’Idál, 09 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
O My servants! The one true God is My witness! This most great, this fathomless and surging Ocean is near, astonishingly near, unto you. Behold it is closer to you than your life-vein! Swift as the twinkling of an eye ye can, if ye but wish it, reach and partake of this imperishable favor, this God-given grace, this incorruptible gift, this most potent and unspeakably glorious bounty. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Questions for Consideration:
To what does the phrase “this most great, this fathomless and surging Ocean” refer?
How close is this ocean to us?
How quickly can we reach this ocean? 2
Google Bard Response:
In the provided quote from Bahá’u’lláh, the phrase “this most great, this fathomless and surging Ocean” refers to several interconnected layers of meaning:
1. God’s Revelation: In the context of the quote, the ocean primarily symbolizes God’s Revelation. This Revelation encompasses the divine teachings, guidance, and blessings bestowed upon humanity through Messengers and Manifestations of God, such as Bahá’u’lláh Himself. It represents the infinite source of spiritual truth, knowledge, and grace accessible to everyone.
2. Spiritual Potential: The surging and fathomless nature of the ocean also suggests the vastness and depth of our own spiritual potential. It signifies the limitless possibilities for growth, transformation, and connection with God through immersion in the Revelation.
3. Divine Unity: The ocean can also be seen as a metaphor for the underlying unity of all creation. Just as water connects and merges across vast distances, the Revelation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the ultimate Oneness of God.
Closeness of the Ocean:
The quote emphasizes the astonishing nearness of the ocean. It states that it is “closer to you than your life-vein,” signifying that access to God’s Revelation and the potential for spiritual awakening is readily available and not some distant or unattainable goal. This closeness symbolizes the inherent connection each soul has with the divine source.
Reaching the Ocean:
The quote encourages us to actively reach and partake of the ocean’s imperishable favor. It emphasizes the importance of our initiative and effort in accessing the blessings of the Revelation. While the potential is within reach, we must “wish it” and take steps to connect with it. This could involve spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, studying scriptures, and aligning our lives with the principles of the Revelation.
Speed of Reaching the Ocean:
The quote highlights the potential for swiftness in reaching the ocean. It uses the “twinkling of an eye” metaphor to suggest that spiritual transformation and connection with God can happen relatively quickly, depending on our dedication and sincerity. However, it’s important to remember that it’s a continuous journey of exploration and growth, not a one-time event.
The quote offers a powerful image of God’s Revelation as a readily accessible ocean of blessings, urging us to actively immerse ourselves in its depths and unlock our spiritual potential. It emphasizes the divine gift available to all and our responsibility to seek it out and nurture its blossoming within us.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 19, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#413529355. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 5. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 