interpretation of dreams and visions
Editorial introduction
A fish in one dream is the attainment of a desire; in another the fish are souls swimming in the sea of this lower world, waiting to be drawn up in the net of love; in a third they are old superstitions transformed into true beliefs. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá interpreted dreams with great tenderness and no fixed code, reading each image for the person who dreamed it. Sometimes He deferred altogether, saying the time to understand had not come; Bahá’u’lláh warned that no one may test God with a dream and allowed that a vision might be mixed with fancy. Often the meaning given is simply growth: ascent is deepening love and knowledge, milk is wisdom, a spacious house is the inward freedom of those who outwardly sit in prison. Joseph read Pharaoh’s dreams and then organised the granaries, and that turn from symbol to responsibility is worth keeping in view [1]. From here the path leads into the dream accounts themselves, into why such visions matter, and into who may interpret with authority and how prophecy differs from private reassurance.
Your dream was most blessed, for clear water and fish are most auspicious in the realm of dreams. Pure water - and from water all things live - is the cause of life for all creatures, and it is said that fish in dreams signify the attainment of desires. The voice which you heard from that pure water was a spiritual call, and praise be to God, it was realized in the visible world.
O thou maid-servant of God! Those fishes which thou hast seen in the vision are the souls who are swimming in the sea of this nether world. God willing, thou wilt bring them out of the nether world, with the net of the love of God, into the immensity of the Kingdom. Those brilliant stars which thou hast beheld are the children of the Kingdom. That brilliant crescent is the Cause of God. The appearance of His Highness Christ and His white robe and resplendent light in His blessed face is the proof of the power and the promulgation of the Word of God in America.
The dream thou hadst seen hath this interpretation: The rising of the brilliant star is the appearance of the Blessed Beauty, and the dispersal of the clouds into variegated fish means that clouds which prevent the sun from appearing are the ancient superstitions and beliefs which have been transformed into correct truths, and these correct beliefs are the fish of the sea of truth.
The time for the interpretation of the dream has not yet come. Reflect and it will become clear and evident.
As to the interpretation of the vision, it is thus: Ascent from earth to heaven indicateth growth in the love of God and development in the knowledge of God. The more thou dost develop, the brighter and more spacious becometh the pathway to the Kingdom. The building in front of which thou didst stand is an edifice of divine edifices, a station of the spiritual stations.
As for the dreams you saw: Being present in the prayer place indicates entry into the Kingdom of God; sitting indicates steadfastness; drinking milk symbolizes knowledge and wisdom; eating fruits represents discovering questions of truth; and the spring of Tasnim is eternal life.
As to thy vision, it is reality itself (it is what hath occurred). Whatever thou hast seen in the realm of vision is interpreted in the contraries and opposites, for laughter in the world of vision is weeping, and weeping, joy and happiness; death is longevity, and dangers, in certain cases, safety itself. Harm (in this wise) is helpfulness, and friendship, enmity and hatred.
One night she had a dream which banished sleep for her and left her anxious and perplexed. In the morning she was so tearful and fearful and so full of concern that I was deeply affected. Though I tried to console her it was not until news of your safety was received and the letter arrived indicating your health and comfort that she was finally reassured.
And concerning thy question about the dream - none hath the right to test God. We shall interpret it for thee as a bounty from Us, and shall reveal unto thee what We showed thee. Be thou assured and be of those who render thanks.
As for the matter of that person's dream, these words issued from the Source of Command: "We are commanded to look to the outward, not the inward. God willing this dream is true, and if, God forbid, it be mixed with fancy, We decree for him what We decreed for him who was in prison when he said 'The matter about which ye inquired is decreed.'
All that the disciples observed of the appearance of Moses and Elias with Christ on the mountaintop, and the servant's vision of the fiery horses, as well as Peter's vision of the angels of heaven - all these were spiritual discoveries and luminous realities, not physical realities, even in their most subtle form....
O you who are firm in the Covenant! You had asked for the interpretation of your dream. This was not a dream, but rather a spiritual unveiling and divine vision.
