Material and spiritual civilization: what makes progress serve human life?

And among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained. … Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark.

Although the body politic is one family yet because of lack of harmonious relations some members are comfortable and some in direst misery, some members are satisfied and some are hungry, some members are clothed in most costly garments and some families are in need of food and shelter.

In every quarter they have elaborate buildings for their own pleasure and entertainment, yet they leave the poor in such a state of hardship and melancholy.

A superficial culture, unsupported by a cultivated morality, is as "a confused medley of dreams," and external lustre without inner perfection is "like a vapor in the desert which the thirsty dreameth to be water."

… Be just: can this nominal civilization, unsupported by a genuine civilization of character, bring about the peace and well-being of the people or win the good pleasure of God? Does it not, rather, connote the destruction of man's estate and pull down the pillars of happiness and peace?

For although, on the one hand, material achievements and the development of the physical world produce prosperity, which exquisitely manifests its intended aims, on the other hand dangers, severe calamities and violent afflictions are imminent.

… Progress and barbarism go hand in hand, unless material civilization be confirmed by Divine Guidance, by the revelations of the All-Merciful and by godly virtues, and be reinforced by spiritual conduct, by the ideals of the Kingdom and by the outpourings of the Realm of Might.

'Abdu'l-Baha replied, "The more the souls advance in material things and the more they act with moderation, the more they can acquire capacity for spirituality. This more sound the body becomes, the more will be the reflection and manifestation of the spirit.

Today the human world needs heavenly teachings, which are the spirit of this age and light of this century, for material and natural civilization has made extraordinary progress while divine civilization has been completely forgotten. Yet divine civilization is like a lamp and material civilization like the glass. This glass is dark without that lamp.

Thus it became clear that the comfort and ease of the human world and the protection and preservation of human society is impossible through civilization alone - rather it must be combined with divine teachings, and the human world must be quickened and refreshed by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, and through the power of the Word of God the banner of universal peace must be raised.

Material civilization is the cause of worldly prosperity but divine civilization is the means of eternal prosperity. If divine civilization, which is all encompassing, is established, then material civilization ill also attain perfection. When spiritual perfection is attained, then physical perfection is a certainty.

Material civilization alone does not suffice and does not become the means of acquiring spiritual virtues. Rather, it leads to an increase in wars and disputes and becomes the cause of bloodshed and ruin.

Material and spiritual matters have always advanced hand in hand but at the present time the material side is predominant and the divine principles have been neglected and thrown aside and forgotten.

The progress and adornment of a country depends upon the qualities and perceptions of its people and not upon its monuments, parks, gardens, chateaus and mansions.

[To those who were present he speaks about science and religion; that religion must ever become the cause of amity and love, otherwise irreligion is better; and science at the same time must be the means of human progress and enlightenment. If science creates deadly weapons for human slaughter and destruction it is worse than ignorance.]

Once I wrote to the Persian friends that if the workers of peace conferences do not apply in their own lives what they advocate, they are like those wine sellers who convene and make emphatic speeches regarding the harmfulness of wine and proposing its prohibition. But when they go out of the meeting, they begin again to sell wine and to do what they were doing in the past.

It is true in this country in particular growth in all direction has progressed too rapidly. Moderation should be practiced in all things.

Be temperate, even in the size of the ships you build and in their speed; in your railroads and the schedules you expect your trains to maintain.

It was a pitiful waste of life that came because of the effort to save a few hours in time - rushing a great vessel at top speed when it was known there was danger from icebergs.

Because of material civilization, industry has progressed and sciences and arts have burgeoned but at the same time weapons of war and bloodshed designed for the destruction of the edifice of humanity have multiplied and political problems have vastly increased.

"Praise be to God, that stupendous material developments are obtained in this country; but material civilization alone does not safeguard the progress of a nation, because through material civilization dynamite, Krupp guns, projectiles and Mauser rifles are invented: thus the infernal instruments of human fratricide are multiplied and constantly perfected.

"All the wolfish bloodshed, all this feverish multiplication of military armaments are the results of material civilization.

Indeed material civilization is the cause of the emergence of Krupp guns and rifles and dynamite and the like. But spiritual civilization is the cause of the improvement of morals, the promotion of human comfort and tranquility, the illumination of the human world and eternal happiness.

