visible heaven is a limitless area, void and empty, where innumerable stars and planets revolve.
Therefore, we say that the meaning of Christ’s resurrection is as follows: the disciples were troubled and agitated after the martyrdom of Christ. The Reality of Christ, which signifies His teachings, His bounties, His perfections and His spiritual power, was hidden and concealed for two or three days after His martyrdom, and was not resplendent and manifest. No, rather it was lost, for the believers were few in number and were troubled and agitated. The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it.
Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true resurrection. But as the clergy have neither understood the meaning of the Gospels nor comprehended 105 the symbols, therefore, it has been said that religion is in contradiction to science, and science in opposition to religion, as, for example, this subject of the ascension of Christ with an elemental body to the visible heaven is contrary to the science of mathematics. But when the truth of this subject becomes clear, and the symbol is explained, science in no way contradicts it; but, on the contrary, science and the intelligence affirm it.
My favourite thing from His explanations - is how it is emphasized that the spiritual meaning is so much more significant than the literal meaning.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
First teach them...
It is said, one of the ways the earlier believers would teach the Faith, is to first teach that person what their religion truly was. If they're Christian, teach them first about Christ. If they're Muslim, teach them first about Muhammad.
How's this for starting with Christ? I shared it with my Christian friend earlier today, and we had an epic talk about the Baha'i Faith stemming from that. And I want to share this quotation with all of my Christian (and non-Christian friends too), not with the primary purpose of teaching them about the Baha'i Faith, but to share this overwhelming love I feel for Christ, in this beautiful passage - especially the latter half from Baha'u'llah.
Oh, to weep with a great weeping.
"As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed, and the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended. The Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Baha'u'llah as the "Spirit of God," is proclaimed as the One Who "appeared out of the breath of the Holy Ghost," and is even extolled as the "Essence of the Spirit." His mother is described as "that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous, countenance," and the station of her Son eulogized as a "station which hath been exalted above the imaginings of all that dwell on earth," whilst Peter is recognized as one whom God has caused "the mysteries of wisdom and of utterance to flow out of his mouth." "Know thou," Baha'u'llah has moreover testified, "that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive and resplendent Spirit. We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. Through Him the leper recovered from the leprosy of perversity and ignorance. Through Him the unchaste and wayward were healed. Through His power, born of Almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened and the soul of the sinner sanctified.... He it is Who purified the world. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him." -- Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 109
How's this for starting with Christ? I shared it with my Christian friend earlier today, and we had an epic talk about the Baha'i Faith stemming from that. And I want to share this quotation with all of my Christian (and non-Christian friends too), not with the primary purpose of teaching them about the Baha'i Faith, but to share this overwhelming love I feel for Christ, in this beautiful passage - especially the latter half from Baha'u'llah.
Oh, to weep with a great weeping.
"As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed, and the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended. The Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Baha'u'llah as the "Spirit of God," is proclaimed as the One Who "appeared out of the breath of the Holy Ghost," and is even extolled as the "Essence of the Spirit." His mother is described as "that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous, countenance," and the station of her Son eulogized as a "station which hath been exalted above the imaginings of all that dwell on earth," whilst Peter is recognized as one whom God has caused "the mysteries of wisdom and of utterance to flow out of his mouth." "Know thou," Baha'u'llah has moreover testified, "that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive and resplendent Spirit. We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. Through Him the leper recovered from the leprosy of perversity and ignorance. Through Him the unchaste and wayward were healed. Through His power, born of Almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened and the soul of the sinner sanctified.... He it is Who purified the world. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him." -- Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 109
Monday, March 8, 2010
re: I know I belong somewhere, but where?
Heya ^__^ Last year I found this awesome video about homosexuality and the Baha'i Faith. It explained the rationale for the position of the Baha'i Faith, and what this actually means. The video file is now, corrupted :(, but when I did find it, I actually copied down the words lol so... here are a couple of paragraphs from the talk :)
To understand the Baha'i Faith and its teachings, there's a very central theological concept about the Bahai Faith that needs be considered: that we are essentially spiritual beings that happen to be in a material matrix - that this world, the material world and its impulses are marginal - secondary to our purpose here, which is to develop spiritually. If you're spiritually atoned, you can really just see outside of this material construct. Realizing this is what will bring us closer to God, spirituality and spiritual growth; and contribute to the betterment of the world around us .
If we can break free from these material constructs, we can stop being so materially obsessed. Our passions for luxury and greed, and prestige and whatnot, these things that cause destruction in our world will also dissolve. Fundamentally, as individuals, we need to be free from this material construct.
Realizing we are spiritual beings in a material world, such impulses become marginal and we aren't slaves to them. This idea applies to all facets of Baha'i law. Our laws also keep us from exploiting our material impulses, we're to be free from that...we're to be free from obsessing over those material desires and impulses, we should be outside of that.
In a heterosexual relationship, you cannot have sexual acts outside of marriage, before marriage, and extramarital. For a heterosexual, you're supposed to have pure thoughts, you're supposed to atone yourself. While we can enjoy this material world, it should not be the primary determinant of our actions. However, this is a concept that is very deep and profound, requiring much reflection and study.
The Baha'i writings explain that the primary purpose of marriage is the procreation of children. That's the primary purpose of marriage, and within marriage, the sex impulse is contained. Outside of that, the heterosexual relationship say before marriage and outside of marriage, is exploitation of the material impulse – exploiting it, just seeking physical pleasure from it.
Likewise, in sexual acts of a homosexual nature – there's no practical purpose to it outside of material pleasure That's not to say the Baha'i faith has problems against homosociality – which is often appointed as one and the same as homosexuality. In the Baha'i Writings, when homosexuality is prohibited, it's specifically talking about the sexual impulse. Because this action is fundamentally exploitation of the material impulse.
That's not to say that homosociality, homoromantisism is something that's prohibited in the Baha'i Faith. In fact, the quote from Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, on homosexuality, defines that no matter how fine a love between two people of the same sex to let it take form in sexual acts, is really wrong. It's not saying that love between two people of the same sex is wrong. It's not saying that that relationship that you can have between two people of the same sex, is wrong.
It's referring strictly to the sexual act. It's just like two heterosexual people committing sexual acts outside of marriage. Homosexual Baha'is are completely welcome into the Faith, no one's going to tell them what to do...there's a choice, everyone knows what it is...they can participate in the Baha'i Community like anyone else. It's just that sexual act is prohibited in the Baha'i Faith... Just as heterosexuals cannot commit sexual acts that are prohibited in the Baha'i Faith.
