Spiritual knowledge: what learning becomes in a human life

Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger.

Know verily that Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. The one welleth out from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God Himself; the motive-force of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire. … The former bringeth forth the fruit of patience, of longing desire, of true understanding, and love; whilst the latter can yield naught but arrogance, vainglory and conceit.

In this Day whatsoever serveth to reduce blindness and to increase vision is worthy of consideration. This vision acteth as the agent and guide for true knowledge. Indeed in the estimation of men of wisdom keenness of understanding is due to keenness of vision.

Thus is it incumbent upon the friends of God to exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who are schoolchildren today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity of the wise.

Our meaning is that the friends must direct their attention toward the education and training of all the children of Persia, so that all of them, having, in the school of true learning, achieved the power of understanding and come to know the inner realities of the universe, will go on to uncover the signs and mysteries of God, and will find themselves illumined by the lights of the knowledge of the Lord, and by His love.

O seekers after the attainment of perfection! According to what Muhammad 'Ali Khan has written, you are engaged with the utmost eagerness in the pursuit of perfection. If this be so, you deserve a thousand praises. You must ever concentrate your thoughts on the acquisition of knowledge, that unending confirmations may successively reach you from the Kingdom of God, and that through His grace you may exert mighty efforts and strenuous endeavors for the progress of Iran and the advancement of the Iranian people, and that you may become near ones at the Divine Threshold and draw nigh unto the court of the All-Merciful.

Whereas the development of good character and refinement of morals is more important than the acquisition of sciences.

The acquisition of sciences and arts, after faith and certitude, is among the greatest virtues of the human world, but on condition that the pursuit of knowledge be coupled with refinement of character and inspiration from the light of divine effulgence.

Observe that even acquired knowledge without improvement and refinement of character becomes a cause of harm. Yes, if knowledge is coupled with good character, it becomes the cause of attaining great benefits.

Thereafter, efforts must be made to teach them sciences, crafts and knowledge to the extent possible, for without heavenly virtues and upright character, the mere acquisition of learning and arts will not suffice and will not prevent moral corruption and the harms of self and passion, but rather will become the cause of promoting false thoughts and a means of strengthening personal interests, unless accompanied by divine education.

No fruits whatsoever will be manifested from those who are educated in the worldly things and remain unaware of spiritual matters. However, those among the believers who live in accordance with the divine teachings, ordinances and exhortations, shall be confirmed.

Herein we learn that man is a representative of the physical, intellectual and spiritual world. Just as in his physical environment he is in need of material things; in his spiritual environment he requires celestial things. Just as the amelioration and perfection of the world of humanity is dependent upon the progress of sciences and art, so also the refinement of the spirit and the cultivation of the highest ideals of morality is made possib[le] through celestial sciences and art.

And every branch of learning, conjoined with the love of God, is approved and worthy of praise; but bereft of His love, learning is barren -- indeed, it bringeth on madness. Every kind of knowledge, every science, is as a tree: if the fruit of it be the love of God, then is it a blessed tree, but if not, that tree is but dried-up wood, and shall only feed the fire.

Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest glory of mankind, this is so only on condition that manis river flow into the mighty sea, and draw from Godis ancient source His inspiration. When this cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every pupil a prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge lead to the beauty of Him Who is the Object of all Knowledge, how excellent that goal; but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off from flooding grace, for with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it bringeth on error and indifference to God.

Regarding the two wings of the soul, these mean wings of ascent. One is the wing of knowledge, the other of faith, as these are the means of the ascent of the human soul to the lofty station of divine perfections.

And since the heart has become weak from the absence of spiritual power, it can no longer observe divine mysteries and its future affairs.

So if you want to have lofty aspirations, you must set the heart in motion to unite with knowledge - that is, to join spiritual virtues with physical perfections.

A true philosopher would never deny God nor His evidences, rather would he acknowledge His glory and overpowering majesty which overshadow all created things.

… Say: The beginning of Wisdom and the origin thereof is to acknowledge whatsoever God hath clearly set forth, for through its potency the foundation of statesmanship, which is a shield for the preservation of the body of mankind, hath been firmly established.

The Tree of Wisdom, its root, branch and twig is the knowledge of God - exalted be His glory, magnificent His station, and great His grandeur. He cannot be known except through Himself, nor can He be described by what the people possess.

Hold fast to the Source of knowledge and its Mine, that thou mayest find thyself independent of all who claim knowledge without clear evidence or an illuminating Book.

"Know thou that he is truly learned who hath acknowledged My Revelation, and drunk from the Ocean of My knowledge, and soared in the atmosphere of My love, and cast away all else besides Me, and taken firm hold on that which hath been sent down from the Kingdom of My wondrous utterance.