But in Europe: just as sagacious men were graduated from the universities, likewise vicious and malicious men were forthcoming therefrom. The dynamite or bomb, torpedo or other instruments of torture are all results of such education.

The more material education advances, the more competitive is the race in aggression and injustice.

Now in Tihran they are beating, killing and cursing each other. They desire civilization, and indeed civil society is a good thing: but it must depend on spiritual education. Otherwise, the outward evidences of civilization are the Krupp cannons, Henry Martin guns and other destructive weapons. This is not a civilization.

Speaking of religion and science, the two great wings with which the bird of human kind is able to soar, He said: "Scientific discoveries have increased material civilization. There is in existence a stupendous force, as yet, happily, undiscovered by man. Let us supplicate God, the Beloved, that this force be not discovered by science until spiritual civilization shall dominate the human mind. In the hands of men of lower material nature, this power would be able to destroy the whole earth."

Of the Founder of the Baha'i Teachings similar things are said, yet the Blessed Manifestation is said to have warned against the great progress of technology, and there are said to be prophecies from the All-Highest Pen which do not prophesy anything good for the development of the age of the machine. May we, honoured Master, ask your wise tongue to pronounce on this?"

The Master: "O my daughter, in your utterances, contradictory as they may appear, there is no contradiction! But one should walk the depths and heights of prophetic knowledge thoughtfully, in order to get a clear understanding of the relationship of man and of the human race to technology.

His Holiness the Bab, and even more the Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah, have taught that God has enabled man to recognize and investigate the laws of nature and place them at his service.

God wills, and all the Prophets teach this, that we, in order to master nature, must grow beyond it.

You will say, O my daughter, that just here lie the real proofs that man masters nature, subjugates it, constrains and rules it. … The more man can increase the speed of transportation, the more he becomes a slave of time, he no longer has time for anything - not for his body, much less for soul and spirit, not for himself, not for his fellow men, he is more and more subject to the whistling whip of the god of time.

His Prophetic Words were: 'America will conquer the Old World, not with the weapons of war or the sword of the spirit, but through its industrialism, its technical large-scale industry and through the expansion (hypertrophy) of the technical environment. The machine will devour time; prosaic numbers and formulae, cold charts and measuring devices will suck dry the soul. Mechanical power with its symbols and expressions will rule men, nay enslave and exploit them, and finally the machine will displace man entirely from life and from work, after which the end of time will approach for our planet because, though one may mechanize towns to a large extent, where man is concerned there is a limit'."

The material man far from God is, at best, a worshipper of humanity but, beyond that, a man of instincts who wants to take but not give, who strives ruthlessly for possessions, for power and means of power (money), who places the value of material goods and material pleasure above all else.

… The age of technology, of the machine, of the material progress that promises happiness to all, has only just begun with the turn of the century (1900). The triumphal progress of technology is preceded by three heralds: materialism, atheism and mammon!

In a similar strain the nobles, the demagogues, and those in authority find their glory and reputation in naval and military preparedness.

What can one possibly gain by reading, the wild, contradictory reports of slaughter and bloodshed in England, France, Russia, Germany, Egypt, Persia, China, India, Japan, Austria and other parts of the world? Th[i]s current news occup[ies] the minds without any results. The doctrine of patriotism has brutalized the civilization of the West and vitiated the ideals of humanity. All the benefic[ent] forces are dethroned and the delicate flowers of the hearts and the minds are withered by the cold wind of modern barbarism.

Observe how darkness has overspread the world. In every corner of the earth there is strife, discord and warfare of some kind. Mankind is submerged in the sea of materialism and occupied with the affairs of this world. They have no thought beyond earthly possessions and manifest no desire save the passions of this fleeting, mortal existence.

They talk of civilization on their tongues while taking an axe to civilization's root.

How complex is the life of the present age and how much more complex we are making it daily! The needs of humanity seem never to come to an end. The more men accumulate the more they want.

