- Baha'u'llah (‘Gleanings
from the Writings of Baha'u'llah’)
Love...Compassion...Forgiveness
Apr 30, 2020
To include our parents when we ask for God's forgiveness
Thou seest, O Lord, our suppliant hands lifted up towards
the heaven of Thy favor and bounty. Grant that they may be filled with the
treasures of Thy munificence and bountiful favor. Forgive us, and our fathers,
and our mothers, and fulfil whatsoever we have desired from the ocean of Thy
grace and Divine generosity. Accept, O Beloved of our hearts, all our works in
Thy path. Thou art, verily, the Most Powerful, the Most Exalted, the
Incomparable, the One, the Forgiving, the Gracious.
Apr 20, 2020
What to ask God for forgiveness
O my God, O my Lord, O my Master! I beg Thee to forgive me
for seeking any pleasure save Thy love, or any comfort except Thy nearness, or
any delight besides Thy good-pleasure, or any existence other than communion
with Thee.
- The Báb
(‘Selections from the Writings of the Báb)
Apr 12, 2020
To treat with “mercy and compassion… every living creature”
…it is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved
of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the
utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. [1] For in all physical
respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are
shared by animal and man. Man hath not grasped this truth, however, and he
believeth that physical sensations are confined to human beings, wherefore is
he unjust to the animals, and cruel.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha
(‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
[1] “all except animals which are harmful…”
Apr 8, 2020
Compassion is one of “the attributes of the people of faith”
…the attributes of the people of faith are justice and
fair-mindedness; forbearance and compassion and generosity; consideration for
others; candor, trustworthiness, and loyalty; love and loving-kindness;
devotion and determination and humanity. If therefore an individual is truly
righteous, he will avail himself of all those means which will attract the
hearts of men, and through the attributes of God he will draw them to the
straight path of faith and cause them to drink from the river of everlasting
life.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (‘The
Secret of Divine Civilization’)
Apr 4, 2020
Love: “the light that guideth in darkness”; “the living link that uniteth God with man”
Mar 31, 2020
A “station” of love that a seeker may reach
Yea, the seeker reacheth a station wherein that which hath
been ordained for him knoweth no bounds. The fire of love so blazeth in his
heart that it seizeth the reins of constraint from his grasp. At every moment
his love for his Lord increaseth and draweth him nearer unto his Creator, in
such wise that if his Lord be in the east of nearness, and he dwell in the west
of remoteness and possess all that earth and heaven contain of rubies and gold,
he would forsake it all and rush forth to the land of the Desired One.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Gems
of Divine Mysteries’)
Mar 26, 2020
One’s love for God should not make him/her to transgress “the bounds of moderation“ or to “overstep the limits” that Baha’u’llah has set for us
Praise be to God that whatever is essential for the
believers in this Revelation to be told has been revealed. Their duties have
been clearly defined, and the deeds they are expected to perform have been
plainly set forth in Our Book. Now is the time for them to arise and fulfil
their duty. Let them translate into deeds the exhortations We have given them.
Let them beware lest the love they bear God, a love that glows so brightly in
their hearts, cause them to transgress the bounds of moderation, and to
overstep the limits We have set for them.
- Baha'u'llah (Words
of Baha’u’llah to some pilgrims and a few resident believers who were admitted
into His presence on January 8, 1889, quoted by Nabil in the ‘Dawn-Breakers,
translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)
Mar 22, 2020
One should “forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate”
He [1] should not wish for others that which he doth not
wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfil. With all his heart
should the seeker avoid fellowship with evil doers, and pray for the remission
of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate,
for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner, at the
hour of death, attained to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal
draught, hath taken his flight unto the celestial Concourse. And how often hath
a devout believer, at the hour of his soul’s ascension, been so changed as to
fall into the nethermost fire.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The
Kitab-i-Iqan’)
[1] The seeker in search of “the Ancient of Days”
Mar 19, 2020
The power of intercession for forgiveness of one’s sins – when visiting the shrine of the Most Exalted Leaf (Navvab)
O faithful ones! Should ye visit the resting-place of the
Most Exalted Leaf, who hath ascended unto the Glorious Companion, stand ye and
say: ‘Salutation and blessing and glory upon thee, O Holy Leaf that hath sprung
from the Divine Lote-Tree! I bear witness that thou hast believed in God and in
His signs, and answered His Call, and turned unto Him, and held fast unto His
cord, and clung to the hem of His grace, and fled thy home in His path, and
chosen to live as a stranger, out of love for His presence and in thy longing
to serve Him. May God have mercy upon him that draweth nigh unto thee, and
remembereth thee through the things which My Pen hath voiced in this, the most
great station. We pray God that He may forgive us, and forgive them that have
turned unto thee, and grant their desires, and bestow upon them, through His
wondrous grace, whatever be their wish. He, verily, is the Bountiful, the
Generous. Praise be to God, He Who is the Desire of all worlds; and the Beloved
of all who recognize Him.
