Theme: Knowledge of God – Part III

If you did not have a chance to read part one and two of Knowledge of God the links are: http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

And

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-ii.html

Deeper Learning

The third source of God’s knowledge is the Holy Spirit.  To understand the link between God and the Holy Spirit is of vital importance. As mentioned before, God is separate from His creation and there is no direct connection between the absolute and contingent world except through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Also called the Great Spirit, it is the breath of God. Symbolically, God is like the sun and the Holy Spirit is like the rays of the sun. We need the sun to survive, but if we were to approach it we would be consumed in its heat. Likewise, if the sun came down to us the earth would be burned. The rays of the sun carry the light and the heat of the sun. God’s power is channeled through the Holy Spirit.

The Manifestations obey the promptings of the same Spirit. For Moses this Spirit was in the form of a burning bush, for Jesus a dove, for Mohammad Gabriel and for Baha’u’llah the Maid of Heaven. Manifestations are not schooled like the rest of us: they possess an innate knowledge. The Holy Spirit instructs them, to the extent that every moment of their lives, whatever they say or do is a consequence of their obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Humans also feel the power of the Holy Spirit. Abdu'l-Baha explains:

Today the light of Truth is shining upon the world in its abundance; the breezes of the heavenly garden are blowing throughout all regions; the call of the Kingdom is heard in all lands, and the breath of the Holy Spirit is felt in all hearts that are faithful. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 19)

To receive the divine bounties available to the faithful ones, they must be continually receptive to them. The good news is that the outpouring of blessing is continuous and abundant. All we have to do is turn our antenna in the right direction.

According to Abdu'l-Baha, the Holy Spirit transforms our living conditions, regardless of our beliefs. It removes strife and wars so that humans may unite. All the wonders of this age, manifested in new sciences and art, in an emerging a global consciousness, a new awakening in human rights, and the pursuit of justice, are all inspirations of the Holy Spirit. No human development can happen without this force. Abdu'l-Baha assures us that the future is so bright that the Most Great Peace will surely come, powered by the mercy of God and channeled through the Holy Spirit.

To tie all these four types of existence—Divinity, the Holy Spirit, the Manifestations of God and human beings—into an array of cosmic connectivity, we turn to the Baha’i ring symbol. The kingdom of God is at the top, below is the realm of the Manifestations and the third existence is humanity. A line cutting across all these three realities is the Holy Spirit.

The fourth way we learn about God is through our surroundings. If we are lucky, we are greeted with loving, kind, patient, and generous parents. If our star shines even brighter we come across loyal friends, compassionate bosses, and live in a kinder and gentler society. The environment is a laboratory to learn about these virtues.

Not everyone is lucky all the time. Spiritual travel is filled with mishaps and confusion. Sometimes the path looks extremely bleak. You don’t feel the presence of God in your life. But regardless of your spiritual state, God is still watching you as He always does, according Baha'u'llah’s words:  

Consider, moreover, how frequently doth man become forgetful of his own self, whilst God remaineth, through His all-encompassing knowledge, aware of His creature, and continueth to shed upon him the manifest radiance of His glory. It is evident, therefore, that, in such circumstances, He is closer to him than his own self. He will, indeed, so remain forever, for, whereas the one true God knoweth all things, perceiveth all things, and comprehendeth all things, mortal man is prone to err, and is ignorant of the mysteries that lie enfolded within him… (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 186)

If you feel remote from Him, who has moved? It’s always you. In times of remoteness from the Divine Presence, it is time to examine your spiritual account. To pick up the broken pieces, put them back together and fly again is laudable. Again, keep in mind that we are always under the watchful eyes of God. He only sees us through His kind, generous and compassionate eyes, just as loving parents see their children.

When we do manage to show forth the names and attributes of God, we have entered the phase of re-creating ourselves into beautiful souls. When we struggle to reflect the attributes of God, when it is hard for us to love or to forgive, we gain insight into God’s name the All-Loving or the Ever-Forgiving. This is a type of knowledge of God. To realize this divine process in this day is to also fulfill an ancient prophecy. During the last few decades many have predicted the end of the world on specific days, when the dead would literally rise from their graves and enter heaven in rapture. Raptures that were supposed to take place in 2000 and 2011 did not come to pass.  According to Baha’u’llah awakening is not a one-day event rather the dead are quickened by the Holy Spirit daily and will continue to do so for centuries to come.  He explains:

For he who had believed in God and in the Manifestation of His beauty was raised from the grave of heedlessness, gathered together in the sacred ground of the heart, quickened to the life of faith and certitude, and admitted into the paradise of the divine presence. What paradise can be loftier than this? (Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 42)

Now let’s go back to the short Baha’i obligatory prayer. The second part is to know God, and we know God through His Manifestations. The third part of this prayer is to “worship Thee.” Enshrined in this act of adoration is knowledge and love of God. In our next blog post, we will explore love.