From morning till evening, they run hither and thither, working and laboring, [sweating] and striving! All their thoughts and ideals are weighed by the measures of Francs. The man who has one hundred Francs does his utmost to make it a thousand. The person who has one thousands works like a beaver to make it ten thousand. The ten thousand man has his eyes fixed on a million; and the millionaire with the greatest avidity longs to become a multi-millionaire. All of them are submerged in this sea of insatiable hunger for gold.

People are submerged in materialism -- that is to say dollarism. The question of dollar is a very important question here.

On the other hand, material thoughts are predominant in Europe. Life in the Orient is very simple, very charming, while in the occident it has become very complex and wheels within wheels.

There are many heralds in this world. Here is a herald who summons the people to the love and defence of his county, calling out at the top of his voice: 'O my country, O my beloved country!' There is a herald who blows the bugle of New Nationalism. Here is another herald who calls the people to politics, in order that he may wield great powers of state. There is another person who is a herald of literature and science. Here you find a soul who is the herald of the commercial interests and its expansion. And there is still another herald who sounds the trumpet of war and militarism.

But praise be to God, that you are the heralds of the Kingdom of God. All these contending voices which are raised in the world today will ere long be silenced and hushed, but the call of the Kingdom of God will gain volume and impetus day by day. The popularity of these worldly heralds may last for a year or two, but the fame of the souls, who are the heralds of the Kingdom, is eternal for they are sounding the trumpet of celestial, Universal Peace. Their voices will ring throughout the future centuries and will be immortal and age-abiding. Thank ye God that ye are the heralds of the Kingdom of Abha, the heralds of the Covenant of the Almighty. All other voices will be repressed but this harmonic song of the Kingdom of Peace and Truth is eternal and everlasting.

Now I desire to send you back to the United States. I supplicate and beseech at the Threshold of the Kingdom of ABHA that you may go forth into the world with a heavenly power, with radiant hearts and with breaths imbued with Fragrances of the Holy Spirit! May you be confirmed and assisted and may you raise such a melody and sing such a song as to stir and move the hearts of the American people. I anticipate to receive glad-news from you.

Complain not from thy poverty neither glory in thy prosperity. Be not sad from indigence in the means of thy livelihood, neither be thou disconsulate from lack of possessions.

Although sovereignty tastes sweet to humans, ultimately disappointment, regret and remorse topple the foundation of joy and weaken the basis of delight. The earthly dust-heap becomes a dark grave, and the confines of the tomb become the dwelling of the prideful ones.

O Builder of the firm, solid and mighty foundation! Whatever lofty edifices thou beholdest, though their pinnacles pierce the galaxy and reach unto the canopy of heaven, will ere long be leveled with the dust.

Material progress is temporal and vanishing, for no matter how much man may advance, his body shall at last become subject to death.

Material progress, regardless of how much one advances, does not yield complete comfort and joy, and its effects are erased and forgotten.

Look out upon this great city through which we are passing. Then think of the wealthy men entombed in the ocean's depths. The powers of man in material civilization are wonderful, but all his accomplishments are as nothing,--he, himself, is as non-existent unless he upbuilds in himself the civilization spiritual. Abdul-Baha has no other thought than this. This is his heart, his soul, his station, his service,--to quicken mankind with Divine breaths and walk in the pathway of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Europe has made extraordinary material progress, but if the qualities partake of the dust, what lasting result can accrue? The ideal to strive for is that which is in the supreme horizon - that is eternal! The underground is for worms and moles. That which is a cause for joy is a nest on the highest branch.

When I came from the East and arrived in these lands, when I reached America, I observed that the nation had progressed greatly in material things - in commerce, in industry, and in material sciences. … However, I observed that spiritual progress had declined, that heavenly spiritual sensibilities had diminished, that attention to God had lessened, that all hearts were turned to worldly matters. Everyone desires to advance their physical life, acquire worldly wealth, and attain material comfort and ease. In brief, material sensibilities are abundant while heavenly sensibilities are few, and this is so throughout all regions of the world.

The city of Paris is very beautiful, a more civilized and well-appointed town in all material development it would be impossible to find in the present world. But the spiritual light has not shone upon her for a long time: her spiritual progress is far behind that of her material civilization.