- Baha’u’llah (Quoted
by Shoghi Effendi in a letter dated December 21, 1939; ‘Messages to America’)
Mar 16, 2020
Manifestation of God has power forgive one’s sins
It is also recorded in the Gospel according to St. Luke,
that on a certain day Jesus passed by a Jew who was sick of the palsy, and lay
upon a couch. When the Jew saw Him, he recognized Him, and cried out for His
help. Jesus said unto him: “Arise from thy bed; thy sins are forgiven thee.”
Certain of the Jews, standing by, protested saying: “Who can forgive sins, but
God alone?” And immediately He perceived their thoughts, Jesus answering said
unto them: “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, arise, and
take up thy bed, and walk; or to say, thy sins are forgiven thee? that ye may
know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” [Cf. Luke
5:18–26] This is the real sovereignty, and such is the power of God’s chosen
Ones!
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
Mar 11, 2020
“characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance”: - “true happiness and joy and humour… serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God”
On page 25 of The Advent of Divine Justice the beloved
Guardian is describing the requirements not only of chastity, but of "a
chaste and holy life" -- both the adjectives are important. One of the
signs of a decadent society, a sign which is very evident in the world today,
is an almost frenetic devotion to pleasure and diversion, an insatiable thirst
for amusement, a fanatical devotion to games and sport, a reluctance to treat
any matter seriously, and a scornful, derisory attitude towards virtue and
solid worth. Abandonment of "a frivolous conduct" does not imply that
a Bahá'í must be sour-faced or perpetually solemn. Humour, happiness, joy are
characteristics of a true Bahá'í life. Frivolity palls and eventually leads to
boredom and emptiness, but true happiness and joy and humour that are parts of
a balanced life that includes serious thought, compassion and humble servitude
to God are characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a
letter dated 8 May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to
an individual believer, cited in the compilation ‘A Chase and Holy Life’; compilation
‘Humor and Laughter’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal
House of Justice)
Mar 7, 2020
“attitude and atmosphere of love” - needed for “true consultation”
...true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude
and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of
fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship
are the foundation.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha ('The Promulgation of Universal Peace:
Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912'; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Issues
Concerning Community Functioning)
Mar 3, 2020
The “awakening of compassion and understanding in the hearts of all men and women”
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 2 July 1996 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
Feb 28, 2020
The “exercise of compassion, high-mindedness, and justice”
In the innate nature of things there is no evil—all is good.
This applies even to certain apparently blameworthy attributes and dispositions
which seem inherent in some people, but which are not in reality reprehensible.
For example, you can see in a nursing child, from the beginning of its life,
the signs of greed, of anger, and of ill temper; and so it might be argued that
good and evil are innate in the reality of man, and that this is contrary to
the pure goodness of the innate nature and of creation. The answer is that
greed, which is to demand ever more, is a praiseworthy quality provided that it
is displayed under the right circumstances. Thus, should a person show greed in
acquiring science and knowledge, or in the exercise of compassion,
high-mindedness, and justice, this would be most praiseworthy. And should he
direct his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like
ferocious beasts, this too would be most praiseworthy. But should he display
these qualities under other conditions, this would be deserving of blame.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka,
authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised
translation by the Baha’i World Center)
Feb 25, 2020
To “develop forgiveness” in one’s heart towards parents
As a devoted believer you are urged to strive to develop
forgiveness in your heart toward your parents who have abused you in so
disgraceful a manner, and to attain a level of insight which sees them as
captives of their lower nature, whose actions can only lead them deeper into
unhappiness and separation from God. By this means, you can liberate yourself
from the anger to which you refer in your letter, and foster your own spiritual
development. The peerless example of 'Abdu'l-Baha merits close scrutiny in your
quest for a sense of forgiveness; His abiding love for humanity, despite its
waywardness and perversity enabled Him to manifest sincere compassion and
magnanimity to those who had brought Him distress and hardship.
- The Universal
House of Justice (From a letter dated 9
September 1992 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)
Feb 21, 2020
“entreat God for forgiveness and bounty for all”
Beware lest ye offend the feelings of anyone, or sadden the
heart of any person, or move the tongue in reproach of and finding fault with
anybody, whether he is friend or stranger, believer or enemy. Pray in behalf of
all and entreat God for forgiveness and bounty for all. Beware, beware that any
soul take revenge or retaliate over another even if he be a bloodthirsty enemy.
