tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19321403264677751152024-03-06T20:35:57.181-08:00Some thoughtsQuotes from Baha'i Writings that touch my heart.Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.comBlogger1820125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-84418152793431017552024-03-03T15:55:00.000-08:002024-03-03T15:57:13.195-08:00Having created the world and ...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXBjXcBIEPKy8pdRIeFaPnexpJQSs2REUep1BChwS249We125-5itOZ0mlT9BDt0mkmnLuQyPVP60Xu2uKCfMN9nfahi8iChZ0w68RuuGKpS1aJ8EdEcCjn60IYlV4rn4X0KcpPHvowhxJ6q0PG6BtGvjhKvlFIpaB-Q4pG83xuzG8FvfnEIsITlmJCE/s1102/aa7c7eb1207e2081076d7754067e7f5a.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXBjXcBIEPKy8pdRIeFaPnexpJQSs2REUep1BChwS249We125-5itOZ0mlT9BDt0mkmnLuQyPVP60Xu2uKCfMN9nfahi8iChZ0w68RuuGKpS1aJ8EdEcCjn60IYlV4rn4X0KcpPHvowhxJ6q0PG6BtGvjhKvlFIpaB-Q4pG83xuzG8FvfnEIsITlmJCE/w262-h393/aa7c7eb1207e2081076d7754067e7f5a.png" width="262" /></a></div><p></p><p>Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth therein, He, through the direct operation of His unconstrained and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him—a capacity that must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the primary purpose underlying the whole of creation.… <br />Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath focused the radiance of all of His names and attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty. </p><p> Bahá’u’lláh<br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/441185340.">www.bahai.org/r/441185340.</a></p>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-25470289701416813602024-02-29T19:02:00.000-08:002024-02-29T19:02:26.265-08:00The light of men is Justice.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwldqDMxGKW8Iag3gI4NAZGsI_oMKQscYGfI5Jp8ihVclN5RU-RaPdkzSuYZEyDlm9mqdDxx1vdL2WBHHeZgYPfO7RHFc76NfqSwEYB-RpEar0Sf5iTgCU5wzp82x_faPekcQzVziJcF3HkUjNoz_z-UNpMIlSbliPJjtPwhnhr46fmwQX1CPT9QL4j6M/s564/Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwldqDMxGKW8Iag3gI4NAZGsI_oMKQscYGfI5Jp8ihVclN5RU-RaPdkzSuYZEyDlm9mqdDxx1vdL2WBHHeZgYPfO7RHFc76NfqSwEYB-RpEar0Sf5iTgCU5wzp82x_faPekcQzVziJcF3HkUjNoz_z-UNpMIlSbliPJjtPwhnhr46fmwQX1CPT9QL4j6M/w417-h479/Justice.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><p></p>The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men. The ocean of divine wisdom surgeth within this exalted word, while the books of the world cannot contain its inner significance. Were mankind to be adorned with this raiment, they would behold the daystar of the utterance, “On that day God will satisfy everyone out of His abundance,”6 shining resplendent above the horizon of the world. Appreciate ye the value of this utterance; it is a noble fruit that the Tree of the Pen of Glory hath yielded. Happy is the man that giveth ear unto it and observeth its precepts. Verily I say, whatever is sent down from the heaven of the Will of God is the means for the establishment of order in the world and the instrument for promoting unity and fellowship among its peoples. Thus hath the Tongue of this Wronged One spoken from His Most Great Prison.<br /><br /> Bahá’u’lláh<br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/549730774">www.bahai.org/r/549730774</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-40101479369474988672024-02-28T20:05:00.000-08:002024-02-28T20:06:34.919-08:00Thou seest me, Thou knowest me;<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud-QJyTEFRMW_xBeh5PHO6tqt6K4VkmV4obw3DtqKJy-Fh6xNiAeFwSIZLTKBLNCRFiGnyGXLHw0LAxARpZ53dE4FK63ZWVlT9VEfQd4d7ANR4XIIhERBeQFQ9iIo5jnTFLsNtPGzXdc9DTt1uv6CILXHrV1GgIFm4EJbO790nZb9RfRwWGJaUxry8RI/s1166/image_65ba4e8d-37c0-4146-9b78-248029d633e0_768x.