The evidences of material civilization there are very great, but the spiritual civilization is far behind. I found the people of that city submerged and drowning in a sea of materialism. Their conversations and discussions were limited to natural and physical phenomena, without mention of God. I was greatly astonished. Most of the scholars, professors and learned men proved to be materialists. I said to them, "I am surprised and astonished that men of such perceptive caliber and evident knowledge should still be captives of nature, not recognizing the self-evident Reality."

The darkness of materialism has enveloped Europe. Natural civilization has advanced tremendously and progress is magical and by leaps and bounds but the spiritual Sun with all its glorious lights is set below the horizon.

"These countries have reached the apex of material progress. They are like bodies in the utmost health and form which are, however, devoid of spirit. A spiritless body is a dead one.

Although they are engrossed in material civilization and physical pursuits, still, unlike people in some European countries, they are not wholly devoid of spiritual susceptibilities.

Unlike the people of certain cities, the inhabitants of this place are not immersed in the sea of materialism. They are endowed with constancy and spiritual perception.

However, there are some cities whose residents are so deeply absorbed in the world of nature that they are wholly bereft of spiritual perception. They occupy themselves with eating, resting, dancing and amusement. They are entirely unaware of the kingdom of heaven.

Abdu'l-Baha replied that that was true; the Western Nations gave themselves up a great deal more to the pursuit of material improvements and civilization than the Eastern Nations; but, on the other hand, since the earliest times of history, no prophet or religious teacher had appeared save from the East.

How the people of both hemispheres have forgotten the wonderful ideals of Divine Civilization.

Although the heedless ones of Persia desire to follow the materialists of the West and wish to imitate the naturalists of Europe, they are unaware of their principles and foundations, and are ignorant of their proofs, arguments, subjects and predicates. The Europeans are investigators in natural philosophy according to their own thoughts and opinions, while the Persian naturalists are mere imitators.

After relating this story They said, "The materialists of Europe are not like the materialists of Iran. They listen to what is said and if you prove something they become convinced. But not so the materialists of Iran. For example, they ask why mountains are high and the earth's surface is flat. When you prove that, they ask why it rains on the sea. When you prove that too, they fabricate another nonsense."

The materialists and atheists declare that this order and symmetry is due to nature and its forces; that composition and decomposition which constitute life and existence are exigencies of nature; that man himself is an exigency of nature; that nature rules and governs creation; and that all existing things are captives of nature.

One of the strangest things witnessed is that the materialists of today are proud of their natural instincts and bondage. They state that nothing is entitled to belief and acceptance except that which is sensible or tangible. By their own statements they are captives of nature, unconscious of the spiritual world, uninformed of the divine Kingdom and unaware of heavenly bestowals. If this be a virtue, the animal has attained it to a superlative degree, for the animal is absolutely ignorant of the realm of spirit and out of touch with the inner world of conscious realization.

All the animals are materialists. They are deniers of God and without realization of a transcendent power in the universe. They have no knowledge of the divine Prophets and Holy Books -- mere captives of nature and the sense world. In reality they are like the great philosophers of this day who are not in touch with God and the Holy Spirit -- deniers of the Prophets, ignorant of spiritual susceptibilities, deprived of the heavenly bounties and without belief in the supernatural power.

The real materialist is the animal. Compared to the animal, man is but a tyro and novice in materialism. The animal is a natural materialist. He does not mention God and knows nothing about the Kingdom. He depends solely upon sense perception. That which is not perceptible to the senses he rejects.

One day in a scholarly gathering he spoke where some of those present were hardcore naturalists who prided themselves saying "We spent years studying sciences and investigating until we understood that these religious beliefs and spiritual thoughts are human delusions. Thank God we are free from such thoughts. There is no world except the physical world. We have absolutely no belief in God or spirituality. We are pure materialists."

A group of such people were present. In this discussion he said "Now, is unawareness of the Divine Reality, lack of belief, and inability to perceive spiritual things evidence of intellectual power? If so, then other animals are the wisest of the wise, for they have no perception except of material things. Being captive to the senses, they have no awareness of God and are completely heedless and oblivious of spiritual things. Therefore, His Holiness the Cow is the greatest philosopher, for it has no knowledge of God, knows nothing of spiritual matters, and believes only in sensible things. The materialist philosophers have labored and studied sciences to attain the perfection and perception that the cow possesses, while His Holiness the Cow has this perfection innately. Therefore it is superior. In short, being a cow is easy; being human is difficult. Understanding the mysteries deposited in the reality of beings and discovering the complexities of divine questions is evidence of supreme intelligence and power of perception, not becoming a pupil of animals."

