Jalál, 03 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Our meaning is that every existing thing is of necessity the seat of the revelation of the divine splendours; that is, the perfections of God are manifested and revealed therein. It is even as the sun which shines upon the desert, the sea, the trees, the fruits, the blossoms—upon all earthly things. Now, the world of existence, indeed every created thing, proclaims but one of the names of God, but the reality of man is an all-encompassing and universal reality which is the seat of the revelation of all the divine perfections. That is, a sign of each one of the names, attributes, and perfections that we ascribe to God exists in man. If such were not the case, he would be unable to imagine and comprehend these perfections. For example, we say that God is all-seeing. The eye is the sign of His sight: If this faculty were lacking in man, how could we imagine the sight of God? For one born blind cannot imagine what it is to see, any more than one born deaf can imagine what it is to hear, or the lifeless what it is to be alive. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
How can these attributes of God be manifested? 2
Google Bard Response:
The attributes of God can be manifested in our lives through our thoughts, words, and deeds. By striving to cultivate these divine qualities within ourselves, we can become more fully human and fulfill our potential as reflections of the divine.
Here are some specific examples of how we can manifest the attributes of God in our daily lives:
| Attribute | Manifestation |
| Knowledge | Seeking knowledge and understanding, asking questions, reading books, taking classes, and engaging in stimulating conversations. |
| Power | Using our power for good, defending the rights of others, standing up for what is right, and using our talents and abilities to make a positive impact on the world. |
| Sovereignty | Making responsible and ethical choices, considering the consequences of our actions, and acting with integrity and honesty. |
| Dominion | Cultivating self-discipline, controlling our desires, overcoming challenges, and developing inner strength and resilience. |
| Mercy | Extending compassion and empathy to others, offering help to those in need, forgiving those who have wronged us, and showing kindness and understanding. |
| Wisdom | Seeking wisdom from various sources, reflecting on our experiences, learning from our mistakes, and making decisions based on sound judgment and understanding. |
| Glory | Living a life of integrity and virtue, acting with honesty and compassion, and striving to be a good example for others. |
| Bounty | Sharing our blessings with others, being generous with our time, resources, and talents, and helping those in need. |
| Grace | Opening our hearts to God’s grace, praying for guidance and strength, and expressing gratitude for God’s blessings. |
By striving to manifest these attributes in our lives, we can draw closer to God and become more fully human.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#393749730. ↩
- 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, 42. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 