Daily Frameworks for 05 January 2024

Istiqlál, 06 Sharaf (Honor), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

The knowledge of the reality of the Divinity is in no wise possible, but the knowledge of the Manifestations of God is the knowledge of God, for the bounties, splendours, and attributes of God are manifest in Them. Thus, whoso attains to the knowledge of the Manifestations of God attains to the knowledge of God, and whoso remains heedless of Them remains bereft of that knowledge. It is therefore clearly established that the Holy Manifestations are the focal centres of the heavenly bounties, signs, and perfections. Blessed are those who receive the light of divine bounties from those luminous Daysprings! — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What are some things we know about God through His Manifestations? ²

Google Bard Response:

Based on the quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, while directly comprehending the absolute essence of God remains impossible for humans, we can learn a great deal about God through His Manifestations:

Attributes and Qualities

• Bounties, splendors, and attributes of God: Manifestations perfectly reflect God’s goodness, love, wisdom, justice, and other divine qualities. By studying their lives, teachings, and actions, we gain insights into the character and nature of God.
• Heavenly bounties, signs, and perfections: Manifestations serve as channels for God’s grace and blessings. Observing their positive impact on the world and the spiritual transformations they inspire sheds light on God’s desire for our well-being and progress.
  

Relationship with creation

• Daysprings of divine light: Manifestations act as intermediaries, bringing God’s light and guidance into the world. They reveal God’s will and plan for humanity, offering us a path toward spiritual connection and fulfillment.
• Focal centers of divine love: Through their love for humanity and tireless efforts to guide us towards God, Manifestations demonstrate the depth and extent of God’s love for His creations.
  

Importance of recognizing Manifestations

• Path to knowledge of God: Recognizing and understanding the Manifestations is presented as the essential key to accessing knowledge of God. We open ourselves to receiving God’s grace and guidance by approaching them sincerely and receptively.
• Consequences of ignorance: Conversely, ignoring or disregarding the Manifestations is seen as depriving ourselves of this crucial knowledge and potentially hindering our spiritual progress.
  

Beyond these general insights, specific Manifestations also reveal unique aspects of God

• Each Manifestation brings a new revelation and teaching tailored to the needs of their specific time and context.
• Studying the lives and teachings of different Manifestations provides a richer and more comprehensive understanding of God’s multifaceted nature and evolving relationship with humanity throughout history.
  

Remember, this is just a glimpse into the complex concept of Manifestations and their role in revealing God in the Bahá’í faith. Further exploration of Bahá’í writings and teachings can provide deeper insights into this multifaceted perspective and guide you as you discover and understand God through His Manifestations.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 4, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#946770359 ↩
2. 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, 20. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