Istiqlál, 03 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
His one and only purpose in accepting such trials and tribulations for His blessed Self was to instruct the lovers in the ways of love and teach the longing souls the art of servitude, to guide the yearning ones to the right path and summon the friends with words such as these: “If ye lay claim to faith and certitude, if ye are enthralled by the Beauty of the Merciful and have surrendered your hearts to His delightful splendour, if ye are enraptured by His Countenance and ensnared by His flowing locks, drink deep of the cup of woe as if it were the chalice of immortality, and welcome the sting of death as the elixir of life. Abandon all rest and comfort, and turn away from the defilement of this world. Consider the desert thorn as the softest silk, and regard the scorching fire as a flowering rose-garden. Drink the brine of bitter torment as if it were a fresh and thirst-quenching draught, regard the point of the arrow as a wellspring of life-giving waters, and yearn for the sword and shaft as ye would the nectar of peace and security. Be ye exhilarated with the wine of tribulation, and take pleasure and delight in the sweetness of affliction.” — ’Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
If Bahá’u’lláh was not powerless before His enemies, then why did He accept to suffer? 2
Google Bard Response:
The passage you shared highlights an essential aspect of Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering: His willing acceptance of tribulations not due to powerlessness but as a conscious choice to teach and guide others. Here’s a deeper look:
- Purposeful Suffering: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that Bahá’u’lláh’s trials were not for personal gain but to “instruct the lovers in the ways of love” and guide others on their spiritual journeys. This suggests a deliberate choice to endure hardship for the benefit of others.
- Symbolic Language: The metaphorical descriptions of embracing suffering as “the chalice of immortality” or “the elixir of life” emphasize the transformative potential of hardship when approached with faith and acceptance.
- Exemplification of Teachings: By demonstrating unwavering faith and love even amidst suffering, Bahá’u’lláh embodied His teachings, providing a powerful example for His followers to emulate.
- Inspiring Sacrifice and Service: The passage encourages readers to follow Bahá’u’lláh’s example by welcoming challenges and sacrificing personal comfort to serve humanity. This highlights the transformative power of selfless service and dedication.
- Beyond Physical Powerlessness: It’s important to note that the absence of physical resistance doesn’t necessarily equate to powerlessness. Bahá’u’lláh’s commitment to non-violence and His focus on spiritual transformation through suffering represents a different kind of strength based on love, faith, and resilience.
- Divine Plan and Acceptance: The passage also acknowledges the possibility of a divine purpose behind these tribulations, suggesting that they may have been part of a larger plan for the advancement of God’s Cause and the betterment of humanity.
Therefore, while it’s true that Bahá’u’lláh faced immense challenges, His acceptance of suffering was not due to lack of power. It was a conscious choice driven by love, a desire to teach and guide others, and a commitment to embodying His principles through his actions. His example is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of hardship embraced with faith and purpose.
It’s important to remember that interpretations of this passage and Bahá’u’lláh’s life can vary within the Bahá’í community. However, the core message of selfless love, sacrifice, and spiritual growth in facing adversity remains a central theme in understanding His teachings and their relevance to our lives.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Light of the World: Selected Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Center, 2021. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/light-of-the-world/4#365510725. ↩
- 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 