Daily Frameworks for 29 January 2024

Kamál, 11 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

TO every discerning and illuminated heart it is evident that God, the unknowable Essence, the Divine Being, is immensely exalted beyond every human attribute, such as corporeal existence, ascent and descent, egress and regress. Far be it from His glory that human tongue should adequately recount His praise, or that human heart comprehend His fathomless mystery. He is, and hath ever been, veiled in the ancient eternity of His Essence, and will remain in His Reality everlastingly hidden from the sight of men. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

THE purpose of God in creating man hath been, and will ever be, to enable him to know his Creator and to attain His Presence. To this most excellent aim, this supreme objective, all the heavenly Books and the divinely revealed and weighty Scriptures unequivocally bear witness. Whoso hath recognized the Dayspring of Divine guidance and entered His holy court hath drawn nigh unto God and attained His Presence, a Presence which is the real Paradise, and of which the loftiest mansions of heaven are but a symbol. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Question for Consideration:

If we can never know the essence of God, what does it mean that the purpose of our lives is to know God? ³

Google Bard Response:

The seeming contradiction between the unknowability of God and the purpose of life being to know God in Bahá’u’lláh’s quotes can be addressed through different interpretations:

Knowing God through experience and relationship:

• Knowing God through His attributes and Manifestations: While God’s essence may be beyond human comprehension, we can experience and know Him through His attributes (like love, justice, and mercy) and His Manifestations (Prophets and Messengers). These serve as channels for understanding and connecting with God’s presence in the world.
• Knowing God through spiritual growth and transformation: The journey of knowing God is not about attaining intellectual knowledge, but about a gradual process of spiritual development. This involves cultivating virtues, aligning oneself with God’s will, and experiencing a deeper connection to the divine.
  

Knowing God through symbolism and metaphor:

• God as the unknowable source: Bahá’u’lláh compares God to the sun, whose essence is too bright for us to perceive directly. We can only experience its warmth and light, which are metaphors for God’s grace and blessings.
• Paradise as a symbol of spiritual attainment: The concept of Paradise isn’t seen as a literal place but as a symbolic representation of the state of spiritual closeness to God. This state is characterized by peace, joy, and an all-encompassing sense of unity.
  

Knowing God as a lifelong journey:

• Continuous learning and exploration: The pursuit of knowing God is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey of learning and exploration. Each individual’s path may be unique, involving different experiences and perspectives.
• Humility and openness to mystery: Approaching God with humility and accepting the limitations of human understanding is crucial. The mystery of God’s essence is not something to be solved but rather embraced as a source of awe and wonder.
  

Ultimately, the meaning of “knowing God” is open to individual interpretation and personal experience within the framework of Bahá’í teachings. While the essence of God may remain unknowable, the journey of seeking and experiencing God’s presence through various means can be a source of immense meaning, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Remember, these are just some possible interpretations, and the meaning of “knowing God” can be deeply personal and unique to each individual. It’s critical to approach this concept with an open mind, a spirit of inquiry, and a willingness to learn and grow on your spiritual journey.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 28, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/2#896595428. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 28, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/3#688768056 ↩
3. 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, 40. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