Daily Frameworks for 01 September 2024

Jamál, 14 Asmá’ (Names), 181 B.E.

Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth

Quotes for Reflection:

O children of understanding! If the eyelid, however delicate, can deprive man’s outer eye from beholding the world and all that is therein, consider then what would be wrought if the veil of covetousness were to descend upon his inner eye. Say: O people! The darkness of greed and envy becloudeth the radiance of the soul even as the clouds obstruct the light of the sun. Should anyone hearken unto this utterance with a discerning ear, he will unfurl the wings of detachment and soar effortlessly in the atmosphere of true understanding. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

My prayer for you is that your spiritual faculties and aspirations may daily increase, and that you will never allow the material senses to veil from your eyes the glories of the Heavenly Illumination. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

One of the veils is literal interpretation. To penetrate the inner significances a mighty effort is needed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

O spiritual youth! Praise thou God that thou hast found thy way into the Kingdom of Splendors, and hast rent asunder the veil of vain imaginings, and that the core of the inner mystery hath been made known unto thee. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

These tests, even as thou didst write, do but cleanse the spotting of self from off the mirror of the heart, till the Sun of Truth can cast its rays thereon; for there is no veil more obstructive than the self, and however tenuous that veil may be, at the last it will completely shut a person out, and deprive him of his portion of eternal grace. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁵

Yet the pursuit of passion and desire will wrap the eyes in a thousand veils that rise out of the heart to blind the sight and the insight as well. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁶

I hope that you will turn with unclouded eyes towards the Sun of Truth, beholding not the things of earth, lest your hearts be attracted to the worthless and passing pleasures of the world; let that Sun give you of His strength, then will not the clouds of prejudice veil His illumination from your eyes! Then will the Sun be without clouds for you. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁷

Question for Consideration

What bestowals and favors does one receive if one removes the veils that cloud the inner eye? ⁸

Gemini Response:

The passages provided emphasize the importance of removing the veils that obscure our inner vision so that we can perceive the divine reality. Here are some of the bestowals and favors one can receive:

Spiritual Illumination

• Understanding of Divine Truths: A deeper understanding of the divine mysteries and spiritual realities.
• Connection to the Divine: A closer connection to God and a sense of oneness with the universe.
  

Inner Peace and Joy

• Freedom from Self: Liberation from the limitations of the ego and a sense of inner freedom.
• Spiritual Fulfillment: A deep sense of fulfillment and contentment.
  

Divine Guidance

• Guidance and Inspiration: Access to divine guidance and inspiration in navigating life’s challenges.
• Clarity and Purpose: Greater clarity and purpose in life.
  

Service to Humanity

• Compassion and Empathy: Increased compassion and empathy for others.
• Motivation for Service: An unyielding desire to serve humanity and contribute to the common good.
  

Transformation of Character

• Moral Development: Development of noble qualities such as honesty, integrity, and kindness.
• Overcoming Negative Traits: Overcoming negative traits such as ego, greed, and prejudice.
  

Eternal Life

• Salvation and Eternal Life: Ultimate salvation and eternal life in the spiritual realm.
• Union with the Divine: Union with the divine and participation in the eternal Kingdom of God.
  

By removing the veils that cloud our inner vision, we can access these spiritual blessings and experience the transformative power of the divine.

ChatGPT Response:

When one removes the veils that cloud the inner eye, several profound bestowals and favors are received, each contributing to spiritual growth, deeper understanding, and a closer connection with the Divine. Drawing from the passages you provided, here are some key insights:

• Clarity of Spiritual Vision: Without the veils of covetousness, greed, and material desires, the inner eye can perceive the truths of the spiritual realm. This clarity allows one to see beyond the illusions of the material world and to recognize the deeper realities of existence. As Bahá’u’lláh mentions, this clarity enables the soul to “unfurl the wings of detachment and soar effortlessly in the atmosphere of true understanding.”
• Radiance of the Soul: When the darkness of greed and envy is removed, the soul shines with its true radiance. This radiance is akin to the sun’s light, which, when unobstructed by clouds, can illuminate everything it touches. This spiritual light guides one’s actions, thoughts, and aspirations, leading to a life in harmony with divine principles.
• Inner Peace and Contentment: By detaching from material desires and the pursuit of passion, one finds inner peace and contentment. Removing these veils allows the heart to be free from the turmoil and distractions of the world, leading to a state of spiritual tranquility and satisfaction.
• Divine Illumination: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prays that removing veils allows the soul to receive the “Heavenly Illumination.” This divine light nourishes the soul, strengthening one’s spiritual faculties and aspirations. It leads to a deeper connection with God and a clearer understanding of His will.
• Unclouded Perception of Truth: By rending the veil of vain imaginings and self asunder, one can perceive the core of the “inner mystery.” This allows for a more profound understanding of spiritual teachings, free from literal interpretations and misunderstandings. It enables one to grasp the greater significance of divine wisdom and to apply it in life.
• Purification of the Heart: Trials and tests, as mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cleanse the heart of the “spotting of self,” allowing the “Sun of Truth” to cast its rays upon it. This purification process removes the obstacles that prevent one from receiving divine grace and ensures that the heart is receptive to spiritual enlightenment.
• Strengthened Spiritual Resilience: Finally, by removing veils, one gains the strength to resist the “worthless and passing pleasures of the world.” This resilience ensures that the soul remains focused on its spiritual journey, unaffected by the transient attractions of the material world.
  