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="768" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud-QJyTEFRMW_xBeh5PHO6tqt6K4VkmV4obw3DtqKJy-Fh6xNiAeFwSIZLTKBLNCRFiGnyGXLHw0LAxARpZ53dE4FK63ZWVlT9VEfQd4d7ANR4XIIhERBeQFQ9iIo5jnTFLsNtPGzXdc9DTt1uv6CILXHrV1GgIFm4EJbO790nZb9RfRwWGJaUxry8RI/w280-h424/image_65ba4e8d-37c0-4146-9b78-248029d633e0_768x.webp" width="280" /></a></div><p></p>He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! O God, my God! Thou seest me, Thou knowest me; Thou art my Haven and my Refuge. None have I sought nor any will I seek save Thee; no path have I trodden nor any will I tread but the path of Thy love. In the darksome night of despair, my eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn of Thy boundless favor and at the hour of dawn my drooping soul is refreshed and strengthened in remembrance of Thy beauty and perfection. He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though he be but a drop, shall become the boundless ocean, and the merest atom which the outpouring of Thy loving kindness assisteth, shall shine even as the radiant star.
<br /> Shelter under Thy protection, O Thou Spirit of purity, Thou Who art the All-Bountiful Provider, this enthralled, enkindled servant of Thine. Aid him in this world of being to remain steadfast and firm in Thy love and grant that this broken-winged bird attain a refuge and shelter in Thy divine nest that abideth upon the celestial tree.
<br /><br /><a href="https://www.bahaiprayers.org/assist8.htm"> 'Abdu’l-Bahá
</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-78219964774811181482024-02-28T19:30:00.000-08:002024-02-28T19:33:13.757-08:00And the honor and distinction<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zz9ns8LMPHWf1Xxagh1xY9negA15mS8PpOvm2T-l7IOQVlHFhBdF5-U-OW-ygpo5SHVzISw2t_iy68mCqHbihfWmRxyFX0RnS1T0mqFdQc6jvvmFquYE2HStdvfsEMKYjSIAklnaXrMUHNtQMMHc36nSfnZnwC-nMcFkXi7t0MdYcWb_XQuJqUGNlbg/s853/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zz9ns8LMPHWf1Xxagh1xY9negA15mS8PpOvm2T-l7IOQVlHFhBdF5-U-OW-ygpo5SHVzISw2t_iy68mCqHbihfWmRxyFX0RnS1T0mqFdQc6jvvmFquYE2HStdvfsEMKYjSIAklnaXrMUHNtQMMHc36nSfnZnwC-nMcFkXi7t0MdYcWb_XQuJqUGNlbg/s320/14.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><p></p>And the honor and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight.<br /><br /><div><br /></div> ‘Abdu’l-Bahá<div>The Secret of Divine Civilization<br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/006593911">www.bahai.org/r/006593911</a></div>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-60334621826151091392024-02-28T19:23:00.000-08:002024-02-28T19:52:02.768-08:00It is clear and evident that<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHMDgCaayhq7TVKfE7ZhczIgc7WF_CDTJDsiaciyEd1NWXUCzbL8qd8gJn9rSyF2PkzC_AsoI1-Bk6y1lr8hY7rEQKmJaBiRz-7Q6Pq9i0cTFFaeYm-4PvE40Zff8Hqo91aegIBnhCQ3EuZbmD1M-1Mil-vIyMDeWtO5LQC6Dbv9ZmtBtfiIjIiFQifw/s555/393749.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="555" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHMDgCaayhq7TVKfE7ZhczIgc7WF_CDTJDsiaciyEd1NWXUCzbL8qd8gJn9rSyF2PkzC_AsoI1-Bk6y1lr8hY7rEQKmJaBiRz-7Q6Pq9i0cTFFaeYm-4PvE40Zff8Hqo91aegIBnhCQ3EuZbmD1M-1Mil-vIyMDeWtO5LQC6Dbv9ZmtBtfiIjIiFQifw/s320/393749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>It is clear and evident that, in this Dispensation wherein the banner of utterance hath been raised aloft and the candle of discernment hath been lit, there is no Lord but the Exalted One.He it is Who is one in His essence and one in His attributes, single in the kingdom of names and peerless in the realm of actions. It is by virtue of His blessed name that the seas of Divine Unity have been made to surge; it is through the power of His resistless command that the immutable decrees of destiny have been enforced; it is through the potency of His sovereign might that the dictates of fate have been fixed. <br />Who hath the power to soar in that exalted atmosphere or to cherish another beloved than Him? We all abide beneath His shadow and seek our portion from the ocean of His grace. However far the gnat may fly, it can never traverse the length and breadth of heaven, and however high the sparrow may soar, it can never attain the tree of immortality.