Istiqlál, 03 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
I am going away, but you must arise to serve the Word of God. Your hearts must be pure and your intentions sincere in order that you may become recipients of the divine bestowals. Consider that although the sun shines equally upon all things, yet in the clear mirror its reflection is most brilliant and not in the black stone. This great effulgence and heat have been produced by the crystal clearness of the glass. If there were no clearness and purity, these effects would not be witnessed. Should rain fall upon salty, stony earth, it will never have effect; but when it falls upon good pure soil, green and verdant growth follows, and fruits are produced. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
What are some of the conditions that attract divine bestowals? 2
Google Bard Response:
According to the passage by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, some of the conditions that attract divine bestowals include:
- A pure heart and sincere intentions
- Being receptive to the Word of God
- Being like a clear mirror, reflecting the divine light
- Having a good and pure character
- Being like good, fertile soil, ready to receive the rain of divine blessings
These conditions all relate to our inner state of being. When we are pure in heart and sincere in our intentions, we are more open to receiving the divine bestowals. When we are receptive to the Word of God and strive to follow its teachings, we are aligning ourselves with the divine will. When we are like a clear mirror, we are able to reflect the divine light and beauty in the world around us. When we have a good and pure character, we are creating a foundation for a life that is pleasing to God. And when we are like good, fertile soil, we are ready to receive the rain of divine blessings and grow in our spiritual lives.
Here are some additional thoughts on how to cultivate the conditions that attract divine bestowals:
- Pray for guidance and assistance. Ask God to help you to purify your heart, to become more receptive to His Word, and to develop a character that is pleasing to Him.
- Study the sacred scriptures of your faith. The scriptures contain the wisdom and guidance of the prophets and messengers of God, and they can help us learn how to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- Reflect on the divine attributes. Contemplate the beauty, perfection, and mercy of God, and strive to emulate these attributes in your own life.
- Serve others. One of the best ways to attract divine bestowals is to serve others with a pure heart and sincere intentions. When we serve others, we are actually serving God.
It is important to note that divine bestowals are not something that we can earn or demand. They are gifts from God that are given to us according to His wisdom and grace. However, by cultivating the conditions that attract divine bestowals, we can make ourselves more receptive to these gifts.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 92. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/4#086530661. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 15. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 