The professors and learned scientists of materialism glory in the evidences that the ape is the progenitor of humanity and make exhaustive efforts to discover proof of it. If we should ask the ape, he would say "Unquestionably we are all one,--of this I am certain without the aid of scientific inquiry, ethnological proof, biological deductions or geological findings; I believe what I see"--for the ape is a real, a true materialist.

The materialist or atheist, however, accepts only the first category of things as real or factual, as "existing", and nothing else; how illogically, inconsequentially, how onesidedly and blindly he judges.

Despite this, the interesting thing is that the materialists, while denying spiritual powers, are themselves engaged in discovering the layers of the earth and are immersed in spiritual power and claim knowledge of future conditions.

Material Philosophers say that they perform good deeds and therefore need no religion; not knowing that the very 'Good Deeds' they claim to perform have originally been taught by Divine Prophets.

Those people who love Peace, brotherhood, fellowship are either Socialists, freethinkers or agnostics. They have abandoned God and religion; but they are philanthropists, social reformers and they think in this path the regeneration of the world is possible.

As a result, the people of this country have strayed entirely from the path of moderation, or fallen victim to the blind imitations and vain imaginings propounded by religious leaders, or clung to the motives of the materialists and arisen in hostility against the people of religion.

The people are all asleep. Our first duty is to awaken them. Their attention is entirely turned away from God and they must be attracted to the Kingdom. The scroll of Religion has been rolled together. Materialism has superseded and the reason is that the spiritual leaders have given up the original methods of the Prophets and become occupied with their own desires (?) (own theories of religion and its teaching (?)) They have no thought save the pleasures and the tastes of this world. Divine confirmations have been severed from them. They have become weak and materialists have taken advantage of this condition.

The people of Paris are of two kinds, first the followers of the so-called religion; second the free-thinkers. The former follows blindly the priests; the latter does not like to hear the word of religion mentioned.

However all these conditions shall change. The power of the Word of God shall influence the hearts to such an extent that not a trace of these thoughts shall remain. There have been atheists always but when the religion of God becomes manifest all these things are forgotten.

You wrote about the chaos and upheaval of the Bolsheviks. The sacred texts were fulfilled that irreligion would cause chaos and disorder and completely disrupt the order of affairs.

He looks to the rebirth of religion as a result of the war. The Bolshevist movement, he believes, will prove an admonition to the religious world and send mankind back to the fold, convinced that religion is the sole source of order and peace. Bolshevism was inevitable, because religion was on the daily decline in Europe, particularly in Russia.

It has been proven to philosophers and intellectuals of Europe and America that breaking the power of materialistic teachings is impossible except through the teachings of Baha'u'llah, otherwise the world is doomed, for materialistic teachings are spreading their wings swiftly in Russia and will flow to other regions of Europe.

If one looks at this alleged civilization, which is like unto a mirage, one sees on a superficial level material advancement, but under closer observation one discerns utter moral degeneration. Nevertheless the weak-minded continue to be deceived and the unsuspecting mesmerized.

These foolish ones worship nature while denying its Creator. They prostrate to dust while objecting to the Lord of Lords. They imagine themselves to be philosophers of the earth, pillars of wisdom, and paragons of virtue. Yet in reality they are but riffraff who follow every crier, swaying with every wind. Leave them in their idle discourse, playing.

However, if you observe that someone is from among the unjust materialists who are obstinately opposed and does not seek after truth, conversation with such persons is futile and a waste of time.

In these days, the foul odor of materialists has wafted through all lands. Souls must be protected, especially children and youth, under the shelter of divine guidance, for noxious odors surely torment the nostrils and bring weariness to one's being. No matter how strong one's constitution, harm and languor will inevitably result.

And yet, since their sight and vision were confined to material things, they remained unaware of the world of the soul and bereft of signs from the Kingdom of the Beloved.