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Reflection

Some of us have problem with worshiping God. Do you have any issue? Actually, the scope of divine adoration has been widely expanded. One does in the have to be in church, temple or synagogue to worship. It can happen in every moment of your life while leading a productive life of learning, working and raising a family.

Deeds (path of service)

Yet it behoveth the people of truth that the signs of humility should shine upon their faces, that the light of sanctity should radiate from their countenances, that they should walk upon the earth as though they were in the presence of God and distinguish themselves in their deeds from all the dwellers of the earth.             (Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 59)

Post links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Like us on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/3-D-Project/537440639599416

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Theme: Knowledge of God – Part II

If you did not have a chance to read part I of Knowledge of God the link is http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

Devotion

The Divine Messengers have been sent down, and their Books were revealed, for the purpose of promoting the knowledge of God, and of furthering unity and fellowship amongst men. But now behold, how they have made the Law of God a cause and pretext for perversity and hatred. How pitiful, how regrettable, that most men are cleaving fast to, and have busied themselves with, the things they possess, and are unaware of, and shut out as by a veil from, the things God possesseth! (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 12)

These words have streamed from the pen of this Wronged One in one of His Tablets: "The purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, hath been to bring forth the Mystic Gems out of the mine of man -- they Who are the Dawning-Places of His Cause and the Repositories of the pearls of His knowledge; for, God Himself, glorified be He, is the Unseen, the One concealed and hidden from the eyes of men. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 13)

Deepening

In addition to capacities, relationships are another foundation of life. Our first relationships are with our mother, father and siblings. Later we get to know friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, a spouse, children and grandchildren. Life becomes an expansion of human experience. Some we choose, some are thrust upon us, and others we discard. Our interactions with others provide opportunities to gain a better understanding of qualities such as love, trust, patience, kindness and forgiveness. When a conscious effort is made to turn our attention towards divine attributes, rather than seeking vices, the self transforms itself from potential to reality. Step by step, it gets closer to the Divine Self.  According the Abdu'l-Baha:

“…With the human soul…Its only movement is towards perfection...Divine perfection is infinite, therefore the progress of the soul is also infinite.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 89)

What are the processes of perfection?  Let's consider a mirror. When it is turned towards the sun, it reflects light. If it is kept in the darkness, it will reflect nothing. Also, if the mirror is dirty, although turned towards the sun, it will reflect only some of the light. Similar to a mirror, when the soul turns towards God’s help and His attributes, it will reflect many facets of goodness. The cleaner the soul, through the development of virtues, the more it will see in it the reflection of God’s beauty.

The second way to gain knowledge of God is through His Manifestations. According to recorded history some of them are Adam, Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Mohammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah. They are direct links between God and us. Though they come in human forms, these Beings are different from us in many ways. Here are four important points to remember:

1. Unlike humans, they are perfect Beings, who reflect all the attributes of God. They are perfect mirrors. According to Baha’u’llah, “The knowledge of these sanctified Beings to be identical with the knowledge of His own Self.” They don’t need to grow spiritually.

2. Each brings a divine message for the age in which they appear. Unfortunately, with passage of time the pure heavenly water they shower over mankind is muddied through misunderstand, corruptions and dogmas. Each time a Manifestation appears on Earth, He first refreshes the spiritual teachings by adding, changing or removing laws and practices of previous religions, according the capacity and needs of the people. Divine Revelation helps souls move closer to their Creator, promotes unity and concord, and allows civilization to advance materially and spiritually. Religious rituals and traditions, when they lose the light of truth and are reduced to outer forms, can become barriers, limiting people from recognizing God’s Manifestations. The essence of all religions, their spiritual teachings, is the same. For example, kindness, generosity and compassion are not only for Christians: they are part of the core beliefs of all religions.

3. These Manifestations bring social laws based on the needs of the time, so that civilization can flourish and humans can live in harmony. Every time these Educators appear, through their examples and words, we reach a higher plane of understanding of God. Reading the Holy Words is essential as they are filled with inspiration and guidance. The soul is soothed to know more about why and how it is created and that knowledge can only come from the Creator through His Manifestations.