As for your vision of this servant in your prayer, this is evidence of spiritual nearness, spiritual unity, and mystical impression. At all times I implore the divine Kingdom to make your heart a pure, delicate, polished mirror facing the Abha Kingdom so that the images of the Supreme Concourse may be reflected in it. … The repetition of the vision indicates that the seeing will be both spiritual and physical.
Abdul-Baha said: "The cause of her surprise is this-that you are crying; your daughter would say: 'I have a good mother. She must be happy. Why does she cry? I am surprised.' The cause of her surprise is the thought that you do not recognize her. She belongs to a realm in which everything becomes mature, and she expected you to see her in the state of perfection in which she manifested herself to you; but the fact that you looked at her in this way, and that now you are crying-is a proof of your not having recognized her. For had you recognized her in the dream, you would not be crying now."
In 1898 when the late Mirza Aqay-i-Afnan, surnamed Nuri'd-Din, was engaged in business in Port Said, he received a cable from `Abdu'l-Baha, stating essentially, "Port Said. Nur. Western friends will arrive. Provide Eastern hospitality."
This telegram confirmed for the honored Nuri'd-Din a prediction of the Master made two years earlier during His conversation with Haji Muhammad-Isma`ili-Yazdi. That is, two years earlier, `Abdu'l-Baha one day humorously said to the Haji, "I had a dream and you must interpret it for me." The Haji responded, "But how am to interpret my Master's dream?" For the second time, in humor, `Abdu'l-Baha insisted that the Haji was to give the meaning of His dream, but the Haji yet again kept his tongue.
Thereupon, the Master related His dream: "Last night the Ancient Beauty appeared in my dream and said, 'I have guests that have never been here before. I want you to receive them most befittingly.' I related Baha'u'llah's command to the Greatest Holy Leaf. Together, we went to the storage [area] and retrieved the set of fine china that the Khal's son (that is, the honored Haji Mirza Muhammad-`Aliy-i-Afnan) had sent from China and got it ready."
After jesting with the Haji some more, `Abdu'l-Baha explained the meaning of the vision: "The standard of the Faith has been raised in America. A number in that country have embraced the Faith and will come here soon for pilgrimage to the Sacred Shrine of Baha'u'llah. These friends have never outwardly been here and will now come and share in this blessing."
In His childhood, at the age of five or six, the Blessed Beauty had a dream which He related to His father. His father summoned one of the dream interpreters and astrologers and asked for the dream's interpretation. The blessed dream was this: In the dream, He was in a garden when He observed enormous birds swooping down upon His blessed head from all directions, though they could not harm Him. Then He went to the sea and began to swim. Both the birds of the air and the fish of the sea all rushed toward His blessed head, but they could not harm Him. The interpreter drew up what he called a horoscope and said, "This dream indicates that this child will be the source of a mighty Cause, and that Cause will be related to reason and thought, for the head is the center of reason and thought. Therefore, all the leaders and great ones of the world will rush upon this child like the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, but they will do Him no harm. He will triumph over all, and all will become submissive before Him, and their impotence will become manifest."
Although this victory was given as glad tidings in the world of dreams, yet when it was delayed, some were overcome with doubt, but when Mecca was conquered the friends became joyous.
The detailed dream was observed, but due to numerous occupations we are compelled to give a brief interpretation. However this brevity is better than a thousand elaborations.
This is the interpretation of your dream in brief - that it indicates the exaltation of the Word of God and manifestation of the signs of God and your special confirmation.
As for the second dream, its interpretation also matches the first dream in summary and indicates that the respected person will become the cause of establishing and consolidating the divine foundation in the human world.
You had related three dreams, for which I will write a brief interpretation as there is no time for detail.
Concerning the appearance of a paper in thy dream, before thine eyes, which thou wast unable to read: Thou shalt read it through the permission of God and thou shalt comprehend its meanings. It is a diary of the Word of God and the divine mysteries.