Hope you find that interesting/helpful :-)
To understand the Baha'i Faith and its teachings, there's a very central theological concept about the Bahai Faith that needs be considered: that we are essentially spiritual beings that happen to be in a material matrix - that this world, the material world and its impulses are marginal - secondary to our purpose here, which is to develop spiritually. If you're spiritually atoned, you can really just see outside of this material construct. Realizing this is what will bring us closer to God, spirituality and spiritual growth; and contribute to the betterment of the world around us .
If we can break free from these material constructs, we can stop being so materially obsessed. Our passions for luxury and greed, and prestige and whatnot, these things that cause destruction in our world will also dissolve. Fundamentally, as individuals, we need to be free from this material construct.
Realizing we are spiritual beings in a material world, such impulses become marginal and we aren't slaves to them. This idea applies to all facets of Baha'i law. Our laws also keep us from exploiting our material impulses, we're to be free from that...we're to be free from obsessing over those material desires and impulses, we should be outside of that.
In a heterosexual relationship, you cannot have sexual acts outside of marriage, before marriage, and extramarital. For a heterosexual, you're supposed to have pure thoughts, you're supposed to atone yourself. While we can enjoy this material world, it should not be the primary determinant of our actions. However, this is a concept that is very deep and profound, requiring much reflection and study.
The Baha'i writings explain that the primary purpose of marriage is the procreation of children. That's the primary purpose of marriage, and within marriage, the sex impulse is contained. Outside of that, the heterosexual relationship say before marriage and outside of marriage, is exploitation of the material impulse – exploiting it, just seeking physical pleasure from it.
Likewise, in sexual acts of a homosexual nature – there's no practical purpose to it outside of material pleasure That's not to say the Baha'i faith has problems against homosociality – which is often appointed as one and the same as homosexuality. In the Baha'i Writings, when homosexuality is prohibited, it's specifically talking about the sexual impulse. Because this action is fundamentally exploitation of the material impulse.
That's not to say that homosociality, homoromantisism is something that's prohibited in the Baha'i Faith. In fact, the quote from Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, on homosexuality, defines that no matter how fine a love between two people of the same sex to let it take form in sexual acts, is really wrong. It's not saying that love between two people of the same sex is wrong. It's not saying that that relationship that you can have between two people of the same sex, is wrong.
It's referring strictly to the sexual act. It's just like two heterosexual people committing sexual acts outside of marriage. Homosexual Baha'is are completely welcome into the Faith, no one's going to tell them what to do...there's a choice, everyone knows what it is...they can participate in the Baha'i Community like anyone else. It's just that sexual act is prohibited in the Baha'i Faith... Just as heterosexuals cannot commit sexual acts that are prohibited in the Baha'i Faith.
Hope you find that interesting/helpful :-)
Life on other planets etc
Regarding the teaching that “every planet its own creatures”, it may be important to consider the meaning of the Persian/Arabic word “khaq”, which is translated as “creature” and can signify any created thing, animate or inanimate. Also, the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha state that even “minerals are endowed with a spirt and life according to the requirements of that stage…even as He saith in the Qur’an, ‘All things are living.’” Furthermore, Shoghi Effendi stated that “the creatures which Baha’u'llah states to be found on every planet cannot be considered to be necessarily similar [to] or different from human beings on this earth…It remains for science to discover one day the exact nature of these creatures.” from http://www.onethread.org/arise/?p=132 n__n
I'm just going thru my old stuff@soulpancake.com and finding my favourite stuffs to move here :)
I'm just going thru my old stuff@soulpancake.com and finding my favourite stuffs to move here :)
What of 9?
People ask me all the time.
There's this nifty quote from Shoghi Effendi that really prevents the flourishing of myth, rumour and superstition, where he says,
"Concerning the number nine: the Bahá'ís reverence this for two reasons, first because it is considered by those who are interested in numbers as the sign of perfection. The second consideration, which is the more important one, is that it is the numerical value of the word "Bahá’...
"Besides these two significances the number nine has no other meaning. It is, however, enough to make the Bahá'ís use it when an arbitrary number is to be chosen."
:)
There's this nifty quote from Shoghi Effendi that really prevents the flourishing of myth, rumour and superstition, where he says,
"Concerning the number nine: the Bahá'ís reverence this for two reasons, first because it is considered by those who are interested in numbers as the sign of perfection. The second consideration, which is the more important one, is that it is the numerical value of the word "Bahá’...
"Besides these two significances the number nine has no other meaning. It is, however, enough to make the Bahá'ís use it when an arbitrary number is to be chosen."
:)
Another reason to fast
delayed gratification - to have the self discipline, to delay gratification for longer term good. Something so important that people often don't develop enough in their lives and is really necessary for success - Mum
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Mulk (Dominion)
Here is the programme used on the celebration of the Feast of Mulk (Dominion)
DOMINION: the power or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority; rule; control; domination.
1. O SON OF MAN! Thou art My dominion and My dominion perisheth not; wherefore fearest thou thy perishing? Thou art My light and My light shall never be extinguished; why dost thou dread extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the realm of glory.
Bahá'u'lláh
2. O God, Who art the Author of all Manifestations, the Source of all Sources, the Fountain-Head of all Revelations, and the Well-Spring of all Lights! I testify that by Thy Name the heaven of understanding hath been adorned, and the ocean of utterance hath surged, and the dispensations of Thy providence have been promulgated unto the followers of all religions.
I beseech Thee so to enrich me as to dispense with all save Thee, and be made independent of any one except Thyself. Rain down, then, upon me out of the clouds of Thy bounty that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. Assist me, then, through Thy strengthening grace, so to serve Thy Cause amidst Thy servants that I may show forth what will cause me to be remembered as long as Thine own kingdom endureth and Thy dominion will last.
This is Thy servant, O my Lord, who with his whole being hath turned unto the horizon of Thy bounty, and the ocean of Thy grace, and the heaven of Thy gifts. Do with me then as becometh Thy majesty, and Thy glory, and Thy bounteousness, and Thy grace.
Thou, in truth, art the God of strength and power, Who art meet to answer them that pray Thee. There is no God save Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Bahá'u'lláh
3. Say: True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that pervadeth all created things. Say: The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven.
Bahá'u'lláh
4. O SON OF BEING! Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me. Enter therein and tarry not. This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our kingdom above and Our exalted dominion.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah #6, p. 5
5. All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight. Man is ever partaking of these fruits. All other blessings are temporary; this is an everlasting possession. Even sovereignty has its limitations and overthrow; this is a kingship and dominion which none may usurp or destroy. Briefly, it is an eternal blessing and divine bestowal, the supreme gift of God to man.