In summary, removing the veils that cloud the inner eye leads to a life filled with spiritual clarity, inner peace, divine illumination, and a deep connection with the truths of the spiritual realm. It allows one to live according to divine will, free from the distractions and illusions of the material world.

Claude Response:

These passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize removing spiritual veils that obscure one’s inner vision or spiritual perception. According to these writings, when one removes these veils, several bestowals and favors are received:

• True understanding: As Bahá’u’lláh states, one can “soar effortlessly in the atmosphere of true understanding” when the veils of greed and envy are removed.
• Spiritual growth: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prays that one’s “spiritual faculties and aspirations may daily increase” when the material senses no longer veil the “glories of the Heavenly Illumination.”
• Inner mysteries revealed: Removing the veil of “vain imaginings” allows “the core of the inner mystery” to be made known, as mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• Cleansing of the heart: The tests that remove the “spotting of self” from the mirror of the heart allow “the Sun of Truth can cast its rays thereon.”
• Eternal grace: Removing the veil of self prevents one from being “shut out” and deprived of their “portion of eternal grace.”
• Clear spiritual sight: Without the veils, one can “turn with unclouded eyes towards the Sun of Truth,” not being distracted by earthly things or “worthless and passing pleasures of the world.”
• Divine strength: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá suggests that when the clouds of prejudice no longer veil one’s eyes, the Sun of Truth can “give you of His strength.”
• Entry into the “Kingdom of Splendors”: As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentions, removing veils allows one to find their way into this spiritual realm.
• Freedom from literal interpretations: One can “penetrate the inner significances” of spiritual teachings when freed from the veil of literal interpretation.
  

These writings suggest that removing spiritual veils leads to greater clarity in spiritual understanding and connection, allowing one to perceive divine truths, receive spiritual strength, and experience spiritual growth and transformation.

Pi Response:

In the Bahá’í writings, removing the veils that cloud the inner eye is associated with numerous spiritual bestowals and favors, including:

• Enlightenment and Guidance: As the veils are lifted, one gains access to divine guidance, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and clarity.
• Unity with the Divine: Removing the veils allows for a deeper connection with the Divine, fostering a sense of unity, love, and devotion.
• Spiritual Perception: With the veils gone, one’s spiritual perception is enhanced, allowing one to discern the true nature of reality and the spiritual qualities within oneself and others.
• Inner Transformation: Removing the veils leads to personal growth and transformation as individuals strive to align their thoughts, words, and actions with spiritual principles.
• Elevated Consciousness: As the veils are lifted, one’s consciousness is elevated, enabling one to perceive the interconnectedness of all things and the beauty and harmony of creation.
• Love and Compassion: Removing the veils fosters empathy, compassion, and love for others, leading to more harmonious relationships and a commitment to service.
• Fearlessness and Courage: With the veils gone, individuals experience a newfound sense of courage and fearlessness as they recognize the eternal nature of their soul and the impermanence of material concerns.
• Eternal Life: The removal of veils paves the way for eternal life as individuals draw closer to the Divine and attain spiritual qualities that transcend the limitations of the physical realm.
• Contentment and Detachment: As the veils are lifted, individuals experience a greater sense of contentment and detachment from worldly desires, allowing them to focus on spiritual growth and service to others.
• Happiness and Joy: Ultimately, removing the veils leads to an overwhelming sense of joy and happiness as individuals experience the transformative power of spiritual insight and the blessings of living a spiritually-centered life.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Tabernacle of Unity. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2006. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tabernacle-unity/3#848547598. ↩
2. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 94. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/3#781786134. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. ’Abdu’l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy. Edited by Elizabeth Fraser Chamberlain. Boston: Tudor Press, 1918, 30. https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_divine_philosophy&chapter=all#30. ↩
4. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 53. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/4#589820799. ↩
5. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 182. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#063593709. ↩
6. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 64. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/3#840498671. ↩
7. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 44. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/2#283607254. ↩
8. Ruhi Institute. Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth. 2.1.21.PE July 2022. Vol. Book 5. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 97-99. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#JY1. ↩