tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91632647938112342372024-03-21T21:39:13.983-07:00Gems of Insight from 'Abdu'l-BahaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-63284508421634727242017-09-11T01:30:00.000-07:002020-08-19T05:28:03.877-07:00Tests and trials<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceFDB0NQKMOOKZkvCwp-uuertxoE3cZMEPbWZ_8HfDsF-9t-Dsdk3Tay7QC8XIFOjrT16N8cmLEqu40wD-in-N1Gbh2BBX5tnAZ-kmLN439lyPLedlwXFxY1pTIO2-9mf_Nfy-YRgmCw/s1600/Art-4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="79" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceFDB0NQKMOOKZkvCwp-uuertxoE3cZMEPbWZ_8HfDsF-9t-Dsdk3Tay7QC8XIFOjrT16N8cmLEqu40wD-in-N1Gbh2BBX5tnAZ-kmLN439lyPLedlwXFxY1pTIO2-9mf_Nfy-YRgmCw/s1600/Art-4-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…tests and trials are, for sanctified souls, but God’s
bounty and grace, while to the weak, they are a calamity, unexpected and
sudden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-82108391795881094652017-08-20T11:59:00.000-07:002020-08-19T05:28:35.069-07:00The effect of music on the state of heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8h_F3TAOqoANUZNmbVQzjoLr0BiJIrPbvkWextld-WTybeFKmX4Obu-1Xw5PFnJTvUk4xTM7TbkfiKlB4lnlCiXkEolrJRNrznvcWLPM83TKBmpGUWpNy7Y5gVB-yaxbIMUOPxIOubM/s1600/art-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8h_F3TAOqoANUZNmbVQzjoLr0BiJIrPbvkWextld-WTybeFKmX4Obu-1Xw5PFnJTvUk4xTM7TbkfiKlB4lnlCiXkEolrJRNrznvcWLPM83TKBmpGUWpNy7Y5gVB-yaxbIMUOPxIOubM/s1600/art-44.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…a melody, sweet to the ear, bringeth the very spirit of
life to a heart in love with God, yet staineth with lust a soul engrossed in
sensual desires. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-57046112458057069232016-08-17T01:30:00.000-07:002020-08-19T05:30:40.579-07:00The “’two wings’ of the soul”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPGbKuLXTvr02BtVN4LNBoftvfAfVk4LHkogpPb_cG6VQkYUDfkYfY_pZDL2kqP-5s3c_hIwXxr48lcPF8YPf8J1MhxbDg_HI-BCIwPgHpyIHhKgmpibK2mSAN0vz9a-jgTxCmnZAYuw/s1600/horizon-82-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="56" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPGbKuLXTvr02BtVN4LNBoftvfAfVk4LHkogpPb_cG6VQkYUDfkYfY_pZDL2kqP-5s3c_hIwXxr48lcPF8YPf8J1MhxbDg_HI-BCIwPgHpyIHhKgmpibK2mSAN0vz9a-jgTxCmnZAYuw/s1600/horizon-82-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regarding the “two wings” of the soul: These signify wings
of ascent. One is the wing of knowledge, the other of faith, as this is the
means of the ascent of the human soul to the lofty station of divine
perfections…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1’)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-83582481798568774302016-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:002020-08-19T05:31:27.311-07:00How to prevent sad feelings from entering one’s heart<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE9eoZmvE6t_67SJZmiQa-L0FfXC-4UdY8BHOFqB_DOL90oxhXxS16DaNvtAKChwyR06AfR1Kt_YCgzH-b-EhoKZPKSSwKW-amOGJIOfVt4icJeeSAQxrel8mGRL1T6Pho0AJtbCN5Is/s1600/horizon-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE9eoZmvE6t_67SJZmiQa-L0FfXC-4UdY8BHOFqB_DOL90oxhXxS16DaNvtAKChwyR06AfR1Kt_YCgzH-b-EhoKZPKSSwKW-amOGJIOfVt4icJeeSAQxrel8mGRL1T6Pho0AJtbCN5Is/s1600/horizon-74.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When your heart is filled with the love of God there will be
no room for sorrow. There will only be love and happiness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha to Mrs. Crockett; Star of the West, vol. 1, no. 9, August 20, 1910)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-76106521453076675382016-05-12T01:30:00.000-07:002020-08-19T05:32:48.173-07:00How spiritual purity becomes more manifest in a human being<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p3Uf7a1E5DVoYPQLudLsB1vr6_pRxOBeaZ2iVMArxcmZupUSVoCB2RIspWqNinquw-aS5VmEROSVlQtKIiIE549J5FuWKhVKSYHPlCHinHkXeGAfCuzjEVvhoBqUF_bbGiJnrpTJi-I/s1600/flower-77-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p3Uf7a1E5DVoYPQLudLsB1vr6_pRxOBeaZ2iVMArxcmZupUSVoCB2RIspWqNinquw-aS5VmEROSVlQtKIiIE549J5FuWKhVKSYHPlCHinHkXeGAfCuzjEVvhoBqUF_bbGiJnrpTJi-I/s1600/flower-77-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Except a man be purified and sanctified from the soil of his