`Abdu'l-Bahá
6. Say: True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that pervadeth all created things. Say: The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven.
Bahá'u'lláh
7. Glorified is He to Whom pertaineth the dominion of the heavens and of the earth, in Whose hand lieth the kingdom of all created things and unto Whom shall all return. It is He Who setteth the measure assigned to each and every thing and revealeth His goodly gifts and blessings in His sacred Book for the benefit of those who offer gratitude for His Cause.
Say, this earthly life shall come to an end, and everyone shall expire and return unto my Lord God Who will reward with the choicest gifts the deeds of those who endure with patience. Verily thy God assigneth the measure of all created things as He willeth, by virtue of His behest; and those who conform to the good-pleasure of your Lord, they are indeed among the blissful.
-- The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, pp. 160-161
And an extra that I found last night - the last paragraph from the long obligatory prayer:
"I tesify, O my God, to that whereunto Thy chosen Ones have testified, and acknowledge that which the inmates of the all-highest Paradise, and those who have circled around Thy mighty Throne have acknowledged. The kingdoms of earth and heaven are Thine, O Lord of the worlds!" (Baha'u'llah)
DOMINION: the power or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority; rule; control; domination.
1. O SON OF MAN! Thou art My dominion and My dominion perisheth not; wherefore fearest thou thy perishing? Thou art My light and My light shall never be extinguished; why dost thou dread extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the realm of glory.
Bahá'u'lláh
2. O God, Who art the Author of all Manifestations, the Source of all Sources, the Fountain-Head of all Revelations, and the Well-Spring of all Lights! I testify that by Thy Name the heaven of understanding hath been adorned, and the ocean of utterance hath surged, and the dispensations of Thy providence have been promulgated unto the followers of all religions.
I beseech Thee so to enrich me as to dispense with all save Thee, and be made independent of any one except Thyself. Rain down, then, upon me out of the clouds of Thy bounty that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. Assist me, then, through Thy strengthening grace, so to serve Thy Cause amidst Thy servants that I may show forth what will cause me to be remembered as long as Thine own kingdom endureth and Thy dominion will last.
This is Thy servant, O my Lord, who with his whole being hath turned unto the horizon of Thy bounty, and the ocean of Thy grace, and the heaven of Thy gifts. Do with me then as becometh Thy majesty, and Thy glory, and Thy bounteousness, and Thy grace.
Thou, in truth, art the God of strength and power, Who art meet to answer them that pray Thee. There is no God save Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Bahá'u'lláh
3. Say: True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that pervadeth all created things. Say: The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven.
Bahá'u'lláh
4. O SON OF BEING! Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me. Enter therein and tarry not. This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our kingdom above and Our exalted dominion.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah #6, p. 5
5. All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight. Man is ever partaking of these fruits. All other blessings are temporary; this is an everlasting possession. Even sovereignty has its limitations and overthrow; this is a kingship and dominion which none may usurp or destroy. Briefly, it is an eternal blessing and divine bestowal, the supreme gift of God to man.
`Abdu'l-Bahá
6. Say: True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that pervadeth all created things. Say: The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven.
Bahá'u'lláh
7. Glorified is He to Whom pertaineth the dominion of the heavens and of the earth, in Whose hand lieth the kingdom of all created things and unto Whom shall all return. It is He Who setteth the measure assigned to each and every thing and revealeth His goodly gifts and blessings in His sacred Book for the benefit of those who offer gratitude for His Cause.
Say, this earthly life shall come to an end, and everyone shall expire and return unto my Lord God Who will reward with the choicest gifts the deeds of those who endure with patience. Verily thy God assigneth the measure of all created things as He willeth, by virtue of His behest; and those who conform to the good-pleasure of your Lord, they are indeed among the blissful.
-- The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, pp. 160-161
And an extra that I found last night - the last paragraph from the long obligatory prayer:
"I tesify, O my God, to that whereunto Thy chosen Ones have testified, and acknowledge that which the inmates of the all-highest Paradise, and those who have circled around Thy mighty Throne have acknowledged. The kingdoms of earth and heaven are Thine, O Lord of the worlds!" (Baha'u'llah)
My JYG
My JYG (junior youth group) is exceptionally fluid. :)
There's one core member, and potentially 10 others lol. Something that we'll work on this year.
A junior youth group, is the way to serve. It's all about empowering kids aged 11-14 to become socially conscious, to be seekers of truth, and instigators of service :). They ARE - the leaders of the future! w00t!
I'm pretty excited about it this year. Last year, I found it very difficult - as there was no autonomy.
This year, I'm doing it by myself, and I'm doing it. I've moved house, so I'll be close to where it will run. I will start early, and move the group around as convenient. I'll have all their contact numbers and can call the shots. I'll organize the paints etc. from the city council, and baking recipes so we can get straight into it. I have the books we'll study. So things can start happening :).
One learning from last year, that I've also had from other JYGs, is not to postpone service projects - that's the point of the groups, and we should get into them ASAP.
"There is no time to lose, there is no room left for vacillation..." lol!
This coming Saturday, we'll meet an hour early, start with prayers, and then bake scones to share with the other childrens classes that will start later. We can regularly try different recipes. I'm gunna make this work :) Haha. Baha'u'llah will make this work :) -> insert Tablet of Ahmad here lol. And the following week, we'll clean up graffiti in the park.
Gotta get back to planning life :)
There's one core member, and potentially 10 others lol. Something that we'll work on this year.
A junior youth group, is the way to serve. It's all about empowering kids aged 11-14 to become socially conscious, to be seekers of truth, and instigators of service :). They ARE - the leaders of the future! w00t!
I'm pretty excited about it this year. Last year, I found it very difficult - as there was no autonomy.
This year, I'm doing it by myself, and I'm doing it. I've moved house, so I'll be close to where it will run. I will start early, and move the group around as convenient. I'll have all their contact numbers and can call the shots. I'll organize the paints etc. from the city council, and baking recipes so we can get straight into it. I have the books we'll study. So things can start happening :).
One learning from last year, that I've also had from other JYGs, is not to postpone service projects - that's the point of the groups, and we should get into them ASAP.
"There is no time to lose, there is no room left for vacillation..." lol!