The mass of the people are occupied with self and worldly desire, are immersed in the ocean of the nether world and are captives of the world of nature, save those souls who have been freed from the chains and fetters of the material world and, like unto swift-flying birds, are soaring in this unbounded realm.

Because those people who travel on the sea of nature are corrupted bodies. The breath of Spirit has no effect in them.

The world for the most part is sunk in materialism, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit are ignored. There is so little real spiritual feeling, and the progress of the world is for the most part merely material. Men are becoming like unto beasts that perish, for we know that they have no spiritual feeling -- they do not turn to God, they have no religion!

Today throughout the world materialistic ideas are widespread and spiritual sensibilities are entirely lacking. Mankind has become immersed in the sea of nature, and a world beyond nature has become inconceivable. Thoughts are focused upon material forces.

There are two pathways which have been pointed out by the Heavenly Educators. The first is Divine Guidance and reliance upon the Manifestations of God. The other is the road of Materialism and reliance upon the senses. These roads lead in opposite directions. The first leads to the world of the Kingdom; the other ends in the world of human vices, and is contrary to the cause of Divine Guidance.

Therefore I hope that this Theosophical Society may become helped and its members gain victory over the pillars of the world of nature who are the materialists of this age.

But those who are truly spiritual and are immersed in the sea of God's spiritual Graces, they overcome all things.

The material progress of Europe is approaching its zenith. Everything that reaches its zenith undoubtedly begins to decline.

I see the people of Paris like bees and ants, coming and going in swarms, moving and stirring like waves, extremely busy - but if you ask what they are doing and why they are moving about, they are completely unaware of their origin and end, and seek no perfection beyond eating, sleeping and immersion in desires.

All these people are immersed in worldly matters, and the buildings of the city are like beehives, with people constantly engaged in building and stacking and preparing means of physical comfort, exactly like honeybees.

He has made himself a "civilized animal," while the animals are uncivilized. The animals and birds from early morning till late in the evening are planning to gain foods and grains; so the people of this age are totally submerged in material affairs. It is strange that they are pleased with these trifling occupations.

The world of nature is the prototype of the animal kingdom and the natural instincts of the animals are materialistic. As the world of nature is the embodiment of the animal kingdom and as the instincts of the animals do not go one hair's breath beyond that of that nature, therefore Paris is akin to it. The laws of the animal Kingdom are the laws of the material world and these laws hold a general sway over the minds of the materialistic France.

Europe is submerged in the ocean of materialism; its inhabitants are even as cows that have busied themselves with grazing in the pasture. They can see nothing at all, for their gaze is ever cast down. America, at least, fares better than they.

Materialists are searching for knowledge under ground. They are like worms beneath the ground, while the spiritual souls are like birds soaring in the air.

In the days of the Romans they were known for their ethics, but now like the Greeks they are observed to be at the height of bad morals.

The Greeks had philosophers and great men, but while their civilization was full of beauty and was superior to that of the Romans, it was material--neither moral nor spiritual. The foundation of the Roman civilization was force; consequently, a downfall was inevitable. Think of a monarch like Nero setting fire to a city and playing upon his lyre while it burned! What kind of a civilization was that?

Material education and civilization will not improve the character of humanity. Unlike the teachings of the prophets and the divine civilization the have come to establish, these material measures will not conduce to the edification of humankind.

In cities like New York the people are submerged in the sea of materialism. Their sensibilities are attuned to material forces, their perceptions purely physical. The animal energies predominate in their activities; all their thoughts are directed to material things; day and night they are devoted to the attractions of this world, without aspiration beyond the life that is vanishing and mortal. In schools and temples of learning knowledge of the sciences acquired is based upon material observations only; there is no realization of Divinity in their methods and conclusions -- all have reference to the world of matter.

The power of materialism has prevailed and is in the ascendancy. Spiritual susceptibilities are lingering behind; the knowledge of God has not remained; the powers that discover the realities of phenomena are not manifest. The larger part of the world of humanity, like unto animals, is captive in the claws of nature. They cannot comprehend what is said to them regarding the spiritual world.

It has reached to such a pass that if in any meeting or congregation the names of "God," "religions," "spirituality," "Immortality" are mentioned sleep overtake the audience and they will manifest the signs of ennui, tedium and listlessness. They do not desire to listen to spiritual discourses, and if they are forced into a listening attitude they will forget everything immediately and walk again in the same beaten tracks of materialism and agnosticism.

