"O thou seeker after Truth!..."
O thou seeker after Truth!
The letter which thou hast written to ... was received and its contents became known. If thou ask my name and t.i.tle, it is Abdul-Baha and any name beside this is unknown here. Whosoever calleth me by this name, accept from him-otherwise reject.
But about the three questions which thou hast asked for thyself: The first is true. Undoubtedly, when a soul engages in commemoration of the True One, he will naturally feel the rest of soul and tranquility of heart.
The second question about the supernatural power: Without advancing toward the Kingdom of Abha, it is impossible and inaccessible. But should a soul enter under the shadow of the Blessed Perfection, step into the divine Kingdom, act according to the councils and exhortations of G.o.d and practice the New Teachings, unquestionably he will become endowed with a supernatural power.
But about thy third question: "Have I been subjected to such troubles and vicissitudes before?" and the indisputable answer, "No!"-this is also true.
For any soul who walketh in the path of guidance, there is no doubt he shall endure hardships. Consider thou their Highness the Apostles; likewise the a.s.sembly of Christians, who were sanctified souls; what calamities and persecutions hailed them in the Cause during the first and second century and even up to the third century!
Look thou around the world of existence: A little worldly transaction cannot be brought about except through surmounting many an obstacle. How much more important are the objects of the Supreme World! Certainly there existeth troubles, trials, afflictions, persecution, censure and contempt.
When thou didst occupy thy time in the past to give out religious exhortations and advices, thou experienced some persecutions and trouble.
But thou canst not realize in this present moment what great ordeals are in store and what unbearable calamities, affliction and adversity exist, and that to give up life is the easiest of all those calamities. But the end of all these is bliss, overflowing joy, everlasting exultation, happiness and supreme contentment. it is eternal life, never ending glory, a lordly gift and divine sovereignty!
In brief, thou hast asked concerning my desire for thee: I wish, if thou art worldly, to become heavenly; if thou art of the world of possession, become thou celestial; if thou art of the material sphere, become an inhabitant of the realm of Light; hasten from the world of darkness to the world of illumination and become the manifestor of the exhortations, advices and instructions of the Blessed Perfection. This is my greatest desire for thee.
"O ye seekers of Truth!..."
O ye(248) seekers of Truth!
Your letter was received and its contents became known. The new Kingdom hath raised its tents in all regions and hath enveloped East and West, but the blind ones cannot see and the deaf ones cannot hear. In the time of Christ, the doors of the divine Kingdom were opened, but the people, being veiled, were negligent and in a deep sleep. Therefore, they were deprived of the spiritual glory. Now, thank ye G.o.d that ye have found the way to the Kingdom of peace and salvation and have heard the call of the True One.
Supplicate G.o.d that ye may become heavenly hosts, spreading the oneness of the world of humanity, taking in hand the armor of peace and conquering the hearts with the sword of love.
Ye are people of the earth, become ye angels of heaven; ye are from the West, draw ye bounties from the East! Be ye illumined, become ye heavenly, become ye merciful and show kindness to all the people!
"O thou dear friend!..."
O thou dear friend!
Although a person of good deeds is acceptable at the Threshold of the Almighty, yet it is first "to know," and then "to do." Although a blind man produceth a most wonderful and exquisite art, yet he is deprived of seeing it. consider how most animals labor for man, draw loads and facilitate travel; yet, as they are ignorant, they receive no reward for this toil and labor. The cloud raineth, roses and hyacinths grow; the plain and meadow, the garden and trees become green and blossom; yet they do not realize the results and outcome of all these. The lamp is lighted, but as it hath not a conscious knowledge of itself, no one hath become glad because of it. Moreover, a soul of excellent deeds and good manners will undoubtedly advance from whatever horizon he beholdeth the lights radiating. Herein lies the difference: By faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge, and second, the practice of good deeds.
Thou hast asked concerning reincarnation: Reincarnation as understood by the people, is untrue; but in the Gospel, "return" is referred to, and that is the return of qualities(249) and not the return of ent.i.ties. This matter is explained in detail in the Book of Ighan, which is translated and published. Study that Book.
But the difference between Christ and others is this: Christ was the Spirit, others were bodies; Christ was the Sun, others were mirrors; Christ was the Truth and was bestowing eternal life, others were dead and imparting deadness and negligence.
Thou hast asked concerning the spirits of men: They are not at all annihilated-they are immortal.(250) The spirits of heavenly souls will find eternal life, that is, they will attain the highest and most great stations of perfection; but the spirits of the heedless souls, although they are eternal, yet they are in a world of imperfection, concealment and ignorance. This is a concise answer. Contemplate and meditate upon it, in order that thou mayest comprehend the reality of the mysteries in detail.
for instance: No matter how much the mineral has an existence and life, yet in comparison to man, it is entirely non-existent and deprived of life. For where man is translated from life to death, his comparative station will be that of a mineral existence.
"O ye seekers of Truth!..."
O ye(251) seekers of Truth!
Your letter was received and a sweet fragrance was inhaled from the rose-garden of its significances. it was an evidence of your insight, hearing and spiritual life. For, no matter if the people are living in appearance, yet they may be dead in reality. That is why His Holiness Christ, sayeth in the gospels: "Let the dead bury the dead!"
Praise be to G.o.d! that you have found eternal life from among the dead; that is, you have hear the call of the divine Kingdom, are attracted to the Heavenly Countenance and have turned your faces toward the Center of the Light of Truth. I hope that you continue to be a living, eternal light!
Two stones of the Most Great Name are sent enclosed with this Tablet.
"O thou Glorious Lord!..."
O thou Glorious Lord!(252)
Make thou this little maid-servant a brilliant-starred daughter of the Kingdom; endear her in the Threshold of Oneness and overflow her with the cup of Thy love, in order that she may raise the cries of joy and ecstasy and mix ambergris with musk.(253)
Verily, Thou art the Powerful and the Mighty, and Thou art the Wise, the Seer!
"O thou plant of the Garden of the Love of G.o.d!..."
O thou plant of the Garden of the Love of G.o.d!
Thy letter was received. Its content was of utmost grace and sweetness. As thou hast turned thy face toward the Supreme Kingdom, I hope thy disposition and nature will prove agreeable and comforting to thy brother and sister.
Although thou art small, yet I hope thou wilt become great in the Kingdom.
His Highness Christ, sayeth: "Happy is the condition of the children!" G.o.d willing, thou art one of those children.
Be obedient and kind to thy father and mother, caressing brother and sister, and day by day adding to thy faith and a.s.surance.
"O thou dear friend!..."