istijlál, 16 Masáʼil (Questions), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection
In the love I bear to Thee, O my Lord, my heart longeth for Thee with a longing such as no heart hath known. Here am I with my body between Thy hands, and my spirit before Thy face. Do with them as it may please Thee, for the exaltation of Thy word, and the revelation of what hath been enshrined within the treasuries of Thy knowledge. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being. At that hour will the Mystic Herald, bearing the joyful tidings of the Spirit, shine forth from the City of God resplendent as the morn, and, through the trumpet-blast of knowledge, will awaken the heart, the soul, and the spirit from the slumber of heedlessness. Then will the manifold favors and outpouring grace of the holy and everlasting Spirit confer such new life upon the seeker that he will find himself endowed with a new eye, a new ear, a new heart, and a new mind. He will contemplate the manifest signs of the universe, and will penetrate the hidden mysteries of the soul. Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute certitude. He will discover in all things the mysteries of Divine Revelation, and the evidences of an everlasting Manifestation. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
The fountain of divine generosity is gushing forth, but we must have thirst for the living waters. Unless there be thirst, the salutary water will not assuage. Unless the soul hungers, the delicious foods of the heavenly table will not give sustenance. Unless the eyes of perception be opened, the lights of the sun will not be witnessed. Until the nostrils are purified, the fragrance of the divine rose garden will not be inhaled. Unless the heart be filled with longing, the favors of the Lord will not be evident. Unless a perfect melody be sung, the ears of the hearers will not be attracted. Therefore, we must endeavor night and day to purify the hearts from every dross, sanctify the souls from every restriction and become free from the discords of the human world. Then the divine bestowals will become evident in their fullness and glory. If we do not strive and sanctify ourselves from the defects and evil qualities of human nature, we will not partake of the bestowals of God. It is as if the sun is shining in its full glory, but no reflection is forthcoming from hearts that are black as stone. If an ocean of salubrious water is surging and we be not thirsty, what benefit do we receive? If the candle be lighted and we have no eyes, what enjoyment do we obtain from it? If melodious anthems should rise to the heavens and we are bereft of hearing, what enjoyment can we find? — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3
Sincerity is the foundation-stone of faith. That is, a religious individual must disregard his personal desires and seek in whatever way he can wholeheartedly to serve the public interest; and it is impossible for a human being to turn aside from his own selfish advantages and sacrifice his own good for the good of the community except through true religious faith. For self-love is kneaded into the very clay of man, and it is not possible that, without any hope of a substantial reward, he should neglect his own present material good. That individual, however, who puts his faith in God and believes in the words of God—because he is promised and certain of a plentiful reward in the next life, and because worldly benefits as compared to the abiding joy and glory of future planes of existence are nothing to him—will for the sake of God abandon his own peace and profit and will freely consecrate his heart and soul to the common good. “A man, too, there is who selleth his very self out of desire to please God.” (Qur’án 2:203.) — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 4
Stop being conscious of your frailties, therefore; have a perfect reliance upon God; let your heart burn with the desire to serve His mission and proclaim His call; and you will observe how eloquence and the power to change human hearts will come as a matter of course. — Shoghi Effendi 5
Question for Consideration
How does one free oneself from the dictates of self and passion and cultivate the longing desire for heavenly qualities, spiritual joy, acceptance at the Divine Threshold and humble service to HIs Cause? 6
Perplexity Pro Response 7
The journey of freeing oneself from the dictates of self and passion while cultivating a longing for spiritual qualities is a profound process of personal transformation, involving self-reflection, spiritual disciplines, and service to others. This exploration delves into the Bahá’í perspective on overcoming ego-driven desires and developing heavenly attributes through prayer, meditation, and reliance on divine assistance.
Recognizing the Nature of Self and Nurturing Virtues
Recognizing the limitations of our ego-driven desires is crucial for spiritual growth. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that human understanding cannot fully comprehend the divine, stating, “The essence of the apprehension of the assured among Thy creatures can never attain unto Thee.” [2] To transcend these limitations, one must consciously cultivate virtues such as love, justice, and humility. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advises, “Strive with all your hearts and with the very power of life that unity and love may continually increase.” [3] This process involves daily self-reflection and conscious effort to align one’s thoughts and actions with these higher spiritual qualities, gradually freeing oneself from the dictates of self and passion.