As for the dream you saw, in which it was said "Yes, you will become Adam" - this means you will become a perfect person. The pen case with a sheet of paper indicates that you will become a cause for the diffusion of the divine fragrances. Therefore the word "He" was written on the paper, meaning that the mysteries of the Divine Identity will be revealed.
As for your dream, the meaning of the first command "wash and then touch" is that you must wash yourself in the spring of Job, and in the Qur'an it says "Here is a cool spring for washing and drinking," meaning free yourself from the human world and through ablution in the spring of eternal life become pure and cleansed of all defilements. Then put your hand to the work of true alchemy and engage with the divine elixir.
As regards the interpretation of Jinab-i Aqa Ibrahim's dream of 'two blistered hands': by this is meant that the troubled and ailing heart, God willing, will be illumined and cheered with the supreme divine light, and even as the generous hand of the One Who conversed with God (Moses) it shall be 'white to all beholders.' And 'Draw Thy hand from Thy bosom, white to all beholders' will be fulfilled.
And those tablets which were seen in the dream with water dripping from them represent the divine teachings from which the water of life drips.
His white vestment is the garment of the Manifestation and [His] brilliant color. Regarding the gems which appeared on His breast, they are peerless pearls of wisdom which shine unto the horizons with a godlike fame. As to His shining face, verily it hath illumined the earth and dispersed the darkness from the contingent world. Regarding thine entrance with thy friend into the gallery lighted with lamps, know thou that gallery is the world of humanity and the lamps His wonderful teaching, His all-wisdom, His perfect bounty and His clear manifestation.
Regarding the dream whose interpretation you requested - its interpretation is this: entering the sea naked and bare indicates that, God willing, the reality of God's Cause will become manifest and evident without any veil or covering, and be purified and sanctified from the contamination of the calumnies of the calumniators and the spreaders of false rumors.
The dream they saw was a true dream, and the proof is that they were naked, meaning free from all garments until they don the shirt of sanctification, and they were in the state of ihram so they might become afflicted with every sinner's affliction. … In any case, the interpretation of this dream will become evident and manifest.
As for your dream about Ya'qub - "I want Ya'qub for Ya'qub" - its interpretation is that, God willing, a day will come when I will find you like Elijah, a herald to the Kingdom of God.
As for the geometry of eight, its interpretation is that eight is under the shadow of nine.
The interpretation of the dream which thou didst have is this: That mighty tree is the Blessed Tree and the goodly Tree which has its roots in the earth and its branches in heaven. That frightful creature is one who raised a loud cry and clamor and outwardly clung to the Blessed Tree. That brave lion is the Lion of the Covenant who with one movement caused that creature filled with hatred to fall to the ground, and the Blessed Tree remained established in its place. That woman who was above the tree is the Law of God, and the rooster is the Divine Herald, indicating that the Cause of God will reach the utmost degree of aspiration.
As for the true dream which thou didst behold, its interpretation is this: those very high steps represent lofty spiritual stations and degrees of ascent to the divine heights. This is a true dream and its occurrence is certain. As for the mysterious call "We make no distinction between any of them," it points to the unity of the friends and oneness of the loved ones. It is hoped that in the realm of possibility, this unity of heart and soul will become manifest and evident like the shining moon.
That water which came to the house in the world of dreams is that new life, and "from water We made all things living." And that agitation is joy and tranquility and repose.
… And as for your second dream, it indicates that the penetration of the Word of God will become intense in Iran, nay rather in all the horizons. And that elderly person is the country of Iran, and the answer to his petition is divine confirmations and assistance.
O thou whose breath is fragrant with musk! The interpretation of the dream is this: that certain souls will strive to extinguish the Fire of God that has been kindled, but through their efforts the flame will grow mightier and the penetrating power of the Word of God will increase. It will become clear and evident that Christ remained unharmed, and "they slew him not, neither crucified him, but it appeared so unto them."
And convey my longing greetings to Jinab-i-Aqa Haydar-'Ali and tell him that this dream which you saw is evidence that the red cotton is, God willing, martyrdom in the most glorious path.
