Kamál, 18 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
THE Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities! — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
Why did Bahá’u’lláh drink from the cup of sorrow? 2
Google Bard Response:
The quote you provided from Bahá’u’lláh refers to His willingness to suffer hardship and persecution for humanity’s spiritual advancement. He uses the metaphor of drinking from the “cup of sorrow” to represent His many challenges, including imprisonment, exile, and rejection.
Here are some possible interpretations of why Bahá’u’lláh chose to endure this suffering:
- To demonstrate the power of sacrifice and selfless love: By willingly accepting hardship, Bahá’u’lláh exemplified the principles of love, compassion, and service to others. His sacrifice was a powerful teaching tool, demonstrating that true love can transcend personal comfort and desires.
- To fulfill His mission as a Manifestation of God: The Bahá’í Faith posits that Bahá’u’lláh was a Manifestation of God, sent to guide humanity towards a new era of peace and unity. His suffering can be seen as preparing the world for this new era.
- To break down barriers and unite humanity: The persecution and rejection Bahá’u’lláh faced transcended religious and societal boundaries. By experiencing suffering himself, He could better understand the suffering of others and build bridges of understanding and unity.
- To set an example for His followers: Bahá’u’lláh’s willingness to endure hardship inspires and challenges His followers. It encourages them to overcome their challenges and work for the betterment of humanity, even in the face of difficulties.
- To fulfill scriptural prophecies: Some Bahá’ís believe that the suffering described in the quote fulfills prophecies in earlier religious texts. This reinforces the idea that Bahá’u’lláh’s mission was part of a larger divine plan.
It’s important to remember that these are just interpretations, and humans may not fully understand the exact reasons for Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering. However, the quote is a powerful reminder of His immense love and sacrifice for humanity.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed February 4, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/3#797739643. ↩
- 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, 47. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 