Istijlál, 15 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will cause the bushes to be enkindled, and the call “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained” to be raised therefrom. Say: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets. Meditate upon that which hath streamed forth from the heaven of the Will of thy Lord, He Who is the Source of all grace, that thou mayest grasp the intended meaning which is enshrined in the sacred depths of the Holy Writings. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
What do we readily recognize when we meditate on the Holy Writings? 2
Google Bard Response:
The passage suggests that when we meditate on the Holy Writings, we readily recognize the following:
1. The Oneness and Power of God: The phrase “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained” emphasizes God’s absolute unity and power. By reflecting on the scriptures, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s unique nature and His limitless dominion over creation.
2. The Importance of Refinement and Detachment: The passage emphasizes the need for refinement and detachment for human utterance to be effective. This suggests that the most potent spiritual messages come from hearts that are free from worldly attachments and focused on God. By reflecting on the scriptures, we learn to cultivate these qualities within ourselves.
3. The Need for Moderation and Wisdom: The passage emphasizes the importance of moderation and wisdom in expressing spiritual truths. While the message needs to be impactful, it should also be delivered with tact and wisdom, as prescribed by the scriptures. We learn to balance passion with reason and knowledge by reflecting on the scriptures.
4. The Significance of Meditation and Seeking Deeper Meaning: The passage encourages meditation and reflection on the scriptures to grasp the “intended meaning” enshrined within them. This suggests that the surface meaning is insufficient; we must delve deeper to uncover the hidden wisdom and insights. By reflecting on the scriptures, we embark on a journey of continuous learning and spiritual growth.
5. The Source of All Grace: The passage acknowledges God as the “Source of all grace,” reminding us that our ability to understand and express spiritual truths ultimately comes from Him. By reflecting on the scriptures, we acknowledge our dependence on God and open ourselves to His guidance and inspiration.
In summary, meditating on the Holy Writings leads us to readily recognize the Oneness and Power of God, the importance of personal refinement and detachment, the need for moderation and wisdom, the significance of deeper understanding, and our ultimate dependence on God’s grace. This journey of reflection and learning helps us grow spiritually and become more effective instruments for spreading the Cause of God.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/5#969741149. ↩
- 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, 46. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 