dependence on this world, the spiritual purity will not become manifest in him.
The more the mirror is clear and pure the greater will the rays and the
bounties of the Sun of Truth show forth from it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(‘Tablets of
‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1’)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-38567737224366467092016-03-02T02:00:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:33:26.976-07:00How the “grace of God” becomes “revealed” in “the human heart”<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiCOQfLWXbRhN0KDJijIW4K2NgtCxPaOcc74iUP8VclaAILcdZDDUA8kyUHBXiBAjAs_T2HyQsFyL_MQISwC8M3i2ugc9EMX0vIUO9aeYOVtgmPLhGorPRpi4oSjRez13rZW6RUozDck/s1600/horizon-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiCOQfLWXbRhN0KDJijIW4K2NgtCxPaOcc74iUP8VclaAILcdZDDUA8kyUHBXiBAjAs_T2HyQsFyL_MQISwC8M3i2ugc9EMX0vIUO9aeYOVtgmPLhGorPRpi4oSjRez13rZW6RUozDck/s1600/horizon-20.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…love of God and spiritual attraction do cleanse and purify
the human heart and dress and adorn it with the spotless garment of holiness;
and once the heart is entirely attached to the Lord, and bound over to the
Blessed Perfection, then will the grace of God be revealed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-4688268432392482702016-02-10T02:00:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:35:32.006-07:00Teaching the Faith is like offering “Water” to a “thirsty” soul<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Rv076gf_J7ye6SIi5IAFVotYhncvuYR9ve8Fd4OUPThCOJbrQd_Y9sxzVrDDo3Ws-3vMQ9qhGiq39eNghKxsb4iXuMi1y6CXePL2KCMh2CJfdj8NO6M6_ZZvEPDsK1HSlQ_E-8AjsU/s1600/Art-5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Rv076gf_J7ye6SIi5IAFVotYhncvuYR9ve8Fd4OUPThCOJbrQd_Y9sxzVrDDo3Ws-3vMQ9qhGiq39eNghKxsb4iXuMi1y6CXePL2KCMh2CJfdj8NO6M6_ZZvEPDsK1HSlQ_E-8AjsU/s1600/Art-5-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If a soul calls the people to the Kingdom of God according
to the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, there will be many listeners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, one must teach by deeds; then speak the word!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One must become thirsty; then the salubrious Water be
offered. No matter how delicious the Water is, one who is not thirsty will not
enjoy it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Therefore, make ye an effort, so that the people may become
thirsty; then cause them to quaff from the Divine Chalice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (From
a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-59452313200730578802016-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:36:21.204-07:00Nearness to God<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wl9Ri-sE_TC32HwkJo9nx5VW61Alm_b5dZJixqjis3atmFBbHn19CQ5XdecMOyM4TojVixIVArxQI0og8UokC3HUWkDKP939pe3Tx_x130Q746Psy0FEBQwXL0wdjIoxzIAHkErO3wc/s1600/art-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="79" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wl9Ri-sE_TC32HwkJo9nx5VW61Alm_b5dZJixqjis3atmFBbHn19CQ5XdecMOyM4TojVixIVArxQI0og8UokC3HUWkDKP939pe3Tx_x130Q746Psy0FEBQwXL0wdjIoxzIAHkErO3wc/s1600/art-41.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The essential thing and the real nearness to God, is to be
steadfast in the Religion of God, to serve His Cause and to be in Servitude at
the Threshold of Unity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 2,
