Daily Frameworks for 09 December 2023

Jalál, 17 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Wherefore, O ye lovers of the beauty of the All-Glorious! O ye that ardently seek the court of the presence of the Almighty! This is the day of nearness and reunion, not the time for contention and idle words. If ye be sincere lovers, behold the beauty of the Best-Beloved shining clear and resplendent as the true morn. It behoveth you to be free from all attachment, whether to yourselves or to others; nay, ye should renounce existence and non-existence, light and darkness, glory and abasement alike. Sever your hearts from all transitory things, from all idle fancies and vain imaginings, that ye may, pure and unsullied, enter the realm of the spirit and partake with radiant hearts of the splendors of everlasting holiness. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What are some vain imaginings? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the context of the quote by Bahá’u’lláh, “vain imaginings” can refer to a broad range of thoughts and feelings that distract us from God and prevent us from achieving spiritual progress. Here are some examples:

Worldly desires and attachments:

• Obsessive focus on material possessions and wealth.
• Excessive ambition and desire for power.
• Unhealthy attachment to physical appearance and beauty.
• Clinging to the past and dwelling on regrets.
• Fear of the future and uncertainty.
  

Selfish thoughts and motivations:

• Pride and arrogance.
• Jealousy and envy.
• Judgment and criticism of others.
• Resentment and anger.
• Self-pity and victim mentality.
  

Idle thoughts and distractions:

• Daydreaming and fantasizing about unreal scenarios.
• Wasting time on meaningless pursuits and activities.
• Engaging in gossip and idle chatter.
• Overindulging in entertainment and escapism.
• Preoccupying oneself with worries and anxieties.
  

Spiritual delusions and misconceptions:

• Holding onto false beliefs and doctrines.
• Following blind faith without critical thinking.
• Attaching oneself to outward rituals and appearances.
• Mistaking personal desires for divine guidance.
• Being captivated by charismatic personalities and leaders.
  

It is important to note that “vain imaginings” are not simply “bad” thoughts. All of them are natural aspects of the human mind. However, they can become obstacles on our spiritual path when we become overly attached to them.

By letting go of our vain imaginings and focusing our hearts on God, we can become “pure and unsullied,” free to enter the realm of the spirit and experience the “splendors of everlasting holiness.”

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Days of Remembrance. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 8, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/days-remembrance/5#289263033. ↩
2. 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, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