Stranger than all the rest is this: that while God has showered his infinite blessings upon the people of this century, yet there are some so-called philosophers who go to the point of denying his existence. God is very patient but even the patience of God has a limit.

I looked hard in the faces of the people but could not find the least sign of spirituality. They were all submerged in the sea of nature. There was not one luminous countenance to be seen. All were engulfed in the ocean of materialism.

His bounties are inexhaustible and this world is very dark. It shows forth no attributes save that of animal characteristics, for the world of nature is an emanation of the animal kingdom, not an emanation of the world of humanity.

Mankind are naturally heedless and prone to commit injustice and excess. They do not turn their faces toward God and do not let their hearts be swayed by ideal emotions. Like unto the beasts they swallow in the mire of materialism and find no eternal consolation in heavenly objects.

The material world has gained the upper hand, the ideals of life are forgotten. There is no divine Illumination. The material world is animalistic; it is not human.

I wonder how the people can live in such an atmosphere all their lives and be happy, spending their precious time in hunting, and devising new games and pastimes.

The world of humanity is submerged in the ocean of darkness, ignorance, lust and passion. They are in the bondage of worldliness and tied with baser attachments. They are not thinking for one moment to attain to the good-pleasure of the Lord. They have smeared their wings with every form of clay.

You have large capacity and much is expected of you. Responsibility is also increased. Mankind in general is asleep, immersed in the sea of materiality...

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Tuesday, Nov 19, 1901--Today the body of the world is sick. All nations are raising the banners of a Physician. This divine physician has appeared and pointed out the proper remedy for the world's disease, but the ignorant doctors continue to give various inefficient remedies, and therefore day by day the sickness becomes more dangerous.

Is the materialistic philosophy of this Europe, so much praised by contemporary agnostics and atheists, a philosophy to be admired? Are these people wooers of the spirit? Nay, they have drowned that capacity and are out of touch with the kingdom of reality.

The sea of materialism is at flood tide and all the nations of the world are immersed in it. It is my hope that the fish will rise to the surface, so that they may behold other wondrous aspects of creation; for the people are like unto the fish swimming in the deep - ignorant of the rest of the universe.

The world of materialism has enveloped these regions. People are submerged in this sea. I hope that these fish who unheedingly swim in the ocean may raise their heads for a while out of the water so that they may observe the things which are in the outer world.

The world of being hath wondrous mysteries which have not yet been disclosed. The Europeans have only recently become aware that, beyond these outward worlds of form, there are spiritual worlds; yet they have not rightly apprehended them. The day will come in Europe when, were you to accuse someone of being a materialist, they would weep and be mortified that such ignorance could be ascribed to them.

Although the inhabitants of that city are submerged in the sea of materialism and it may take some time before they are awakened, yet the Melody of the Kingdom of Abha shall finally quicken them; the Cup of the Love of God will become full to overflowing, impart a wonderful exhilaration and allay the thirst of the thirsty ones.

Whenever mankind live in accord with their own passions and desires and give the rule to the baser propensities of their natures, this world becomes worse than the 'dark abyss of inferno,' which fact is literally true of the present condition[,] but if they conduct themselves according to the Divine Teachings, the commandments and behests of the Prophets of God, the face of the earth will be transformed into the heavenly paradise.

Then this material realm will be Paradise, the earth Heaven, and the world of Satan become the world of Angels.

The civilization extolled by the learned exponents of arts and sciences will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. Thus doth the All-Knowing inform you. If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation. Meditate upon this, O people, and be not of them that wander distraught. The day is approaching when its blaze will consume the cities

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The endless cycle of idea and action, Endless invention, endless experiment, Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness; Knowledge of speech, but not of silence; Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word. All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance, All our ignorance brings us nearer to death, But nearness to death no nearer to God. Where is the Life we have lost in living? Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries Bring us farther from God and nearer to the Dust." ~T.S. Eliot

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It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. (Albert Einstein)

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My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.... A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty - it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute the truly religious attitude; in this sense, and in this alone, I am a deeply religious man." (Albert Einstein)

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