This coming Saturday, we'll meet an hour early, start with prayers, and then bake scones to share with the other childrens classes that will start later. We can regularly try different recipes. I'm gunna make this work :) Haha. Baha'u'llah will make this work :) -> insert Tablet of Ahmad here lol. And the following week, we'll clean up graffiti in the park.
Gotta get back to planning life :)
Godlessness
My friends often comment jokingly, saying, 'I wonder what you'd be like if you were drunk/high etc'; or 'do you ever wonder it would be like to be drunk etc - are you ever curious?'.
To be honest... no. It's interesting, and I thought about why is it that I have no desire to contemplate such things, which I've never felt compelled to desire this, how it contains absolutely no attraction to me. No drugs, no alcohol, and no temptation...
Wondering why, I decided to take a step back, and ask why? Why was this so? I realized, that it wouldn't make sense in the context of my identity.
I struggle to put this words, so bear with me as I try :)
All of the directions my life goes in, stems from a common origin, which is my identity and the ideals I strive to live up to. And to me, alcohol or drugs is completely disconnected from that 'common point'.
One thing I do contemplate, is how would my life be different, if that common point was different? Something I sumrised as "Godlessness" - not being religious, not striving to live a spiritual life, with a spiritual destiny, with the purpose of to work for the betterment of society. To me, in the context of me, being Baha'i etc. that's what believing in God means.
Definitions huh.
So, how would my life be different if it was "Godless"? Probably, I would be going on the pubcrawls with my classmates, I wouldn't have any problem with getting drunk, experimenting with drugs, I would probably be shaving my legs, I would probably be very cynical about religion to be honest, I wouldn't have a problem with promiscuity and would be living with my hypothetical boyfriend. I would probably smoke, swear easily, be provocative and contentious....
All things I have social pressure or inclination to do, and all things I consciously, deliberately and with effort avert.
It wasn't until then that I appreciated how much effort I put into living a Baha'i life, and how difficult it is, and how much sacrifice it entails.
Sacrifice.
But what is sacrifice anyway, but giving up that which is lower for that which is higher. Something that is also painful.
What do you chose to sacrifice in your life?
To be honest... no. It's interesting, and I thought about why is it that I have no desire to contemplate such things, which I've never felt compelled to desire this, how it contains absolutely no attraction to me. No drugs, no alcohol, and no temptation...
Wondering why, I decided to take a step back, and ask why? Why was this so? I realized, that it wouldn't make sense in the context of my identity.
I struggle to put this words, so bear with me as I try :)
All of the directions my life goes in, stems from a common origin, which is my identity and the ideals I strive to live up to. And to me, alcohol or drugs is completely disconnected from that 'common point'.
One thing I do contemplate, is how would my life be different, if that common point was different? Something I sumrised as "Godlessness" - not being religious, not striving to live a spiritual life, with a spiritual destiny, with the purpose of to work for the betterment of society. To me, in the context of me, being Baha'i etc. that's what believing in God means.
Definitions huh.
So, how would my life be different if it was "Godless"? Probably, I would be going on the pubcrawls with my classmates, I wouldn't have any problem with getting drunk, experimenting with drugs, I would probably be shaving my legs, I would probably be very cynical about religion to be honest, I wouldn't have a problem with promiscuity and would be living with my hypothetical boyfriend. I would probably smoke, swear easily, be provocative and contentious....
All things I have social pressure or inclination to do, and all things I consciously, deliberately and with effort avert.
It wasn't until then that I appreciated how much effort I put into living a Baha'i life, and how difficult it is, and how much sacrifice it entails.
Sacrifice.
But what is sacrifice anyway, but giving up that which is lower for that which is higher. Something that is also painful.
What do you chose to sacrifice in your life?
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Fortress of Well Being
Marriage - the fortress of well being, is a phrase that I've heard repeated a manifold number of times since doing a a workshop on marriage two years ago.
It wasn't until recently that I realized that is was a misquote - that what Baha'u'llah says, is that -
"And when He desired to manifest grace and beneficence to men, and to set the world in order, He revealed observances and created laws; among them He established the law of marriage, made it as a fortress for well-being and salvation, and enjoined it upon us in that which was sent down out of the heaven of sanctity in His Most Holy Book. He saith, great is His glory: "Marry, O people, that from you may appear he who will remember Me amongst My servants; this is one of My commandments unto you; obey it as an assistance to yourselves."
That, it's the law of marriage that is the fortress for well-being, but not only well-being, but also salvation.
This is really hefty, for two reasons. One, what is meant by fortress and salvation. And two, the difference between marriage itself, and the law of marriage. Then, of course, how this law related to setting the world in order and how truly these laws are manifestations of grace and beneficence.
It reminds me of the concept that the spirit of prayer is more important than prayer. That here, it is the spirit (or the law) behind marriage that is more important.
I'd like to explore this idea about salvation first. And I'm reminded of a passage from Shoghi Effendi where he explores what salvation is, and how it has changed over time. How, in the past, salvation was about individual salvation (i.e. acceptance of the Manifestation of God for that day and age) - i.e. "accepting the love of Jesus Christ into your heart" etc etc. But now he says that this is no longer sufficient - that it is no longer sufficient to spiritually progress as individuals, but that we are now called to bring about the salvation of the planet.
Baha'u'llah says, "That which is conducive to the regeneration of the world and the salvation of the peoples and kindreds of the earth hath been sent down from the heaven of the utterance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. Give ye a hearing ear to the counsels of the Pen of Glory. Better is this for you than all that is on the earth. Unto this beareth witness My glorious and wondrous Book."
Shoghi Effendi affirms, "Such is the sublime, the glorious position He wishes us, and all the peoples and kindreds on earth, to attain in this world; how much more to achieve unity and common understanding among ourselves, and then arise to herald with one voice the coming of the Kingdom and the salvation of mankind."
From Ruhiyyih Khanum, in a letter to a youth, "the object of life to a Baha'i is to promote the oneness of mankind. The whole object of our lives is bound up with the lives of all human beings: not a personal salvation we are seeking, but a universal one. We are not to cast eyes within ourselves and say "Now get busy saving you soul and reserving a comfortable berth in the Next World!" No, we are to get busy on bringing Heaven to the Planet." - this quote always makes me smile :).
Here, we see that salvation really relates to the well-being of mankind as a whole, and emphasizes the role of religion as a social force.
How is it that the law of marriage will save us then? Or, be one of the laws that will save us?
Think, in terms of social stability. Stable, unified building blocks that will compose this new world. So much of the problems that we see in society - stems from social disintegration - lack of cohesion and unity. That is a very simple connection.