Spiritual Disciplines and Divine Assistance
Engaging in regular prayer, meditation, and study of sacred writings can awaken one’s spiritual nature and foster a deeper connection with the divine. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that only when “the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart” will true spiritual understanding be achieved [1]. This process requires persistent effort and reliance on divine assistance. Believers are encouraged to turn to God continually, seeking His help in their spiritual journey. As Bahá’u’lláh beseeches, “I implore Thee, O Thou Who art inscrutable to all except Thee, and can be comprehended through naught else save Thyself, by the wrongs which He Who is the Dayspring of Thy Cause hath suffered at the hands of the ignoble among Thy creatures, and by what hath befallen Him in Thy path, to grant that I may, at all times, be wholly dissolved in Thee, and fix my gaze upon the horizon of Thy will and be steadfast in Thy love.” [4].
Service to Others
Focusing on serving others is a powerful means of transcending self-centered motivations. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá warns that “Man becomes a prisoner and slave to them when his ultimate desire is no higher than his welfare in this world of the senses.” [5] By dedicating oneself to humble service to God’s Cause and humanity, individuals can gradually free themselves from the dictates of self and passion. This shift in focus from personal desires to the needs of others fosters spiritual growth and cultivates a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Engaging in acts of service not only benefits the community but also helps develop virtues such as selflessness, compassion, and detachment from worldly concerns.
Embracing Tests and Difficulties
Challenges and difficulties encountered on the spiritual path can serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá likens this process to cultivating fertile soil, stating, “The more difficulties one sees in the world the more perfect one becomes. The more you plough and dig the ground the more fertile it becomes.” [6] By reframing obstacles as opportunities for spiritual development, individuals can gradually detach from their lower nature and strengthen their connection to the divine. This perspective encourages believers to approach tests with patience and faith, recognizing that each challenge presents a chance to cultivate virtues such as perseverance, resilience, and trust in God’s plan.
In conclusion, freeing oneself from the dictates of self and passion is a lifelong process that requires consistent effort, prayer, and reliance on divine assistance. As we progress on this path, we cultivate a deeper longing for spiritual qualities and a greater capacity for joy, acceptance, and humble service to God’s Cause.
Citations
[1] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library
[2] Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library
[4] Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í Reference Library
[6] Star of the West, Vol. XIV, No. 2, p. 41 – Bahá’í Library Online
[7] Walking a Spiritual Path – Bahá’í Center of Washtenaw County
[8] Gaining the Courage to Face Yourself on the Spiritual Path – Always Well Within
[9] Spiritual Bypassing: The Spiritual Ego denying your Shadow Self – Self Mastery and beyond
[10] Help Me to Make Spiritual Progress – Ananda
[11] Miles of Smiles: Faith and Joy – BahaiTeachings.org
[12] Overcoming Low Self-Esteem on the Spiritual Path: From Self-Judgment to Self-Acceptance – Ananda
[13] Intentional Spiritual Growth – PrMarlon.com
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- What are some practical steps to cultivate a longing for spiritual qualities?
- How can I increase my meditation time effectively?
- What role does self-discipline play in spiritual progress?
- How can I pray for spiritual progress in my daily life?
- What are the benefits of group meditation?
- How can I use tests as opportunities for personal growth?
- What are the best ways to embrace challenges for spiritual development?
- How can I transform failures into stepping stones for success?
- What strategies can help me stay motivated during difficult times?
- How can I develop resilience in the face of adversity?
- Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 243. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/6#316108430. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#216145023. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 194-196. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/14#710548739. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 96-97. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/4#219775018. ↩
- The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, ed. The Power of Divine Assistance. Revised July 1990., 1981. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/power-divine-assistance/6#286603108. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 20-23. Download PDF. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How does one free oneself from the dictates of self and passion and cultivate the longing desire for heavenly qualities, spiritual joy, acceptance at the Divine Threshold and humble service to HIs Cause?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 24, 2024. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 