2/17/2011

“freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition.”

When the ship came abreast of the Statue of Liberty, ‘Abdu'l-Baha stood erect facing the Statue and held up His arms in salutation.

“There is the new world's symbol of liberty and freedom,” He said. “After being forty years a prisoner I can tell you that freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition . . . When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed a release.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha waved farewell to the Statue as the ship turned towards Manhattan. To the reporters He said, “In former ages it has been said, "To love one's native land is faith." But the tongue in this day says, "Glory is not his who loves his native land, but glory is his who loves his kind - humanity." (Quoted in ‘The Flame, the Story of Lua’, by William Sears & Robert Quigley)

2/09/2011

What happens when the human spirit is “reinforced by Holy Spirit”

The human spirit possesseth wondrous powers, but it should be reinforced by the Holy Spirit. What thou hearest other than this is pure imagination. If, however, it be assisted by the bounty of the Holy Spirit, then will its strength be a thing to marvel at. Then will that human spirit uncover realities, and unravel mysteries. Turn thy heart fully to the Holy Spirit, and invite others to do the same; then shall ye witness wonderful results. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 160)