To explore the difference between marriage and the spirit/law of marriage, again I'll just use a simple explanation based upon my own understanding. Which is, marriage is a many different things. What is marriage but the bringing together of things. But the law of marriage denotes how this is done, the definition of what it entails, and the role which it will play. "Marriage" can be a manifold number of things. That word itself doesn't mean anything, it's the definition of it, the role, function of it is what really defines what marriage is - characterizing it. It's this that makes a difference.
So, it's not that we get together, but it's how we get together.
My understanding of the Baha'i specifics regarding marriage of course, aren't that in depth. However, I am aware of some of them. That it should be heterosexual, that consent from the marriage should be sought, that there is a vow to say, that there should be absolute chastity before marriage and modesty and loyalty after marriage, that it should be monogomous, that it's good to marry young, the engagement shouldn't be unnecessarily prolonged etc. (95 days?), that there should be witnesses at the wedding etc.; and then all sorts about conduct within marriage and the purpose of marriage. :)
Read more
It wasn't until recently that I realized that is was a misquote - that what Baha'u'llah says, is that -
"And when He desired to manifest grace and beneficence to men, and to set the world in order, He revealed observances and created laws; among them He established the law of marriage, made it as a fortress for well-being and salvation, and enjoined it upon us in that which was sent down out of the heaven of sanctity in His Most Holy Book. He saith, great is His glory: "Marry, O people, that from you may appear he who will remember Me amongst My servants; this is one of My commandments unto you; obey it as an assistance to yourselves."
That, it's the law of marriage that is the fortress for well-being, but not only well-being, but also salvation.
This is really hefty, for two reasons. One, what is meant by fortress and salvation. And two, the difference between marriage itself, and the law of marriage. Then, of course, how this law related to setting the world in order and how truly these laws are manifestations of grace and beneficence.
It reminds me of the concept that the spirit of prayer is more important than prayer. That here, it is the spirit (or the law) behind marriage that is more important.
I'd like to explore this idea about salvation first. And I'm reminded of a passage from Shoghi Effendi where he explores what salvation is, and how it has changed over time. How, in the past, salvation was about individual salvation (i.e. acceptance of the Manifestation of God for that day and age) - i.e. "accepting the love of Jesus Christ into your heart" etc etc. But now he says that this is no longer sufficient - that it is no longer sufficient to spiritually progress as individuals, but that we are now called to bring about the salvation of the planet.
Baha'u'llah says, "That which is conducive to the regeneration of the world and the salvation of the peoples and kindreds of the earth hath been sent down from the heaven of the utterance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. Give ye a hearing ear to the counsels of the Pen of Glory. Better is this for you than all that is on the earth. Unto this beareth witness My glorious and wondrous Book."
Shoghi Effendi affirms, "Such is the sublime, the glorious position He wishes us, and all the peoples and kindreds on earth, to attain in this world; how much more to achieve unity and common understanding among ourselves, and then arise to herald with one voice the coming of the Kingdom and the salvation of mankind."
From Ruhiyyih Khanum, in a letter to a youth, "the object of life to a Baha'i is to promote the oneness of mankind. The whole object of our lives is bound up with the lives of all human beings: not a personal salvation we are seeking, but a universal one. We are not to cast eyes within ourselves and say "Now get busy saving you soul and reserving a comfortable berth in the Next World!" No, we are to get busy on bringing Heaven to the Planet." - this quote always makes me smile :).
Here, we see that salvation really relates to the well-being of mankind as a whole, and emphasizes the role of religion as a social force.
How is it that the law of marriage will save us then? Or, be one of the laws that will save us?
Think, in terms of social stability. Stable, unified building blocks that will compose this new world. So much of the problems that we see in society - stems from social disintegration - lack of cohesion and unity. That is a very simple connection.
To explore the difference between marriage and the spirit/law of marriage, again I'll just use a simple explanation based upon my own understanding. Which is, marriage is a many different things. What is marriage but the bringing together of things. But the law of marriage denotes how this is done, the definition of what it entails, and the role which it will play. "Marriage" can be a manifold number of things. That word itself doesn't mean anything, it's the definition of it, the role, function of it is what really defines what marriage is - characterizing it. It's this that makes a difference.
So, it's not that we get together, but it's how we get together.
My understanding of the Baha'i specifics regarding marriage of course, aren't that in depth. However, I am aware of some of them. That it should be heterosexual, that consent from the marriage should be sought, that there is a vow to say, that there should be absolute chastity before marriage and modesty and loyalty after marriage, that it should be monogomous, that it's good to marry young, the engagement shouldn't be unnecessarily prolonged etc. (95 days?), that there should be witnesses at the wedding etc.; and then all sorts about conduct within marriage and the purpose of marriage. :)
Read more
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
To be religious
The purpose of being religious is to be a seeker of truth.
Then, people find truth in religion, in science etc. And they all have truth.
However, it isn't dichotemous, there isn't this truth, that truth. There isn't that religion, this religion. It's all one. There are man made boundaries that prevent us from exploring and embracing the truth in other traditions. Veils.
If we should have a truth, we should proclaim that truth, and offer it to others, as you would priceless jewels to a king. For, what is more valuable than truth?
Finding truth, embracing a religion. It's not a black and white process. It's a journey - a search for truth (we're all seekers). When we stop this search, thats when truths multiply and veils form. And if we find a truth greater than the one we possessed before, what else is there to do other than embracing this greater truth?
That is sacrifice - giving up something smaller for something greater - because we may not recognize its true worth at first.
And why to accept a religion? But to recognize truth in its origin, and truth with regards to its purpose.
The purpose of religion --
"God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established." (Baha'u'llah)
So, it is to enkindle the spiritual nature/qualities of our souls and enable the establishment of peace in our civilization.
There's a book - the Seven Valleys (by Baha'u'llah), which explores the spiritual jpurney of the human soul. The first stage of the journey is through the first valley - the valley of search. Here are some of my favourite quotations from this valley:
"The steed of this Valley is patience; without patience the wayfarer on this journey will reach nowhere and attain no goal. Nor should he ever be downhearted; if he strive for a hundred thousand years and yet fail to behold the beauty of the Friend, he should not falter...No bond shall hold them back, and no counsel shall deter them.
"It is incumbent on these servants that they cleanse the heart—which is the wellspring of divine treasures—from every marking, and that they turn away from imitation, which is following the traces of their forefathers and sires, and shut the door of friendliness and enmity upon all the people of the earth.