Blessed is the learned one who acteth according to what is commanded in the Book and attaineth unto the ocean of knowledge - verily, he is of the essence of creation before God, the Exalted, the Great.

The truly learned one is he whose knowledge prevents him from all that My good-pleasure and His good-pleasure abhorreth, and the mature one is he who hath attained unto the dawning-place of My knowledge; and apart from this none is mature, even though he may live for [many] years.

Until the heart is freed from the fire of vain imaginings, it shall assuredly not attain unto the light of certitude.

Open thine inner eye that thou mayest behold the face of the Beloved, and hearken with thine inner ear that thou mayest hear the sweet murmur of His celestial voice.

O servants! Sight belongeth to the eye and hearing to the ear. Whoso in this blessed day hath not heard the voice of the divine herald hath not possessed, nor doth he possess, ears. The ear is not that piece of flesh at which thou gazest - open the hidden eye that thou mayest behold the fire of God, and hearken with the ear of the spirit that thou mayest hear the sweet voice of the Beloved.

A blind man, though he sit near the light, cannot see it; but a clear-sighted man can see from afar. A man afflicted with a cold, if he be in a rose garden, cannot inhale the fragrances, but one whose nostrils are pure can inhale from a long distance. The people who are in these cities are deaf and blind, but you, having an open eye and a pure nostril, can see the Light from afar and inhale the fragrances of this Rose Garden.

These are theoretical arguments adduced for weak souls, but if the eye of inner vision be opened, a hundred thousand clear proofs will be seen. Thus, when man feels the indwelling spirit, he is in no need of arguments for its existence; but for those who are deprived of the grace of the spirit, it is necessary to set forth external arguments.

Therefore, nothing remains except spiritual insight and divine witnessing. So cleave unto it, cleave unto it, for it is for you, it is for you!

Develop capacity to receive the Word of God. First develop the thirst, the capacity; then you will receive the precious Water of life.

Truth (the highest truth) is unattainable except through the favor of the Holy Spirit.

Earthly wisdom is as the water of pools, gathered from this side and from that, while Heavenly Wisdom is as rain. Earthly wisdom is as the light of a lamp, while Heavenly Wisdom is as the ever-shining radiance of the stars. If the Heavenly Wisdom should pass away from this world, all human beings would perish.

The divine outpourings are never cut off - at all times the Kawthar of knowledge of the All-Merciful flows and spreads forth from the fountainhead of will, and its bestower is the hands of grace of the Lord.

Therefore, turn thy face toward the Ancient Beauty and seek recourse at the threshold of His oneness, that His most holy outpouring may continuously descend upon every sanctified heart and His effulgence and radiance may perpetually endure.

O thou who hast attained to the recognition of the All-Merciful!

Today, attainment unto the Most Great Guidance is among the supreme gifts of the All-Glorious Lord and is the most noble magnet attracting the outpourings of the realms above and the Abha Kingdom. For the divine lights are shining with intense brilliance and mighty radiance from the horizons of human consciousness. Through His grace, the drop findeth the station of the sea, and through the bounty of the Truth, the atom becometh the brilliant sun of guidance.

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Say: O ye who drink the choice wine of utterance, know ye your worth and preserve your stations, and guard the unique pearl, which is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory, as a treasure within the repository of the heart from thieves and traitors.

O handmaiden of God! Moses attained to hearing the divine call in the Sinai of recognition, and this is that same call with which the Goal of the world now speaketh. Strive thou that this most great bounty may remain and endure.

The tables mentioned in the Bible are spiritual tables. The effect of the material table lasts for twelve hours but that which is divine is everlasting and eternal.

For example,--'Revelation' is one of the heavenly tables. As an illustration, think of the knowledge revealed two thousand years ago; we feel the effect of it now and that effect will remain forever.

There is the food of faith and assurance; the sustenance of divine virtues; the bread of the love of God; the meat of the glad-tidings of the kingdom of Abha; the victuals of severance and detachment; the viands of enkindlement and attraction; the nutriment of sanctity and holiness; the dish of attraction with the fragrances of God; the sustenance of the breaths of the Holy Spirit; the food of eternal life; the nourishment of teaching the cause of God and promulgating the religion of God.

The heavenly food is good. This food (speaking of the food at the table) gives trouble (indigestion). That heavenly food gives strength and salvation. The effect of this food is only for a day; but the strength of that is everlasting. It is strange that the people are so ignorant about it and are unaware of the heavenly food.

But, praised be the Lord, thou art engaged in that which secureth for thee a gain that shall eternally endure; and that is naught but thine attraction to the Kingdom of God, thy faith, and thy knowledge, the enlightenment of thine heart, and thine earnest endeavour to promote the Divine Teachings.

Verily this gift is imperishable and this wealth is a treasure from on high!