Beware, beware that any one rebuke or reproach a soul, though he may be an
ill-wisher and an ill-doer. Do ye not look upon the creature, advance ye toward
the Creator. Behold ye not the rebellious people, turn your faces toward the Lord
of Hosts. Look ye not upon the ground, raise your eyes to the
world-illuminating Sun, which hath transformed every atom of the gloomy soil
into bright and luminous substance.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha
(‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1’)
Feb 18, 2020
To be “steadfast” in one’s love for the Manifestation of God
I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by Thy mercy that hath surpassed
the entire creation, and Thy generosity that hath embraced all created things,
to cause me to turn my face wholly towards Thee, and to seek Thy shelter, and
to be steadfast in my love for Thee. Write down, then, for me what Thou didst
ordain for them who love Thee. Powerful art Thou to do what Thou pleasest. No
God is there beside Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Prayers and Meditations of Baha’u’llah’)
Feb 16, 2020
The “celestial tree of love”
O Son of Love! Thou art but one step away from the glorious
heights above and from the celestial tree of love. Take thou one pace and with
the next advance into the immortal realm and enter the pavilion of eternity.
Give ear then to that which hath been revealed by the pen of glory.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah’)
Feb 14, 2020
A rich person: - is one who possesses the love of God and His Chosen Ones
…it is related that on a certain day, one of the companions
of Sádiq [the sixth of the Shi’ih Imams] complained of his poverty before him.
Whereupon, Sádiq, that immortal beauty, made reply: “Verily thou art rich, and
hast drunk the draught of wealth.” That poverty-stricken soul was perplexed at
the words uttered by that luminous countenance, and said: “Where are my riches,
I who stand in need of a single coin?” Sádiq thereupon observed: “Dost thou not
possess our love?” He replied: “Yea, I possess it, O thou scion of the Prophet
of God!” And Sádiq asked him saying: “Exchangest thou this love for one
thousand dinars?” He answered: “Nay, never will I exchange it, though the world
and all that is therein be given me!” Then Sádiq remarked: “How can he who
possesses such a treasure be called poor?”
- Baha’u’llah (‘The
Kitab-i-Iqan’)
Feb 12, 2020
Love of God and “love of Him Who is the Manifestation of His Essence”
Feb 9, 2020
“'Abdu'l-Bahá wishes a sin covering eye”
If a fault is committed by someone and I treat him with kindness, this is not on account of my negligence; but as I acknowledge my own short-comings and am cognizant of my own state, I do not show any opposition to others.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From
a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)
Feb 6, 2020
“This day is the day of forgiveness and leniency!”
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words
of ‘Abdu'l-Baha to a travel teacher before her departure for India. Star of the
West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Feb 4, 2020
“The sea of forgiveness… and the waves of pardon and beneficence”
Do not look at thy weakness and impotence; nay, look at the
power of thy Lord, which hath surrounded all regions. The sea of forgiveness
hath moved and the waves of pardon and beneficence have submerged the people of
sin. Be isolated from the grades of self and desire, so that thou mayest
succeed in that which behooveth the service of the Kingdom of God, and that
thou mayest be healed from every disease and sickness.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha
('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')
Feb 2, 2020
Manifestation of God has the power to forgive sins
It is also recorded in the Gospel according to St. Luke,
that on a certain day Jesus passed by a Jew who was sick of the palsy, and lay
upon a couch. When the Jew saw Him, he recognized Him, and cried out for His
help. Jesus said unto him: “Arise from thy bed; thy sins are forgiven thee.”
Certain of the Jews, standing by, protested saying: “Who can forgive sins, but
God alone?” And immediately He perceived their thoughts, Jesus answering said
unto them: “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, arise, and
take up thy bed, and walk; or to say, thy sins are forgiven thee? that ye may
know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” [Cf. Luke
5:18–26] This is the real sovereignty, and such is the power of God’s chosen
Ones!
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
Jan 31, 2020
To “evince tender mercy and compassion”
Jan 28, 2020
The relation of “every branch of learning”, “every kind of knowledge”, and “every science” to “the love of God”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation
of Compilations, vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing, Nutrition and Related
Matters)
Jan 25, 2020
“Love is the standard which must govern the conduct of one believer towards another.”
... If between the friends true love - based on the love of
God - could become manifest, the Cause would spread very rapidly. Love is the
standard which must govern the conduct of one believer towards another. The
administrative order does not change this, but unfortunately sometimes the
friends confuse the two, and try to be a whole spiritual assembly, - with the
discipline and justice and impartiality that body must show, - to each other,
instead of being forgiving, loving and patient to each other as individuals.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer,
March 18, 1950; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)
Jan 22, 2020
“The path to guidance is one of love and compassion, not of force and coercion.”
- The Báb
('Selections from the Writings of the Báb')
Jan 20, 2020
“Under all conditions… to show forth love, affection, compassion and harmony”
Jan 17, 2020
To become distinguished in “the love of God… for loving humanity, for unity and accord, for love and justice”
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From a talk, 15
June, 1912, New York; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
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