"The true seeker hunteth naught but the object of his quest, and the lover hath no desire save union with his beloved. Nor shall the seeker reach his goal unless he sacrifice all things. That is, whatever he hath seen, and heard, and understood, all must he set at naught, that he may enter the realm of the spirit, which is the City of God. Labor is needed, if we are to seek Him; ardor is needed, if we are to drink of the honey of reunion with Him; and if we taste of this cup, we shall cast away the world."
Then, people find truth in religion, in science etc. And they all have truth.
However, it isn't dichotemous, there isn't this truth, that truth. There isn't that religion, this religion. It's all one. There are man made boundaries that prevent us from exploring and embracing the truth in other traditions. Veils.
If we should have a truth, we should proclaim that truth, and offer it to others, as you would priceless jewels to a king. For, what is more valuable than truth?
Finding truth, embracing a religion. It's not a black and white process. It's a journey - a search for truth (we're all seekers). When we stop this search, thats when truths multiply and veils form. And if we find a truth greater than the one we possessed before, what else is there to do other than embracing this greater truth?
That is sacrifice - giving up something smaller for something greater - because we may not recognize its true worth at first.
And why to accept a religion? But to recognize truth in its origin, and truth with regards to its purpose.
The purpose of religion --
"God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established." (Baha'u'llah)
So, it is to enkindle the spiritual nature/qualities of our souls and enable the establishment of peace in our civilization.
There's a book - the Seven Valleys (by Baha'u'llah), which explores the spiritual jpurney of the human soul. The first stage of the journey is through the first valley - the valley of search. Here are some of my favourite quotations from this valley:
"The steed of this Valley is patience; without patience the wayfarer on this journey will reach nowhere and attain no goal. Nor should he ever be downhearted; if he strive for a hundred thousand years and yet fail to behold the beauty of the Friend, he should not falter...No bond shall hold them back, and no counsel shall deter them.
"It is incumbent on these servants that they cleanse the heart—which is the wellspring of divine treasures—from every marking, and that they turn away from imitation, which is following the traces of their forefathers and sires, and shut the door of friendliness and enmity upon all the people of the earth.
"The true seeker hunteth naught but the object of his quest, and the lover hath no desire save union with his beloved. Nor shall the seeker reach his goal unless he sacrifice all things. That is, whatever he hath seen, and heard, and understood, all must he set at naught, that he may enter the realm of the spirit, which is the City of God. Labor is needed, if we are to seek Him; ardor is needed, if we are to drink of the honey of reunion with Him; and if we taste of this cup, we shall cast away the world."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Spirit of the fast
Today was the first day of the Baha'i fast.
The Baha'i fast takes place during the last month of the Baha'i calendar (March 2 -> 20th). While the calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days, each month has a name that refers to one of Gods attributes. The name of this month is 'Ala, which means loftiness. The previous Dominion.
I was helping to organize the devotional programme for the month of Dominion, and I sat back and realized that I didn't actually understand what was meant by "Dominion". So, I looked it up. And even until now, I notice references to dominion in various quotations, and prayers. In particular, the prayer I found for my good friend who passed away some years back.
"Wert Thou to bestow on one of Thy creatures what would equal the kingdoms of earth and heaven, it would still not diminish by even as much as an atom the immensity of Thy dominion. Far greater art Thou than the Great One men are wont to call Thee, for such a title is but one of Thy names all of which were created by a mere indication of Thy will."
Reaching the month of 'Ala, in preparation for the fast, and the feast, I looked up the definition of Loftiness as well.
To be lofty, is to be "exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent." Our origin is of nobility, while our destiny is of loftiness.
So, I begin to appreciate, what of this fast, placed in a month with such an appropriate title. The purpose of the fast being to detach oneself from this world, to be exalted above it, attain a lofty station. I.e. to involve ourself in our true purpose. It's a time to really reflect on our spiritual journey.
Before, I would explain the fast as being something wonderful - something that would remove such an integral part of our life, so as to constantly remind us of our true life - that is, our spiritual life. It's a symbol, and symbols have power.
There is no real point behind the fast just being about not eating. That's not what it's about, although abstinence requires discipline and commitment (both being virtues). It's much more meaningful than that. When the Prophet Muhammad was asked, what is more important than fasting, He replied saying, "the spirit of the fast". And that's what I'll be exploring for the next 18 days :).
My plan for the fast, is to find a different family to break the fast with each evening of the fast, to really use these opportunities to build bonds of love and fellowship :). I have the next week fully booked which is pretty exciting.
Haha interesting development in my life - I will be doing a JY group. I swore at the end of last year that I wouldn't, but they need someone, and I can manage. So that's... 3rd year med, weekly devotionals, weekly discussion groups, weekly ruhi book one, and weekly epistle to the son of the wolf study. And I still have a couple more weeks of B7 to go. :)
It'll be suhw33t! n__n
The Baha'i fast takes place during the last month of the Baha'i calendar (March 2 -> 20th). While the calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days, each month has a name that refers to one of Gods attributes. The name of this month is 'Ala, which means loftiness. The previous Dominion.
I was helping to organize the devotional programme for the month of Dominion, and I sat back and realized that I didn't actually understand what was meant by "Dominion". So, I looked it up. And even until now, I notice references to dominion in various quotations, and prayers. In particular, the prayer I found for my good friend who passed away some years back.
"Wert Thou to bestow on one of Thy creatures what would equal the kingdoms of earth and heaven, it would still not diminish by even as much as an atom the immensity of Thy dominion. Far greater art Thou than the Great One men are wont to call Thee, for such a title is but one of Thy names all of which were created by a mere indication of Thy will."
Reaching the month of 'Ala, in preparation for the fast, and the feast, I looked up the definition of Loftiness as well.
To be lofty, is to be "exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent." Our origin is of nobility, while our destiny is of loftiness.
So, I begin to appreciate, what of this fast, placed in a month with such an appropriate title. The purpose of the fast being to detach oneself from this world, to be exalted above it, attain a lofty station. I.e. to involve ourself in our true purpose. It's a time to really reflect on our spiritual journey.
Before, I would explain the fast as being something wonderful - something that would remove such an integral part of our life, so as to constantly remind us of our true life - that is, our spiritual life. It's a symbol, and symbols have power.
There is no real point behind the fast just being about not eating. That's not what it's about, although abstinence requires discipline and commitment (both being virtues). It's much more meaningful than that. When the Prophet Muhammad was asked, what is more important than fasting, He replied saying, "the spirit of the fast". And that's what I'll be exploring for the next 18 days :).