All the scriptures mention and glorify the names of God repeatedly. For example, in Qur’an there over one hundred unique attributes mentioned. It declares God as merciful, compassionate, mighty, wise, knowing, and clement. In the Bible it is said: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” King James Bible, 1 John

In the Writings of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, and Abdu'l-Baha, the attributes of God are frequently mentioned. Many of their prayers start with God’s glorification and end with mention of His names. Some of these names from Baha’u’llah’s writings include: the All-Perceiving, the Exalted, the All-Merciful, the Knower of things unseen, the Most Holy, the All-Praised, the Great Giver, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Powerful, and the Most Compassionate.

We are familiar with these attributes though we may not be part of a religion, as we have had to deal with them in our daily lives. For example, as a victim, we have had to deal with whether to forgive or avenge the wrongdoings of others. When suffering, it makes us to think long and hard. Can we be ever-forgiving, as God is? In other words, do we have the capacity to pardon the action of anyone, regardless of its atrocities? In fact, the sole survivor of a rampage in which her husband and four children died not only forgave the killer but also prayed for him. What Scriptures teaches us it to dig deeper and not be satisfied with a superficial practice of any divine attribute. Love is another good example, of which we are very familiar. It is easy to love a friend or a family member. But would you love someone who has harmed you? Would you love an enemy? Would love someone who has brutally murdered a loved one of yours? According to the Holy Books, God’s love encompasses every person of His creation and, for an ever-forgiving God, foregoing any wrong, regardless of the severity, is not out of the question. From a spiritual perspective, there is merit in choosing the higher road and, in doing so, we align  ourselves with God’s knowledge. All religions are springs of fresh wisdom that take yearning souls closer to their Beloved and help detach them from the transitory things of this world.

Reflection

Bonus virtue: The qualities that you always had. You did not have to struggle for them. They come so naturally to you. For me, it is compassion. Since childhood, my heart leaps out whenever I find someone needs help. If I had all the power of the world, there would be no suffering anywhere on earth. Now, I also know, divine wisdom does not allow total paradise and one of the simple reasons is that we’ll all become spiritually lazy beings.

Deeds (path of service)

Now is the time for you to put forth your leaves, and yield your fruit. The fruits of the tree of man have ever been and are goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 25)

Post links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Like us on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/3-D-Project/537440639599416

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Theme: Knowledge of God – Part I

According to Abdu’l-Baha, true spiritual awakening starts with the knowledge of God. How does one understand a Being so exalted, Whom no one has seen with the naked eye, yet Whose knowledge is spread out like the most beautiful tapestry throughout His creation? We do not learn about God the way we normally learn in class, through textbooks or lectures. Furthermore, there are at least four channels open any soul, regardless of one’s beliefs, to gain access to God. Let’s first say prayers to quiet the mind and open the soul to higher understanding.

Devotion

The Divine Messengers have been sent down, and their Books were revealed, for the purpose of promoting the knowledge of God, and of furthering unity and fellowship amongst men. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 12)

In the treasuries of the knowledge of God there lieth concealed a knowledge which, when applied, will largely, though not wholly, eliminate fear. This knowledge, however, should be taught from childhood, as it will greatly aid in its elimination. Whatever decreaseth fear increaseth courage. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 32)

Deeper Learning

As seen mentioned previously one of the ways to receive the “merciful gifts and powers” of God is through knowing Him. According to Baha’u’llah, knowledge of God spans the entire creation, just like the sense of touch covers the whole body. Every object, seen or unseen, large or small, reflects one or more of God’s attributes.

He said,

“From the exalted source, and out of the essence of His favor and bounty He hath entrusted every created thing with a sign of His knowledge...” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 261)

To speak about a subject so vast is taking a droplet from an ocean. The first and foremost step of an everlasting journey starts with knowing our Creator.

Learning is the gateway to knowledge, which happens through the faculty of understanding. One of the first lessons a newborn learns is how to take milk from his mother’s breast. After this crucial moment, life continues as our appetite to understand translates into an endless discovery of this world. Recall how a two-year old can’t stop asking questions, sometimes driving their parents crazy. This shows how gaining knowledge is an essential part of a human development; without it we face many challenges, some of them big enough to make living unbearably difficult.