<br /><br /> <span style="background-color: black;">Bahá’u’lláh<br /><br /></span>The Call of the Divine Beloved)
<br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/311369243">www.bahai.org/r/311369243</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-26608178934744103362024-02-23T11:44:00.001-08:002024-02-23T11:50:47.615-08:00Not by the force of numbers, <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7DGURro37itlVjqLlEkBAjarujOorXRkR7oiSRSdQrMjg2kGxZsb4mdPKL3TiywIpjEltgDjWKQM8BVPjFWB-HYu8OThL4asXn6j7md_ZTb5IZh-Fp39myD7LLrx9AqgNEdDaeUCfuLLiwcfIt_X-bWVphOS8JDbwjb_Kn_VkAhIT1SkkahcF87jQNQ/s615/Shogi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="615" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7DGURro37itlVjqLlEkBAjarujOorXRkR7oiSRSdQrMjg2kGxZsb4mdPKL3TiywIpjEltgDjWKQM8BVPjFWB-HYu8OThL4asXn6j7md_ZTb5IZh-Fp39myD7LLrx9AqgNEdDaeUCfuLLiwcfIt_X-bWVphOS8JDbwjb_Kn_VkAhIT1SkkahcF87jQNQ/s320/Shogi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching -- no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character -- not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and sceptical age the supreme claim of the Bahá Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.
<br /><br /><a href="https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/triumph-cause"> Shoghi Effendi, <br />Bahá’í Administration, p. 66</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-16364455356270454192024-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:002024-02-23T11:44:03.676-08:00Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose is to usher in<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmEatqgbXVmUVmtrlaRQiVm83KOMz4LHbOHDzH_UVTPDyr8h9MTjr3dzGWnyN7b-F49LO1GK2ziPQFMCI0uza_MjoddqfPLKZEIUhe-jWxjoMCAntg9cX_eNxnI5-XnHk0erc9ZK7IazvtcZ6RN1Ow37RcWvgZ3NKYKpXbp3_mJhBdF1_LtkvRRM-EJg/s640/sddefault%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmEatqgbXVmUVmtrlaRQiVm83KOMz4LHbOHDzH_UVTPDyr8h9MTjr3dzGWnyN7b-F49LO1GK2ziPQFMCI0uza_MjoddqfPLKZEIUhe-jWxjoMCAntg9cX_eNxnI5-XnHk0erc9ZK7IazvtcZ6RN1Ow37RcWvgZ3NKYKpXbp3_mJhBdF1_LtkvRRM-EJg/w389-h292/sddefault%20(1).jpg" width="389" /></a></div><p></p>Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose is to usher in a new stage in human development—the organic and spiritual unity of the peoples and nations of the world—signalizing thereby the coming of age of the human race and characterized, in the fullness of time, by the emergence of a world civilization and culture. To this end, He revealed His teachings for the inner and outer transformation of human life.<i> “Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deeds”,</i> He stated. And in countless Tablets He, the Divine Physician, diagnosed the ills afflicting humanity and set forth His healing remedy for<i> “the elevation, the advancement, the education, the protection and the regeneration of the peoples of the earth”.</i> Bahá’u’lláh explained that <i>“The summons and the message which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only.” “It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding”</i>, He wrote, <i>“to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”<br /></i><br />THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