My plan for the fast, is to find a different family to break the fast with each evening of the fast, to really use these opportunities to build bonds of love and fellowship :). I have the next week fully booked which is pretty exciting.
Haha interesting development in my life - I will be doing a JY group. I swore at the end of last year that I wouldn't, but they need someone, and I can manage. So that's... 3rd year med, weekly devotionals, weekly discussion groups, weekly ruhi book one, and weekly epistle to the son of the wolf study. And I still have a couple more weeks of B7 to go. :)
It'll be suhw33t! n__n
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Burning Bush
Baha'u'llah spoke to Moses as the Mouthpiece from God through the Burning Bush.
"O `Ali! That which they accepted from the Bush they now refuse to accept from Him Who is the Tree of the world of existence. Say, O people of the Bayan, speak not according to the dictates of passion and selfish desire. Most of the peoples of the earth attest the truth of the blessed Word which hath come forth from the Bush."
It's interesting - I was reading an article re: trinities (the Father - God, the Son - the Manifestation of God, and the Holy Spirit - the intermediary). The author was asserting that for Moses, the Holy Spirit was the Burning Bush. This would suggest that Baha'u'llah was not only a Manifestation of God, but also an intermediary for other Manifestations of God. So, it it possible to either possess more than one station, or the distinctions we make between those stations arbitrary as they are beyond our comprehension?
Perhaps even, the trinity can be understood in terms of the spiritual worlds of God, as mentioned in the Kallu't-Ta'am. While this Tablet mentions four spiritual worlds, it is important to appreciate that these aren't the only worlds, and they co-exist. To quote Adib Taherzadeh, "Although man remains the same being [in the different kingdoms of mineral, vegetable, animal etc.], me manifests three degrees of qualities and attributes: those of unity, of inferiority and superiority."
These are Hahut, Lahut, Jabarut and Malakut. (note, there are variations, such as the five stated in Sufi tradition, which will be explored below.) These descriptions of of heavens and worlds are very reminiscent of the tiered heavens found in Polynesian culture.
Hahut - the Heaven of Oneness, a realm so exalted exalted, even the Manifestations of God cannot understand it. Or, "the essential nature of God"
Lahut - the plane of Divinity, Heavenly Court - the world of God in relation to His Manifestations and Chosen Ones. Or, "the Divine (creative) Nature"
Jabarut - the All-Highest Dominion, the station of those who abide therein is closely identified with God, insofar as they manifest all the attributes of God - God's Chosen Ones and, in relation to created things, are invested with His authority; Or, "the Divine Power or Immensity, the world beyond form".
Malakut - the Kingdom of God; or, "the Kingdom of angels, the spiritual world"
Nasut - this mortal world, this Heaven of Bounty; or, "human nature, and in particular man's bodily form."
The "ors" is from a dictionary of spiritual terms. Whereas, Baha'u'llahs Tablet is from Adib Taherzadeh's Revelation of Baha'u'llah :).
A sufi description of these worlds, describes them in terms of consciousness. So...
Nasut, is the consciousness dependent on our senses (eyes to see, ears to hear, etc.)
Malakut - a higher consciousness by which we enjoy thought and imagination - but as a state of being; the mental plane
Jabarut - the experience of the person is like a deep, dreamless sleep. (i.e. the spiritual world, which many can only experience when asleep, and few while awake) Sense organs are resting, and the mind is free to work - and it works, but influenced by the consciousness from the Nasut condition. Here, there is Gods own Being, by which we experience the life, purity and peace within us; the astral plane
Lahut - where the individual is raised from the material to the immaterial plane. - communion or, Turiyavastha. The further step is samadhi - merging into God. Here, we can dive so deep to our inner being that we may find God; the spiritual plane
(this reminds me of a phrase from the Hidden Words - Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.)
Hahut - "manan" or "atonement" - the path of ennobling the soul, and becoming aware of Gods mysteries; the plane of consciousness - the highest state, when one is free from self.
It's interesting how, while mystical, they each describe something completely different. One, stations of reality of God, His manifestations and man, and the planes upon which they interact. Whereas the latter explores levels of consciousness. :)
Looking for: more quotes about the Burning Bush :)
"O `Ali! That which they accepted from the Bush they now refuse to accept from Him Who is the Tree of the world of existence. Say, O people of the Bayan, speak not according to the dictates of passion and selfish desire. Most of the peoples of the earth attest the truth of the blessed Word which hath come forth from the Bush."
It's interesting - I was reading an article re: trinities (the Father - God, the Son - the Manifestation of God, and the Holy Spirit - the intermediary). The author was asserting that for Moses, the Holy Spirit was the Burning Bush. This would suggest that Baha'u'llah was not only a Manifestation of God, but also an intermediary for other Manifestations of God. So, it it possible to either possess more than one station, or the distinctions we make between those stations arbitrary as they are beyond our comprehension?
Perhaps even, the trinity can be understood in terms of the spiritual worlds of God, as mentioned in the Kallu't-Ta'am. While this Tablet mentions four spiritual worlds, it is important to appreciate that these aren't the only worlds, and they co-exist. To quote Adib Taherzadeh, "Although man remains the same being [in the different kingdoms of mineral, vegetable, animal etc.], me manifests three degrees of qualities and attributes: those of unity, of inferiority and superiority."
These are Hahut, Lahut, Jabarut and Malakut. (note, there are variations, such as the five stated in Sufi tradition, which will be explored below.) These descriptions of of heavens and worlds are very reminiscent of the tiered heavens found in Polynesian culture.
Hahut - the Heaven of Oneness, a realm so exalted exalted, even the Manifestations of God cannot understand it. Or, "the essential nature of God"
Lahut - the plane of Divinity, Heavenly Court - the world of God in relation to His Manifestations and Chosen Ones. Or, "the Divine (creative) Nature"
Jabarut - the All-Highest Dominion, the station of those who abide therein is closely identified with God, insofar as they manifest all the attributes of God - God's Chosen Ones and, in relation to created things, are invested with His authority; Or, "the Divine Power or Immensity, the world beyond form".
Malakut - the Kingdom of God; or, "the Kingdom of angels, the spiritual world"
Nasut - this mortal world, this Heaven of Bounty; or, "human nature, and in particular man's bodily form."
The "ors" is from a dictionary of spiritual terms. Whereas, Baha'u'llahs Tablet is from Adib Taherzadeh's Revelation of Baha'u'llah :).
A sufi description of these worlds, describes them in terms of consciousness. So...
Nasut, is the consciousness dependent on our senses (eyes to see, ears to hear, etc.)