Of all knowledge, discovering the purpose of life has been an age-old human quest. The answer is found in the short Baha’i obligatory prayer. It goes like this: “I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee.” In the first part of this prayer, one testifies to God’s existence, which is an awareness springing forth after a spiritual birth. When one recites the second part (“Thou hast created me to know Thee”) of this prayer one accepts that knowing God is one’s prime purpose of coming into being.

This answer to an age-old question may not necessarily sit well with some thinkers of our time, as they cannot accept a Creator Whom no one has seen with their naked eye. Many of them are intelligent professionals with superb credentials and awesome capacities to probe the workings of the universe, yet they have not witnessed the presence of God. At the same time billions others attest to the existence of a Divine Being. How come some “see” an invisible God, and others don’t. Where is the missing link?

Another question to ask is: what leads some to acknowledge God’s existence? The gift of understanding is given to everyone, regardless of one’s belief system.  This gift “is none other except to enable His creature to know and recognize the one true God.” Why then, does one with great intellectual capacity refuse to accept God? It has to do with the approach taken. There are two kinds of understanding: firstly, through the mind we acquire the knowledge of the material world, but to probe into the invisible—God’s realm—the heart is the only instrument that works. God’s message to a soul is: “Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent.” The human heart, once cleansed, will be led to the Kingdom of God.

In addition to the knowledge of the purpose of creation is the knowledge of our true nature. According to the Bible, "God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own."  In The Old Testament, God has said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." The same idea is reiterated in many of Baha'u'llah’s writings. However in regard to the idea of a human being engraved with God’s image, many views, some controversial, have emerged. I want to touch upon four ideas that relay the Baha’i perspective:

1. The spheres in which God and humanity exist are distinct and separate. God the Creator cannot be part of His own creation. For example, an artist is distinctly separate from her artwork. Though paintings reflect many of the painter’s attributes, they never live in each other’s domain. A portrait will never become its painter.

2. Though we are created in God’s image, one should not conclude that God has a physical form like humans. It is our spirit that is made in God's image. Our powers are limited yet God is beyond any constraint.

3. When born, the goodness we inherit is in potential, just as a mighty tree is latent in a seed. We are noble beings: within us is enshrined the capacity and responsibility to reflect the beauty of God. This does not happen automatically, as we all know too well.  The right education and environment is required, as well as a constant effort, for one to blossom into a beautiful spirit: a goal within the reach of everyone.

4. Each of us is endowed with free will. The choices we make can sometimes take us astray from God’s plan to know and worship Him. Some commit crimes, murders, and other atrocious acts. When examining these sinful individuals, it is important to remember that the image of God will never disappear from their beings. For them there is always hope to change, according to their own will power. Free will holds us accountable for our actions.

What are ways we can increase our knowledge of God? The first is through the portal of self. As mentioned before, right from our first day of life we must grow in order to cope with life. Growth never stops. Our physical, intellectual, emotional as well as the spiritual well-being depends on a never-ending journey of discoveries.

 Reflection

Reflect on all the virtues within you and come up with three lists:

Tier one: In this category you put all your best qualities, the ones in which you are the strongest. Some examples would be kindness, intelligence, or generosity. These are your very best, the ones by which your friends and family identify you.

Tier two: List the qualities you have problems with. For me, patience is always a problem, which can cause friction within me and with my relationships with others, including God.

Tier three: The wish list. Qualities that you would like to work on.

  

Deeds (path of service)

You must become the means of lighting the world of humanity. This is the infallible proof and sign. Every progress depends on two things, knowledge and practice. First acquire knowledge, and, when conviction is reached, put it into practice. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 108)

Posts links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Theme: Higher Spiritual Goals

This session went very well, blessed by the participation of eight souls, two of whom were truth-seekers. During devotions we said prayers for someone who is having great difficulty recovering from an illness. The discussion after the presentation on higher spiritual goals was vibrant. Setting higher goals and achieving them is easier than many think.