no. 16, December 31, 1911)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-61002723497988734642016-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:36:57.078-07:00Human spirit finds “eternal life” in the breath of the Holy Spirit<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdwzRH3jXoNw26X7UKRKbDiKzDjzcAAIgziDKc7AD7xAT_XzxH4s0pmRWZTZA_cYuNakYvxxl9KtRu7-PBkn79VVhBuwNOQlt0jqVH3j8A1wDCWeGP4g9R2fQSy4sLWCVjoG0UqFCBeg/s1600/art-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdwzRH3jXoNw26X7UKRKbDiKzDjzcAAIgziDKc7AD7xAT_XzxH4s0pmRWZTZA_cYuNakYvxxl9KtRu7-PBkn79VVhBuwNOQlt0jqVH3j8A1wDCWeGP4g9R2fQSy4sLWCVjoG0UqFCBeg/s1600/art-67.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This spirit is one of the divine bounties, a manifestation
of the Sun of Truth; but if the human spirit receives the breath of the Holy
Spirit, then it is a pure spirit. The breath of the Holy Spirit is the divine
teaching; in it the spirit finds eternal life. It is the heavenly light and
illumines the human world by the divine qualities. Hence we must endeavour to
act according to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(From a talk at Alliance
Spiritualiste of Paris, 9 November 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17,
January 19, 1912)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-9987872839265508112016-01-09T13:26:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:37:32.184-07:00“A person's heart must be like a child's, pure and free from all contamination.”<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI2mKRptczdG1TOIanU-C47kjGWgPhVtUZFBQGQsO1E-ZZyQdyTg604RrepBNSUoyP8DNvYF8oCJRRocCxkHdlZIKsQqg534dE5yPpXjtDltihApxsPZYWUyeYucYfRQju2UiE99AgVM/s1600/Art-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="79" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI2mKRptczdG1TOIanU-C47kjGWgPhVtUZFBQGQsO1E-ZZyQdyTg604RrepBNSUoyP8DNvYF8oCJRRocCxkHdlZIKsQqg534dE5yPpXjtDltihApxsPZYWUyeYucYfRQju2UiE99AgVM/s1600/Art-14.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hearts of children are extremely pure and simple. A
person's heart must be like a child's, pure and free from all contamination.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- 'Abdu'l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Words of
‘Abdu’l-Baha, From a talk at San Francisco’s Jewish Temple, October 15, 1912, Pleasanton,
California, USA, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-55064902970404630552015-12-19T11:30:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:39:08.078-07:00The Divine wisdom in fasting<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-CT49xmYsACbKn-evZC0X6BavGSRnjRIUEIlbDbAn1QR9_QCjS5mzcS1NtuIrhBxI-vO4cpnwgSeUQltkdZDr5bW9CrJlE6ZGGxMkIKXlfxLeV95kD-38l7V1hzO_lSko_f_046GjZ8/s1600/0717_paintings-149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-CT49xmYsACbKn-evZC0X6BavGSRnjRIUEIlbDbAn1QR9_QCjS5mzcS1NtuIrhBxI-vO4cpnwgSeUQltkdZDr5bW9CrJlE6ZGGxMkIKXlfxLeV95kD-38l7V1hzO_lSko_f_046GjZ8/s1600/0717_paintings-149.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Divine wisdom in fasting is manifold. Among them is
this: As during those days (i.e. the period of fasting which the followers
afterward observe) the Manifestation of the Sun of Reality, through Divine
inspiration, is engaged in the Descent of Verses, the instituting of Divine Law
and the arrangement of Teachings, through excessive occupation and intense
attraction there remains no condition or time for eating and drinking. For
example, when His Holiness Moses went to Mount Tur (Sinai) and there engaged in
instituting the Law of God, he fasted forty days. For the purpose of awakening
and admonishing the people of Israel, fasting was enjoined upon them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Likewise His Holiness Christ in the beginning of instituting
the Spiritual Law, the systematizing of the Teachings and the arrangement of
counsels, for forty days abstained from eating and drinking. In the beginning the
disciples and Christians fasted. Later the assemblages of the chief Christians