The dream you saw is a remedy for every ailing sufferer, but a thousand proofs cannot overcome the vain imaginings of any Covenant-breaker, for to those of bat-like nature, the brilliant rays of the Sun of Truth cause blindness of sight and provoke anger.
… As for the verses revealed in the dream world, the first line is "Open your eyes, raise up the banner" and in the third verse the second line is "The condition of faith is 'God doeth whatsoever He willeth.'"
That the person mentioned was in a carriage with royal majesty and passed before thee, and afterward thou didst meet him with different attire, namely with a turban - there is no doubt that while majesty and royal grandeur are now present and manifest, this change portendeth a transformation of circumstances and an alteration of glory and might. We decree at this time his descent from the first station, that thereby God's servants and creatures might find rest. This is what can be understood from the dream, and hidden knowledge hath thus decreed.
As for what you asked about Abraham's vision, peace be upon him, of the kingdom of the heavens, and how the Imam removed the veil from the eye of the beholder of the kingdom of the heavens and earth - this is truth, for the heavens are folded in His right hand and the earth entirely in His grasp, and from this matter there is no escape.
Praise be to God, in the world of dreams you saw rays of light dawning from heaven and Christ pointing with His finger. Know that that light is the dawning of the Sun of Truth and the rays shining from the Abha Beauty.
This vision showeth that thou, O confirmed and attracted one, by the breezes of God will soon be acquainted with the ancient mysteries, for the Manifest Light will appear to thee. The vision also signifieth that a Mashrak-el-Azcar will soon be established in America.
As regards thy vision, it signifieth that the light of the Kingdom of God shall rise above the horizon of that region with the utmost brilliancy and splendour.
The interpretation of the dream is that the Cause of God will achieve the utmost exaltation in Iran, especially in Iraq in places connected to them. And seeing the prayer beads indicates that truly these prayer beads were from me.
As for the dream thou saw - it is exactly as thou saw, and verily Our hosts shall be victorious. Assuredly Ibn-i-Abhar will triumph over those two abortive ones, who are souls that rise up to oppose and dispute the truth.
The dream which thou didst see is evidence that through the assistance and favor of the Abha Beauty thou wilt be confirmed in servitude at the Divine Threshold, and the Cause of God will soon achieve a wondrous spread.
From this dream that you have seen, this is evident, and soon the mysteries of the interpretation of this dream will become manifest and evident in the realm of grandeur and the highest horizon to the nearest horizon, and the radiance of that bounty will encompass those friends of the Beauty of Oneness.
That which that beloved one observed and mentioned in the dream indicates the exaltation of the religion of God and His Cause among the servants. As for the weeping, it is joy - this is what the servant heard from the tongue of his Lord. They stated that whatsoever came to pass and was revealed, all was and is evidence of loftiness, elevation, exaltation and steadfastness.
This is evidence of God's gifts and bounties bestowed upon you, that you beheld yourself attaining His presence in a spacious place containing many chambers. From time immemorial and unto eternity, the Truth has been and ever shall be in the most exalted and expansive station, and likewise His loved ones--those souls who are sanctified from the doubts and allusions of the veiled ones. Though outwardly they may be seen in prison, in reality they dwell in the highest chambers of paradise, as hath been revealed in the Tablets.
Regarding the dream you wrote about, it was truly among truthful visions, as the fragrances of love were wafted from it. This indicates that through divine grace and infinite mercy, bounty and blessing shall be bestowed, and you shall fulfill the rights that were due upon your father's property - may the glory and mercy of God rest upon him.
O you who are firm in the Covenant! The dream you saw indicates that you will undertake new seed-sowing and fresh teaching work.
Thou hadst a true dream wherein thou didst behold 'Abdu'l-Baha and didst arise to serve the Cause of God. Know thou the value of this bounty and, so long as life remaineth in thy body, render thanks.
When thou hast attained to this vision, thou wilt conform all thy movements and rest to the Supreme Concourse, and wilt cry out "Cause me to enter with truth and to depart with truth."
I became known and revealed myself to thee in the world of vision and instructed thee in the search of Truth.