Devotion

…adorn yourselves with the ornament of His remembrance, and illumine your hearts with the light of His love. This is the key that unlocketh the hearts of men, the burnish that shall cleanse the souls of all beings. He that is careless of what hath poured out from the finger of the Will of God liveth in manifest error. Amity and rectitude of conduct, rather than dissension and mischief, are the marks of true faith. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 205)

According to the direct and sacred command of God we are forbidden to utter slander, are commanded to show forth peace and amity, are exhorted to rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and harmony with all the kindreds and peoples of the world. We must obey and be the well-wishers of the governments of the land, regard disloyalty unto a just king as disloyalty to God Himself and wishing evil to the government a transgression of the Cause of God. (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 440)

Deeper Learning

We admire those who rise above the ordinary. Imagine the compliments you would receive from family and friends if you were to do something awesome like travel through Europe on a bicycle, write a novel, or lift a village out of poverty. Stepping out of the mundane and into something new and exciting is always greeted with enthusiasm. But lurking behind any new initiative is the problem of sustainability. In a matter of weeks or months, our plans and initiatives can be deflated and end up like shriveled balloons.

Understanding the four phases of significant tasks helps prevent failure. These phases are: forming, storming, norming, and performing. In the forming stage you must define your goal, prepare your tools and embark on your new adventure. Let’s say you’ve decided to go to university. You must first register, buy books and show up for the first class.

The next stage is storming. As the name suggests, it can be rough. Many of us give up. You encounter obstacles, such as the need to learn new skills. Perhaps you can’t find the time to complete your new goal among your other time commitments. Cost may be another issue. Frustration sets in when you don’t see immediate results. As a first-year university student, what are some of the challenges that could derail your plan? It can be difficult getting to class on time, as university campuses are huge compared to those in high school. Keeping up with all the work dished out by professors could prove difficult. Teachers may be too emotionally detached for your liking. You may not be motivated enough to study hard. These difficulties can feel like a storm blowing over your life. Patience and perseverance are required to see you through this stage.  

If you manage to move to the norming stage, things start to look better and you become comfortable with your new activity. It finds the right place among all your demands. As a student, you start to manage your life better. You are more confident and your results are a source of encouragement. Sometimes life becomes tumultuous again and you revert to the storming stage. It’s quite normal for one to go back and forth between these two stages.

When you enter the performing phase, you are flying at a high altitude, which derives satisfaction, which in turn provides you with the oxygen needed to soar higher and higher. As a student, you see yourself reaching your goals, and you may even plan on continuing with graduate or post-graduate studies.

Spiritual goals also go through these phases. How to begin? Well, I love writing just as much as spirituality. Combining these two gave birth to this blog. Personally, I have derived many benefits, for example, from reading the Holy Writings of various religions and reflecting on matters of the spirit. I hope my efforts along this path of service will help many find their own high-altitude zone.

To work at a higher level, you must consider your passions. In the Bahá’i Faith, we are fortunate enough to have the example of teachers, martyrs, and pioneers who have led extraordinary lives guided by spiritual principles. In doing so, they gained great spiritual benefits, and in responding to God’s call, have inspired many others to do the same.

Passion will certainly aid you in successfully completing your projects. But to achieve excellence, and to make a social impact, you will need a moral stance. Let us consider the average politician. They are extremely motivated, and are heavily involved in wheeling and dealing to accomplish their goals. But one who is a true statesman, rather than an ordinary politician, and who allows moral convictions and spiritual principles to guide them, comes out as the winner. Serving the constituency should be a leader’s driving force. Therefore, passion is the engine and spirituality is the rudder.  

According to one account, among many things, Baha’u’llah would like to see His followers reach the finish line every time. He said:

There are four qualities which I love to see manifested in people: first, enthusiasm and courage; second, a face wreathed in smiles and a radiant countenance; third, that they see all things with their own eyes and not through the eyes of others; fourth, the ability to carry a task, once begun, through to its end.

Finding and doing things that bring excitement, joy, and energy to your life is in your DNA. If you could do it over and over again, you will be much closer to your true self and the results will be no less than the experience of paradise. Happiness is our destiny.

             

Reflection

Would you like to share what your passions are? You may need to brainstorm. The history of the Baha’i Faith, as well as other world religions, is filled with great personalities who, through sacrifice, perseverance, learning, and courage have ascended to higher planes of existence.  Give it a try! You have nothing to lose.

Deeds (Path of Service)

Know, O thou possessors of insight, that true spirituality is like unto a lake of clear water which reflects the divine. Of such was the spirituality of Jesus Christ. There is another kind which is like a mirage, seeming to be spiritual when it is not. That which is truly spiritual must light the path to God, and must result in deeds. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 107)

What could be this ‘mirage’ be? Have you ever been inspired by others to reach a higher goal in life?