changed fasting into Lenten observances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Likewise the Koran having descended in the month Ramazan,
fasting during that month became a duty. In like manner His Holiness the Supreme
(the Bab), in the beginning of the Manifestation, through the excessive effect
of descending Verses, passed days in which his nourishment was reduced to tea
only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Likewise, the Blessed Beauty (Baha'u'llah), when busy with
instituting the Divine Teachings and during the days when the Verses (the Word
of God) descended continuously through the great effect of the Verses and the
throbbing of the heart, took no food except the least amount.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The purpose is this: In order to follow the Divine
Manifestations and for the purpose of admonition and the commemoration of their
state, it became incumbent upon the people to fast during those days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Christians, as was written, formerly fasted fully. For
every sincere soul who has a beloved longs to experience that state in which
his beloved is. If his beloved is in a state of sorrow, he desires sorrow; if
in a state of joy he desires joy; if in a state of rest, he desires rest; if in
a state of trouble, he desires trouble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now since in those days His Holiness the Supreme (the Bab)
fasted many days, and the Blessed Beauty (Baha'u'llah) took but little food or
drink, and some days Christ did not eat, it became necessary that the friends
should follow that example. For thus saith He in the Tablet of Visitation:
"They, the believers, have followed that which they were commanded, for
love of Thee." This is one wisdom of the wisdoms of fasting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second wisdom is this: Fasting is the cause of awakening
man. The heart becomes tender and the spirituality of man increases. This is
produced by the fact that man's thoughts will be confined to the commemoration
of God, and through this awakening and stimulation surely ideal advancements
follow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Third wisdom: Fasting is of two kinds, material and
spiritual. The material fasting is abstaining from food or drink, that is, from
the appetites of the body. But spiritual, ideal fasting is this, that man
abstain from selfish passions, from negligence and from satanic animal traits.
Therefore material fasting is a token of the spiritual fasting. That is: O God!
as I am fasting from the appetites of the body and not occupied with eating and
drinking, even so purify and make holy my heart and my life from aught else
save Thy Love, and protect and preserve my soul from self-passions and animal
traits. Thus may the spirit associate with the Fragrances of Holiness and fast
from everything else save Thy mention. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(From a table talk in
Akka in 1907; Corine True, ‘Notes Taken at Acca’, booklet published by Baha’i
Publishing Society, Chicago 1907)</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-63549655091094392482015-11-29T02:00:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:39:59.160-07:00"There are two kinds of cooperation: material and spiritual"<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oWyn6MTwnwbsC5lxB-x_w5xw6PJdvX4Qyiq0Fwv_UWq8u9VeedYw7HnYqVayXc33RXMBidmLVA24rl-EqF1I8ZfpMZnHXjn_aHaKkH1QSCgejc67URu6Yfs3j2UkRGJ7TW5y4yNlxfE/s1600/4515_1_Paintings-65-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="71" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oWyn6MTwnwbsC5lxB-x_w5xw6PJdvX4Qyiq0Fwv_UWq8u9VeedYw7HnYqVayXc33RXMBidmLVA24rl-EqF1I8ZfpMZnHXjn_aHaKkH1QSCgejc67URu6Yfs3j2UkRGJ7TW5y4yNlxfE/s1600/4515_1_Paintings-65-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are two kinds of cooperation: material and spiritual.
