Kamál, 03 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
When the channel of the human soul is cleansed of all worldly and impeding attachments, it will unfailingly perceive the breath of the Beloved across immeasurable distances, and will, led by its perfume, attain and enter the City of Certitude. Therein he will discern the wonders of His ancient wisdom, and will perceive all the hidden teachings from the rustling leaves of the Tree—which flourisheth in that City. With both his inner and his outer ear he will hear from its dust the hymns of glory and praise ascending unto the Lord of Lords, and with his inner eye will he discover the mysteries of “return” and “revival.” How unspeakably glorious are the signs, the tokens, the revelations, and splendors which He Who is the King of names and attributes hath destined for that City! The attainment of this City quencheth thirst without water, and kindleth the love of God without fire. Within every blade of grass are enshrined the mysteries of an inscrutable wisdom, and upon every rosebush a myriad nightingales pour out, in blissful rapture, their melody. Its wondrous tulips unfold the mystery of the undying Fire in the Burning Bush, and its sweet savors of holiness breathe the perfume of the Messianic Spirit. It bestoweth wealth without gold, and conferreth immortality without death. In every leaf ineffable delights are treasured, and within every chamber unnumbered mysteries lie hidden. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
What are some of the attributes and signs the soul will manifest in that state? 2
Google Bard Response:
According to Bahá’u’lláh’s description of the City of Certitude, the soul will manifest in that state many remarkable attributes and signs, including:
- Unfailing perception of the Beloved: The soul will be able to perceive the essence of God, or the Beloved, across immeasurable distances. This suggests a profound level of spiritual connection and understanding.
- Discernment of ancient wisdom: The soul will be able to comprehend the deep and hidden meanings of spiritual teachings and traditions. This implies a heightened capacity for intellectual and spiritual insight.
- Hearing the hymns of glory and praise: The soul will be able to perceive the spiritual vibrations and expressions of adoration that permeate the spiritual realm. This suggests an ability to connect with the collective consciousness of all beings.
- Discovery of mysteries of “return” and “revival”: The soul will gain understanding of the cyclical nature of existence, the concept of spiritual rebirth, and the eternal progression of the soul. This implies a deepened understanding of the spiritual journey.
- Unspeakable glory and splendor: The soul will experience a state of indescribable beauty, magnificence, and radiance. This suggests a realm of unimaginable spiritual bliss.
- Quenching thirst without water: The soul will attain a state of spiritual fulfillment and satisfaction that transcends material needs. This implies a state of self-sufficiency and inner peace.
- Kindling love of God without fire: The soul will experience an intense and boundless love for God, ignited without any external cause. This suggests a state of pure and unconditional devotion.
- Mysteries enshrined in every blade of grass: Even the most seemingly insignificant things will reveal profound spiritual truths to the soul. This implies a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of all things.
- Nightingales pouring out melodies: The soul will be surrounded by harmonious sounds that symbolize the joy and praise inherent in creation. This suggests a state of celestial music and harmony.
- Wondrous tulips unfolding the mystery of the undying Fire: The soul will gain understanding of the eternal nature of the divine spirit, symbolized by the enduring flame. This implies a deeper comprehension of God’s attributes.
- Savors of holiness breathing the perfume of the Messianic Spirit: The soul will experience a state of pure and radiant spirituality, akin to the essence of the Messiah. This suggests a state of divine grace and inspiration.
- Bestowing wealth without gold: The soul will attain a state of spiritual richness and abundance that surpasses material possessions. This implies a sense of inner contentment and fulfillment.
- Conferring immortality without death: The soul will transcend the limitations of physical death and achieve eternal life. This suggests a state of everlasting existence and spiritual growth.
- Ineffable delights treasured in every leaf: The soul will find endless sources of joy and satisfaction in the most ordinary aspects of existence. This implies a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of creation.
- Unnumbered mysteries hidden in every chamber: The soul will continue to discover new depths of spiritual truth and understanding throughout its journey. This suggests an unending process of spiritual exploration and enlightenment.
In essence, the soul’s state in the City of Certitude is characterized by profound spiritual awakening, boundless love for God, deep understanding of spiritual truths, and unending spiritual growth. It is a state of unimaginable bliss, contentment, and connection to the divine.
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Íqán: The Book of Certitude. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st pocket-size Ed. 1950. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1983, 196-198. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/7#260105227.
. ↩ - 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, 36. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
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