Malakut - a higher consciousness by which we enjoy thought and imagination - but as a state of being; the mental plane
Jabarut - the experience of the person is like a deep, dreamless sleep. (i.e. the spiritual world, which many can only experience when asleep, and few while awake) Sense organs are resting, and the mind is free to work - and it works, but influenced by the consciousness from the Nasut condition. Here, there is Gods own Being, by which we experience the life, purity and peace within us; the astral plane
Lahut - where the individual is raised from the material to the immaterial plane. - communion or, Turiyavastha. The further step is samadhi - merging into God. Here, we can dive so deep to our inner being that we may find God; the spiritual plane
(this reminds me of a phrase from the Hidden Words - Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.)
Hahut - "manan" or "atonement" - the path of ennobling the soul, and becoming aware of Gods mysteries; the plane of consciousness - the highest state, when one is free from self.
It's interesting how, while mystical, they each describe something completely different. One, stations of reality of God, His manifestations and man, and the planes upon which they interact. Whereas the latter explores levels of consciousness. :)
Looking for: more quotes about the Burning Bush :)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Rebuilding the broken world
6 intense days of summer school:
During the morning sessions I had the privilege of assisting with the children's classes for the 7-8 year olds. (I am eagerly awaiting the DVDs of the morning sessions, as I heard they were amazing!)
The parents dropped their children off for the classes.
We would start with prayers (always very good to have some printed out for the children to read from), beginning with them telling me how to sit and behave during prayer time, and what prayer was:
"There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer. The most blessed condition is the condition of prayer and supplication. Prayer is conversation with God." [From the writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]
We might start with some name games, as most children won't know each other.
And then we have discussion:
What is the name of this summer school?? "Rebuilding the broken world" What does this mean? How is this world broken? Together, we drew out two components of "broken" our world might possess -
1. physically broken: tsunamis, global warming, deforestation, droughts, hurricanes... (one child offered a delightful insight into the causes of global warming)
2. spiritually, or socially broken: corruption, wars, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, exploitation of workers, bullying, lying, fighting, extreme poverty, racism....
and we talked about what it meant to rebuild this broken world of ours - a topic that we added to over the four days. We found that to rebuild this broken world, the remedy had three core components:
1. The virtues. These are: truthfulness, love, consideration, service, justice, joy etc....
"Consider the virtues of the human world and realize that the oneness of humanity is the primary foundation of them all." (Baha'u'llah)
and we talked about how we needed to enjoy the oneness of humanity before we could properly enjoy the fruits of these virtues.
2. The Covenant. The Greater Covenant referring to recognition of Baha'u'llah as the Manifestation of God for this day and age, while the Lesser Covenant is essentially following those Whom Baha'u'llah indicated in His Will and Testament (i.e. Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice).
"The first condition [to attain the station of an Apostle of Baha'u'llah] is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá’u'lláh from the doubts of the people of error. It is the fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the religion of God. Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá’í world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else." ('Abdu'l-Baha) [note: we didn't use this quote in the class :)]
So now we have a fortress. At this stage, my class had 9 boys and 1 girl. There was enthusiastic discussion as to the qualities of a fort. This fort, the ultimate fort, would protect us from all:
- a foundation of the oneness of humanity
- a base of "virtue bricks", held together by prayer, faith and love.
- pillars that consisted of the Administrative Order, and the Lesser Covenant,
- a roof that was the Greater Covenant
"9. O SON OF BEING! My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish." (Baha'u'llah)
And then, we made bricks, and built our fort :) lots of team work!
3. These were the social teachings -
The oneness of God!
The oneness of religion!
The oneness of humanity!
Harmony of science and religion,
Equality of men and women,
One universal language,
Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty,
Elimination of prejudice,
All of these we tied together in a grand finale - a skit performed on the last night. The children were wonderful and remembered their lines and rebuilt the world with great enthusiasm :)
During the morning sessions I had the privilege of assisting with the children's classes for the 7-8 year olds. (I am eagerly awaiting the DVDs of the morning sessions, as I heard they were amazing!)
The parents dropped their children off for the classes.
We would start with prayers (always very good to have some printed out for the children to read from), beginning with them telling me how to sit and behave during prayer time, and what prayer was:
"There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer. The most blessed condition is the condition of prayer and supplication. Prayer is conversation with God." [From the writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]
We might start with some name games, as most children won't know each other.
And then we have discussion:
What is the name of this summer school?? "Rebuilding the broken world" What does this mean? How is this world broken? Together, we drew out two components of "broken" our world might possess -
1. physically broken: tsunamis, global warming, deforestation, droughts, hurricanes... (one child offered a delightful insight into the causes of global warming)
2. spiritually, or socially broken: corruption, wars, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, exploitation of workers, bullying, lying, fighting, extreme poverty, racism....
and we talked about what it meant to rebuild this broken world of ours - a topic that we added to over the four days. We found that to rebuild this broken world, the remedy had three core components:
1. The virtues. These are: truthfulness, love, consideration, service, justice, joy etc....
"Consider the virtues of the human world and realize that the oneness of humanity is the primary foundation of them all." (Baha'u'llah)
and we talked about how we needed to enjoy the oneness of humanity before we could properly enjoy the fruits of these virtues.
2. The Covenant. The Greater Covenant referring to recognition of Baha'u'llah as the Manifestation of God for this day and age, while the Lesser Covenant is essentially following those Whom Baha'u'llah indicated in His Will and Testament (i.e. Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice).
"The first condition [to attain the station of an Apostle of Baha'u'llah] is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá’u'lláh from the doubts of the people of error. It is the fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the religion of God. Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá’í world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else." ('Abdu'l-Baha) [note: we didn't use this quote in the class :)]
So now we have a fortress. At this stage, my class had 9 boys and 1 girl. There was enthusiastic discussion as to the qualities of a fort. This fort, the ultimate fort, would protect us from all:
- a foundation of the oneness of humanity
- a base of "virtue bricks", held together by prayer, faith and love.
- pillars that consisted of the Administrative Order, and the Lesser Covenant,
- a roof that was the Greater Covenant
"9. O SON OF BEING! My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish." (Baha'u'llah)
And then, we made bricks, and built our fort :) lots of team work!
3. These were the social teachings -
The oneness of God!
The oneness of religion!
The oneness of humanity!
Harmony of science and religion,
Equality of men and women,
One universal language,
Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty,
Elimination of prejudice,
All of these we tied together in a grand finale - a skit performed on the last night. The children were wonderful and remembered their lines and rebuilt the world with great enthusiasm :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)