Cooperation in the material world will insure happiness and fellowship, and
will facilitate the progress of humankind; but the ideal, the most real and
virtuous cooperation is spiritual. That is realized when people gather together
to investigate and discuss principles impartially, to talk over the divine and
philosophic principles of the age and to assist each other in pursuit of divine
knowledge and wisdom. This real cooperation and mutual assistance is the
foundation on which the super-structure of material reciprocity is based.
Through this spiritual inter-assistance the prosperity of the world of man is
unveiled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha at a Nineteen-Day Feast in
London, December 29, 1912; Baha’i News no. 33, July 1929) </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(To see the entire
talk please visit </span><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-meaning-of-nineteen-day-feast.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-43304072916297538132015-11-15T10:42:00.000-08:002020-08-19T05:40:43.619-07:00The object of Nineteen-Day Feasts<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5Er4-oHjstq04su0PdFdvRut6mjiewLvgrCwWubjd-IqQ9d4QJKwnh3x75xGNL3242KUFzdym6_ph6VfUpJ6RPApnBHXwTvv-TS-sxqd_xSamX_zy-0uksnxJ0RFy0Z8ZZjeQ_q7LQ/s1600/4104_Paintings-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5Er4-oHjstq04su0PdFdvRut6mjiewLvgrCwWubjd-IqQ9d4QJKwnh3x75xGNL3242KUFzdym6_ph6VfUpJ6RPApnBHXwTvv-TS-sxqd_xSamX_zy-0uksnxJ0RFy0Z8ZZjeQ_q7LQ/s1600/4104_Paintings-84.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of these means of unity and agreement is made possible
in this very meeting. The Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and
ratified by Bahá’u’lláh, in His holy book, the Akdás, so that people may gather
together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the divine mysteries may
be disclosed. The object is concord, that through this fellowship hearts may
become perfectly united, and reciprocity and mutual helpfulness be established. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha at a Nineteen-Day Feast in London, December
29, 1912; Baha’i News no. 33, July 1929) </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(To see the entire talk please visit </span><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-meaning-of-nineteen-day-feast.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-47339271756198036892015-11-01T10:40:00.000-08:002016-04-29T13:28:24.764-07:00Cooperation & mutual helpfulness are the basis of human society<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…the members of the world of humanity are unable to exist
without being banded together, cooperation and mutual helpfulness is the basis
of human society. Without the realization of these two great principles no
great movement is pressed forward. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha at a
Nineteen-Day Feast in London, December 29, 1912; Baha’i News no. 33, July 1929) </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(To see the entire talk please visit </span><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-meaning-of-nineteen-day-feast.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha</span></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">)</span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-9743542275649928672015-10-18T10:07:00.000-07:002016-04-29T13:28:34.718-07:00The ability to “distinguish between sincere intentions and false words”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…in this world
individuals who are able to distinguish between sincere intentions and false
words are as rare as the philosopher’s stone… </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(‘The Secret of
Divine Civilization’)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-25568557114979206452015-09-27T12:28:00.000-07:002016-02-12T10:07:58.447-08:00"Religion is the light of the world..."<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Religion is the light of the world, and the progress,
achievement, and happiness of man result from obedience to the laws set down in
the holy Books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(‘The
Secret of Divine Civilization’)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-5122011908770622662015-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:002016-02-12T10:08:07.377-08:00“…a great unifying, cleansing force in the world…”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Put all your beliefs
into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When
religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas,
shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying,
cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars,
disagreements, discords and struggles—and then will mankind be united in the
power of the Love of God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(From a talk, November 12, 1911, Paris;
‘Paris Talks’)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-59846614621427371202015-08-23T04:27:00.000-07:002016-02-10T12:26:45.643-08:00“Be constantly attached to and seek always the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be constantly attached to and seek always the confirmations
of Bahá’u’lláh for these turn the drop into a sea and convert the gnat into an
eagle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-14496224723891331022015-08-02T14:27:00.000-07:002015-12-19T02:45:52.878-08:00Rational soul has a beginning but no end. It “is endowed with everlasting life”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As to the station of the rational soul, despite having a
beginning, it has no end and is endowed with everlasting life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered
Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre. To see the
entire talks please visit ‘</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-manifestations-of-god-have-three.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">‘Abdu’l-Baha</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">’</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-19619097703716871662015-07-12T14:13:00.000-07:002015-12-19T02:46:02.951-08:00The “reality of prophethood… is the Word of God” and “its radiance varies like that of the sun”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, the reality of prophethood, which is the Word of God
and the state of perfect divine manifestation, has neither beginning nor end,
but its radiance varies like that of the sun. For example, it dawned above the
sign of Christ with the utmost splendour and radiance, and this is eternal and everlasting.