Posts links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Theme: Cultivating a Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle – Part II

It feels wonderful to receive all your support. The global reach is expanding to include Canada, United States, El Salvador, Australia, China, Germany, United Kingdom, Israel, Fiji and France. If you did not get a chance to read the first part of this article, here is the link: http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

Devotion

And amongst them [is this]: "Ye are forbidden sedition and strife in the books and epistles; and herein I desire naught save your exaltation and elevation, whereunto beareth witness the heaven and its stars, the sun and its radiance, the trees and their leaves, the seas and their waves, and the earth and its treasures. We ask God to continue His saints and strengthen them unto that which befitteth them in this blessed, precious, and wondrous station, and We ask Him to assist those who surround Me to act according to that whereunto they have been commanded on the part of the Supreme Pen." (Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveller's Narrative, p. 83)

As we suffer these misfortunes we must remember that the Prophets of God Themselves were not immune from these things which men suffer. They knew sorrow, illness and pain too. They rose above these things through Their spirits, and that is what we must try and do too, when afflicted. The troubles of this world pass, and what we have left is what we have made of our souls; so it is to this we must look -- to becoming more spiritual, drawing nearer to God, no matter what our human minds and bodies go through. (Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 68)

Deeper Learning

When the body is not functioning there are immediate signs: usually some sort of pain. Fortunately, there are signals of inner malaise as well. But we have to learn how to listen for them, as they are not always as obvious as the physical signals. Here are some of them:

Emptiness. You may not have any physical, emotional, or material problems, yet you think life should be more than just daily existence.

Negligence. Negligence can be characterized as not participating in activities that replenish the soul.

Ego. If you are too occupied with the self rather than others, you may find that life is not really satisfying. Many studies have demonstrated that those with higher goals, like serving others, are happier than those who are self-centered. A person may have many outward successes, but inside they can still be searching for a clear direction. 

Faultfinding. Abdul’-Baha told a group to “Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other souls.”

Apathy, or an absence of interest in spiritual development.

Imbalance. A balanced adult life consists of work, family, recreation, and faith. Sometimes we end up spending too much time on one of these and end up neglecting the others. Demands at work may leave little time for other important activities. This can create conflicts internally and externally. Once in a while it is good to pause and examine all your activities, reflect on them and see if re-calibration is needed.

Prejudices. They are veils separating us from the truth. Baha’u’llah exhorts us to strive daily to eliminate all prejudice.

Disobedience. Disregard for laws may come from our lower human nature. Gaining an understanding of why laws are essential in maintaining order in our lives, in society, and in the whole universe, can make us appreciate the true freedom obedience brings. Just like the physical laws that govern the universe, social and spiritual laws not only guarantee us a peaceful existence, but are the building blocks humans need to prosper.

Many of these obstacles are caused by our lower nature and one way to overcome them is to shift our focus to a higher level of consciousness. An elevated purpose can be achieved through acquiring virtues and perfections, according to Abdu'l-Baha. He explains:

“By what means can man acquire these things? How shall he obtain these merciful gifts and powers? First, through the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, through self-sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness.”  (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 63)

In the coming sessions, we’ll examine these seven topics in more detail. Before we proceed let us be mindful of one important warning. Too often, plans don’t unfold as expected. In our spiritual journey to find paradise, there will certainly be hurdles, delays, and derailments. But in my opinion, there are three things that one can do to reach the finish line safely.

Preparedness: Just imagine yourself climbing Mount Everest. Would you just stuff some clothes in a bag and, with sandals on your feet, start your journey? You will have to build your stamina for such an arduous climb. Oxygen becomes scarce as you scale the heights of the mountain; therefore, a good supply is a must. Given months to reach the top, food, proper clothing, and a durable tent are a just few of the things a mountaineer would need to pack before taking the first step. A spiritual traveler must also be well prepared. Here are more things that can be in your spiritual “cabinet”

Accountability: Baha’u’llah teaches us to “Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning…”(The Arabic Hidden Words). A wise climber will, before resting for the night, reflect on how well the day went. Did they cover the distance they planned to cover? Are they physically able to continue traveling? How are their companions doing? For the mountaineer, climbing the highest peak is their dream and they would do everything in their power to make it come true. Conquering Mount Everest will be their happiest moment. The same resolve is needed on our spiritual path.

Assistance: A spiritual journey is always full of surprises, difficulties, and confusion. You will not reach the highest point in this journey by relying entirely on yourself. No one is truly successful without God’s help. The essence of spirituality is the soul’s realization of all its weakness when facing the Almighty. When this consciousness has dawned upon the traveler, they begin to draw strength from the ocean of Divine powers.