Say: The highest form of wealth is your faith in God - whoso hath not attained unto this is indeed the poorest of the poor in the sight of the Lord of all cycles. Blessed is he who hath attained unto the knowledge of his Lord - We testify that he is among the wealthiest of all creation.

You have to make them learn by heart some of these verses. By these means they will become enlightened and well educated, for they are like unto a young tree: you can train them in whatever manner you like.

Among the proofs thereof are the following:

That most of the beloved of GOD were illiterate, having never entered school, nevertheless their good morals are incomparable. Furthermore the dearest thing to man is life itself, and this they are ready to forfeit. If all the colleges of Europe shall universally make effort, they cannot graduate two such souls as you with such pure intentions.

"This is also one of the most distinctive signs of the Baha'i cycle that a person who has never entered the doors of a school, who has not studied grammar and syntax sitsdown and writes such scholarly works; for example a man like Mirza Mohamad Afshar who has written such a significant book. To those who are just, there is no greater proof than this! This is purely through the gift of the Lord! Because their hearts are so attached to the Cause, that that very attachment becomes an unerring teacher. Their words have life...

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In the Spiritual Station you will never be without the Knowledge necessary to answer a question.

When the guidance of God is vouchsafed us we are enabled to throw away false ideas and erroneous thoughts. The angels of providence must come to our assistance, the Confirmations of God must encircle us;- so that we may become mindful, aware, intelligent, and conscious of our own mistakes and shortcomings ...

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Therefore let not any considerations of physical relationship hinder you from recognizing the truth. In this Dispensation none of these matters have the weight of a mustard seed. Every person, no matter who he is - must be judged according to the standard of spirituality, sanctity, severance, attraction, fidelity to and service in the Cause - which he manifests in his daily thoughts, speeches and deeds. This is the unerring criterion and the searching test ...

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The foundation of civilization is the amelioration of the conditions of morality; the basis of spirituality is the purity of morality. The Everlasting Glory of the world of humanity is in the readjustment of morality. The power and the potency of man is through the refinement of morality. And the beautification and refinement of morality is impossible except through the Breathes of the Holy-Spirit.

Without divine civilization the mysteries of the Kingdom are not revealed and the bounties of heaven are not ascertained; supernatural wisdom and power do not manifest themselves; the intelligence of humanity does not reach maturity; the world of humanity does not become the mirror of the world above; spiritual powers fail to over-come animal influences of nature.

These perfections are attained through divine civilization of which the world of man is in need.

It is not a political movement, it is not an industrial movement, it is not a scientific movement, -- but it is the influence of the Word of God, it is the breath of the Holy Spirit.

O believer in God! The dawning of the Sun of Truth from the horizon of oneness was for the illumination of the horizons of the human world, not for temporal dominion.

They should occupy themselves with spiritual matters, not material ones, for when human realities become the source of divine inspirations, every purpose will be achieved and every desire fulfilled.

This motivation will result in one's heart and spirit becoming enlightened and one's soul becoming luminous.

Now you must lay a foundation whose base is in the realm of existence and whose pinnacle is in the heights of eternal glory, and raise such a melody in the feast of life that it will cause excitement and vibration in the Kingdom of Verses. This is the fruit of existence, this is the mystery of manifestation, this is the reality of the purpose.

Thus it becomes clear and evident that manliness and wisdom belong to the heart, not to water and clay. This being so, strive to become a man of the arena of divine knowledge and a luminous star in the heaven.

As much as you can, acquire the essence of divine meanings and uncover spiritual truths and mysteries. For the spirit of life in the world is the meanings present in the human heart, and the moving force in the body of contingent being is the truths present in the Self of the All-Merciful.

Beyond this, spiritual powers will assist and support each other, the breaths of the Holy Spirit will spread, the breezes of the Abha Paradise will waft, and the rays of the Sun of Truth will have intense effect.

This languor and listlessness is like a cloud - the Sun of Reality will eventually disperse it through the heat of its rays, and darkness and error will pass away and the dawn of guidance will break forth.

O Aflatun! They say that the divine Plato was of the Illuminati and the chief of those who were in harmony. If this be true, his mention is as honey and nectar, for the essence of illumination is the jewel of harmony which, when it shineth in any gathering, createth the highest paradise and adorneth the most exalted heaven.

Words are like cups and meanings like wine - when the cup is in utmost delicacy and the wine in utmost sweetness, it becomes light upon light. The words of friends are like crystal decanters and their meanings are spiritual wine. When both come together in the letters of friends, spirit and fragrance result, and this becomes evidence of the reality and spirituality of conscience.

The source of all learning ('ulum) is the knowledge (irfan) of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His Divine Manifestation.

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...the lover seated within the heart is better than sagacity in motion.

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