O thou maid-servant of God! Blessed art thou, for the Temple of the Covenant (Abdul-Baha) hath become manifest to thee in a dream with incomparable humility and submission toward God, and that thou hast beheld that countenance overflowing with yearning, attraction and love toward the Beauty of the Almighty. Ere long thou shalt witness a great effect through this observation, whereby the spirit of life will become manifest in thee, which is now flowing in the veins of the contingent beings.
Thank God for meeting me in your dream as is His right, for this indicates the purity of your inner being, the sincerity of your intention, and your intense longing for the Kingdom of God.
I read the dream - it is well translated. Publish it. This dream indicates that Mrs. Parsons, through divine aid and grace, will attain a state that reveals the divine world, and with the eye of insight will observe those souls who have passed from this world to the next, and spiritual sensations will be produced for her with utmost power.
Mrs. Lina Pontner met me in a true vision. What she saw in her dream was reality itself. She must be very pleased and happy so that this vision may be repeated.
O Shoghi, this dream of yours is very good. Rest assured that attaining the presence of His Holiness the Exalted One (may my spirit be sacrificed for Him) is evidence of receiving bounties from the Supreme Lord and attaining the greatest gift and most mighty favor. Likewise for the rest of the dream.
That recent dream where the Blessed Beauty (may the spirit of the worlds be sacrificed for Him) embraced you and showed kindness is most blessed.
As for what thou didst behold in thy dream, give thanks unto God for having revealed Himself unto thee, unveiled to thee His beauty and admitted thee into the pavilion of His glory. Then know thou that what thou didst see is truth, there is no doubt therein, and the matter is as thou didst see.
O thou whom God hath shown in true visions that which will make his feet firm upon the Straight Path!
By God the True One, verily the heart is in sorrow, and the spirit is in distress, and the inmost heart is in severe pain from what hath befallen the Cause of God through calamities and the spread of calumnies from souls who are turned upside down. Therefore thank God for showing thee the vision, wherein is the greatest wealth [abundance] for a man. By thy life! Verily he is in what God hath shown thee.
… That vision was a true vision.
O leaf of the Blessed Tree! This dream is true. The chain of servitude to the Blessed Beauty is connected to and associated with the Greatest Name, and the keys are an indication that this chain of servitude is the means of opening doors and is in every way a protection for the heart and soul and a safeguard for the spirit and mind.
The dream thou hast seen is in accord with thy interpretation.
The dream you had was surely a good one.
Thank God that in the world of vision thou art witnessing great signs.
O harmonious friend! What you heard in the world of dreams was addressed to certain Iranians.
Both dreams are evidence that thou art regarded with the glance of favor and art near to the Divine Threshold, and through abundant grace art protected and joyous in the shelter of the All-Forgiving Lord.
Your letter reached this servant and after being presented, the Most Exalted Tongue spoke these lustrous words: That which you saw in your dream was mentioned in the presence. As for what you mentioned about seeing in heaven flowers, blossoms and stars - these indicate the manifestations of your Lord's favors and the expressions of His power.
We beseech Him, exalted be He, to show thee what thou didst behold in thy dream. He, verily, is the Mighty, the All-Knowing.
The dream signifies that he became detached from the physical world, spread spiritual wings and traveled through spiritual realms.
Convey my greetings to the spiritual Rustam-Dastan and say: The time for dream interpretation has come - both in wakefulness and in dreams there is witnessing and meeting the Beloved and Desired One. With complete attention, pure intention, delicacy of heart and joy of soul, lay your head upon the pillow and the mysteries of the Kingdom will be unveiled - that is, for that honored one. But if he witnesses with insight while awake that too is permitted, and if sleep becomes a dream, a strange secret will become manifest.
Rejoice within thyself for having shown thee in thy dream My hallowed, mighty and resplendent Beauty, even as We showed thee when We were in Iraq, and from My mouth there flowed the Salsabil of thy Lord's wisdom, the Mighty, the Powerful.
Be thou steadfast in the Cause, then stand firm in His love, and He shall suffice thee against all the worlds.
For thought and discussion