Reflection

How prepared are you for your spiritual journey? How do you fight emptiness, apathy, fault-finding habits, and prejudice? In a future blog, I will write about my experience in eradicating prejudice of all kinds, including racial, class and religion. It is easier than you think.

Deeds

When asked by an American friend: "Which is the best way to spread the teaching?" he said: "By deeds. This way is open to all, and deeds are understood by all. Join yourselves to those who work for the poor, the weak and the unfortunate; this is greatly to be commended. To teach by words requires the skill of a wise physician. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 98)

One of the greatest services, I think, we can do for our neighbors and the whole world is to get rid of all prejudice in our selves. We must do this first before looking for this spiritual illness in others. Imagine all the problems people are facing in the entire world or in your city.  How much of that suffering will immediately disappear when prejudice of all kinds is  replaced with acceptance, tolerance, and harmony?

Posts links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Theme: Cultivating a Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle – Part I

One occupation common to all humans is the search for happiness. Over the ages many paths have been tried. Some climb the highest mount to find the elixir of life; some are consumed in their profession; still others are engaged totally in ascetic life of yoga, meditation, and charity. In the Baha’i Faith, the key to happiness is a balanced life. A traveler will never be satisfied with just one goal. Humans are multi-faceted and complex beings. This means education, career, family life, charity are all important but all must be seen through a spiritual eye. In my estimation, positive action, executed with a clear, divine vision will bring the soul the greatest possible satisfaction.

Devotion

O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord. (Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 150)

Baha'u'llah taught that hearts must receive the Bounty of the Holy Spirit, so that Spiritual civilization may be established. For material civilization is not adequate for the needs of mankind and cannot be the cause of its happiness. Material civilization is like the body and spiritual civilization is like the soul. Body without soul cannot live. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 30)

Deeper Learning

We care a lot about our bodies. Breathing, eating, and drinking are routine activities that maintain our health by supplying vitamins, proteins, minerals and other essentials to our bodies. We spend a significant amount of time daily to earn money, go grocery shopping and cook meals. If we get sick we receive medical care from doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians. Individuals, families, governments, and industry work together for our common physical benefit.

We cannot say the same for our spiritual well-being. If a soul is concerned about its health, most of the time, it’s on its own. Of course, there are religious groups as well as other associations that provide help to those in need of spiritual or psychological assistance.  However, the Baha’i Faith aims to unite all hearts in one universal Cause, one common Faith, and invites all of humanity, no matter what race or religion, to participate in such a civilization-building process.

Let’s look at some activities individuals and groups can partake in to maintain a thriving community, where spirit and body are given equal importance. As Baha’is, we believe that we exist in an organic relationship with our environment. Individuals and societies are inseparable; in fact, each influences the other. Some of the teachings and activities of the Baha’i Faith are:

Daily obligatory prayer.

The Nineteen Day Feast, during which the members of the community read devotions, consult about matters of the Faith in their community, and socialize.

An annual fast, lasting nineteen days.

The Ruhi sequence of courses, a distance education program, which develops in individuals the qualities, attitudes, and capacities necessary for service to humanity.

Thoughtful, daily reading of the Baha’i Writings.

Engaging in work or a profession is considered as worship to God if it is done in the spirit of service.

The pursuit of education, and the teaching of others, are so highly regarded that they are considered the same as participating in services at a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue.

Pilgrimage is recommended as a way to connect to the lives of the central figures of the Baha’i Faith.

Regional and national Baha’i Schools are organized throughout the year, where believers go for weekends or whole weeks to study Baha’i Writings as a way to replenish the soul and discover ways to apply the spiritual teachings in their lives.

Local children’s classes.

Devotional meetings like this one.

Recitation of the Greatest Name (Alláh-u-Abhá) ninety-five times daily.

Living life according to Baha’i principles

These are just a few examples of how to provide your soul with the food it needs. Just as we make serious efforts to maintain a healthy physical being, our soul does not grow on its own. We must strive to develop our spiritual qualities.

What happens when a soul does not make a conscientious effort to improve its own well-being?  Though one may experience a second birth or enlightenment, as I talked about in the last session, the spirit can also die without proper sustenance. You, or someone you know, may lose your true direction in life. The consequences of spiritual negligence are subtle. You don’t see it coming, until one day you realize something is wrong. Causing you to look back on what went wrong, you will wish you could turn back the clock.