See how many world-conquering kings, how many wise ministers and rulers have
come and gone, each and all fading into oblivion—whereas even now the breezes
of Christ still waft, His light still shines, His call is still upraised, His
banner is still unfurled, His armies still do battle, His voice still rings
sweetly, His clouds still rain down life-giving showers, His lightning still
streaks forth, His glory is still clear and indisputable, His splendour is
still radiant and luminous; and the same holds true of every soul that abides
beneath His shade and partakes of His light. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excerpt from a table
talk, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised
translation by the Baha’i World Centre. To see the entire talks please visit <span style="color: blue;">‘</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-manifestations-of-god-have-three.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-3643093657925804432015-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:002015-12-19T02:46:12.458-08:00There was a time “when the earth itself did not exist”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…the various species found upon the earth have an origin in
time; for it is acknowledged by all that there was a time when these species
existed nowhere on the face of the earth, and indeed a time when the earth
itself did not exist. But the world of existence has always been, for it is not
confined to this terrestrial globe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated
by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the
Baha’i World Centre. To see the entire talks please visit ‘</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-manifestations-of-god-have-three.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">‘Abdu’l-Baha</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">’</span>)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-38242198544099187962015-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:002015-12-19T02:46:26.690-08:00Human soul has a beginning but no end<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Know that, although human souls have existed upon the earth
for a myriad ages and cycles, the human soul is nonetheless originated. And
since it is a sign of God, once it has come into being it is everlasting. The
human spirit has a beginning but no end: It endures forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered
Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre. To see the
entire talks please visit ‘</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-manifestations-of-god-have-three.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-20388024034094089182015-05-17T13:55:00.000-07:002015-12-19T02:46:37.002-08:00Manifestations of God have three stations<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Know that, while the Manifestations of God possess infinite
virtues and perfections, They occupy only three stations: The first is the
material station; the second is the human station, which is that of the
rational soul; and the third is that of divine manifestation and heavenly
splendour. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated by
‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the
Baha’i World Centre. To see the entire talks please visit <span style="color: blue;">‘</span><a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-manifestations-of-god-have-three.html"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Talks of </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">‘Abdu’l-Baha’</span></span></a>)</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-4630841050669085782015-05-03T07:07:00.000-07:002015-12-08T09:05:47.362-08:00“Man has two powers”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Man has two
powers; and his development, two aspects. One power is connected with the
material world, and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other
power is spiritual, and through its development his inner, potential nature is
awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight
is impossible with one wing.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(From a talk, 25 April, 1912, Washington, D.C.; ‘The Promulgation of Universal
Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States
and Canada in 1912’)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163264793811234237.post-15901050751858660912015-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:002015-12-08T09:05:59.388-08:00The arc of descent and the arc of ascent<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…the material worlds
terminate at the end of the arc of descent… the station of man lies at the end
of the arc of descent and the beginning of the arc of ascent… from the
beginning to the end of the arc of ascent the degrees of progress are of a
spiritual nature. The arc of descent is called that of “bringing forth” and the
arc of ascent that of “creating anew”. The arc of descent ends in material
realities and the arc of ascent in spiritual realities.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- ‘Abdu’l-Baha <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ –
2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com