Istijlál, 19 Mashíyyat (Will), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
Servitude to God lieth in servitude to the friends. One must be the essence of humility and the embodiment of meekness. One must become evanescence itself and be healed of every disease of the self, in order to become worthy of thraldom to the Threshold of the Almighty. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
How is the world an illusion? [2] [3]
Gemini Notebook Response:
In Bahá’í writings, the description of the material world as an “illusion” or “shadow” is a central spiritual concept. Rather than teaching that the physical universe is pure non-existence or a complete figment of perception, the writings explain the illusory nature of the world through several distinct spiritual and philosophical perspectives:
Transience, Evanescence, and the Mirage
The material world is described as an illusion because its conditions, wealth, pomp, and physical pleasures are fleeting and bound to perish. [4] [5]
The Desert Mirage
Bahá’u’lláh repeatedly compares the material world to a desert mirage—a vapour that a thirsty traveler mistakes for water, striving after it with all his might, only to find nothing upon reaching it. [6] [7] [8]
The Spectacle in a Box
In a famous passage, Bahá’u’lláh describes watching a puppet show representing a royal court with kings, ministers, display, and power. [9] After the display ended, a man packed all the elaborate figures, titles, and trappings into a small box. [9] Bahá’u’lláh notes that all outward earthly vanities, armies, and honors similarly pass into the confines of the grave. [9] [10]
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [11]
Footnotes
[1] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/484013667
[2] Gemini Notebook. “World as Shadow: Transience, Evanescence, and the Mirage.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 13, 2026. The World as an Illusion
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/353319169
[5] Universal House of Justice. FIRE AND ICE. Bahá’í Reference Library. 1986. https://www.bahai.org/r/551491703
[6] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/756584016
[7] Bahá’u’lláh. GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/856768161
[8] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/789725417
[9] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/243033750
[10] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/422659134
[11] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