Reflection

Living a Baha’i way of life is not easy. The fruits of life do come but one must try, try and try until one succeeds. Success means a gradual realization of our goals. Do you have any challenges that you are still struggling with or have you already conquered them?

Deeds

The fruits of the tree of man have ever been and are goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 25)

I find that good habits lead to good deeds, which in turn shape a better lifestyle. What do you think? 

Posts links are:

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/02/theme-knowledge-of-god-part-i.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-higher-spiritual-goals.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual_24.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-cultivating-healthy-spiritual.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2013/01/theme-spiritual-birth-part-ii.html

http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Theme: Spiritual Birth – Part II

Since the first blog was posted, about a week ago, reader response has been awesome. Thank you for your encouraging comments. Many are looking forward to reading more posts. I have about thirty ready to go, in many different themes.

If you did not get a chance to read the first part of this article, here is the link: http://3-d-project.blogspot.ca/2012/07/theme-spiritual-birth-part-i-theme.html

Devotion

The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God's holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words "The Kingdom shall be God's" may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. - Baha'u'llah (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 259)

Were men to discover the motivating purpose of God's Revelation, they would assuredly cast away their fears, and, with hearts filled with gratitude, rejoice with exceeding gladness. - Baha'u'llah (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 175)

Deeper Learning

To the early believers, Baha’u’llah said: “...ye are the first among men to be re-created by His Spirit, the first to adore and bow the knee before Him, the first to circle round His throne of glory. I swear by Him Who hath caused Me to reveal whatever hath pleased Him! Ye are better known to the inmates of the Kingdom on high than ye are known to your own selves.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 316)

Briefly, let’s go through some of the differences between the physical and spiritual birth. The physical birth just happens. No one asks for your permission. Parents are selected for you. The color of your skin, your religious background (or lack thereof) and, your country of origin, are all thrust upon you. Many good and bad characteristics come with this package and you have to work with what you’ve got.

But you have full control over the spiritual birth. Some of us become aware of our spiritual existence at an early age and some die as atheists. But to benefit from all that a spiritual life has to offer, we have to make a firm commitment in its progress.

On the concept of rebirth, Abdu'l-Baha gave a beautiful explanation. He said:

“The rewards of this life are the virtues and perfections which adorn the reality of man. For example, he was dark and becomes luminous, he was ignorant and becomes wise, he was neglectful and becomes vigilant, he was asleep and becomes awakened, he was dead and becomes living, he was blind and becomes a seer, he was deaf and becomes a hearer, he was earthly and becomes heavenly, he was material and becomes spiritual. Through these rewards he gains spiritual birth, and becomes a new creature. He becomes the manifestation of the verse in the Gospel where it is said of the disciples that they were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God; that is to say, they were delivered from the animal characteristics and qualities which are the characteristics of human nature, and they became qualified with the divine characteristics, which are the bounty of God; this is the meaning of the second birth. For such people there is no greater torture than being veiled from God, and no more severe punishment than sensual vices, dark qualities, lowness of nature, engrossment in carnal desires. When they are delivered through the light of faith from the darkness of these vices, and become illuminated with the radiance of the Sun of Reality, and ennobled with all the virtues, they esteem this the greatest reward, and they know it to be the true paradise.” - Abdu'l-Baha (Bahá'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 323)

To those of us who have experienced a spiritual birth, life is lifted into a higher plane of existence. But the most glorious moment of this journey is when the Holy Spirit, the highest level of all spirits in the universe, touches the soul. At this stage the soul is re-created and lives in an intimate relationship with God. Just like many are ready to help a newborn, so is the Concourse on High waiting to rush to the aid of a searching soul, if it asks. The promise of this divine connection is none other than paradise. In fact, this is the prime goal of every religion. Unfortunately, in many cases this precious wisdom has been totally lost. In the coming devotional and deepening sessions, we’ll explore how each of us can find our path to paradise.

Reflection

Have you ever been touched by the Holy Spirit? What went through your mind to assure you that a very significant divine moment was your experience?

Deeds (Path of service)

We have decreed that war shall be waged in the path of God with the armies of wisdom and utterance, and of a goodly character and praiseworthy deeds. - Baha'u'llah (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 24)

I think one of the greatest services we can render to our fellow humans is to help others in the spiritual path. It has been said that assisting a soul get one step closer to God is better than possessing the whole creation. How can we do this? There are many ways. One is to be patient with our friends, neighbors, colleagues, relatives and strangers. What do you think?