<br />November 28 2023 <br /><a href=" www.bahai.org/r/214412684"> www.bahai.org/r/214412684</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-77467906744853775882024-02-18T08:01:00.000-08:002024-02-18T08:01:53.126-08:00O SON OF MY HANDMAID!<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span> SON OF MY HANDMAID!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI9j94AE7NSnPRbZe5Xo19EhhujEPARQIpc73a-jb7RSqj2_AHJXmPtvDGwSwGkxK8jVA5bYOxHXQ0h5CgSd5UPp0husKMYvew3Og9pzjB-yjt8RKCu_SJ9Pd6qEMTlHVZ5UjTquuRdpQay5tEh_jVoNixC4hSVnw770-Wp-zrJ3OFkI6yAhUrZB8edQ/s600/bkt-tw-b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI9j94AE7NSnPRbZe5Xo19EhhujEPARQIpc73a-jb7RSqj2_AHJXmPtvDGwSwGkxK8jVA5bYOxHXQ0h5CgSd5UPp0husKMYvew3Og9pzjB-yjt8RKCu_SJ9Pd6qEMTlHVZ5UjTquuRdpQay5tEh_jVoNixC4hSVnw770-Wp-zrJ3OFkI6yAhUrZB8edQ/w320-h415/bkt-tw-b.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Be not troubled in poverty nor confident in riches, for poverty is followed by riches, and riches are followed by poverty. Yet to be poor in all save God is a wondrous gift, belittle not the value thereof, for in the end it will make thee rich in God, and thus thou shalt know the meaning of the utterance, “In truth ye are the poor,” and the holy words, “God is the all-possessing,” shall even as the true morn break forth gloriously resplendent upon the horizon of the lover’s heart, and abide secure on the throne of wealth. <div><br /> <a href="https://www.bahaiprayers.io/prayer?id=403510">Bahá’u’lláh</a></div>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-17039711866603339322024-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:002024-02-15T18:40:50.787-08:00 The fire of the tongue ....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCFmQHeRtpL4vH48Lxm2R195Ml-wayNLXZHIiHvjib0NjNlgAu6nRS4aKzVPIpWt9oYwaP8PwaR1JtNDFHs3RshLad9ccJo-2AwJquae31r8RIUfMn2ABK9O7b61HAdpozqdL9nzgDiFcqsGpGpFS_NtspVqfPCVEiZwKMKoDWiQFJrP7PZUlsnspEgI/s640/78e72db18326811876a96c3e5ace6be3%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCFmQHeRtpL4vH48Lxm2R195Ml-wayNLXZHIiHvjib0NjNlgAu6nRS4aKzVPIpWt9oYwaP8PwaR1JtNDFHs3RshLad9ccJo-2AwJquae31r8RIUfMn2ABK9O7b61HAdpozqdL9nzgDiFcqsGpGpFS_NtspVqfPCVEiZwKMKoDWiQFJrP7PZUlsnspEgI/s320/78e72db18326811876a96c3e5ace6be3%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>That seeker must, at all times, put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, must detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endure a century.<div><br />Bahá’u’lláh<br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/367292670">www.bahai.org/r/367292670</a></div>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-82026028787870644782024-02-07T20:14:00.000-08:002024-02-07T20:15:01.916-08:00A Prayer of Hope<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="347" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h7EDMlqnFkc" width="417" youtube-src-id="h7EDMlqnFkc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><p></p>O Thou beloved of my heart and soul! <br />I have no refuge save Thee. I raise no voice at dawn save in Thy commemoration and praise. Thy love encompasseth me and Thy grace is perfect. My hope is in Thee.
<br /> O God, give me a new life at every instant and bestow upon me the breaths of the Holy Spirit at every moment, in order that I may remain steadfast in Thy love, attain unto great felicity, perceive the manifest light and be in the state of utmost tranquillity and submissiveness.
<br /> Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver, the Compassionate.
<br /><br /><a href="https://www.bahaiprayers.io/prayer?id=502130"> ‘Abdu’l-Bahá</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-37725205587915532022024-02-05T12:21:00.000-08:002024-02-05T12:21:26.667-08:00Prayer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH1fiDQ6w05Fl4oXKpxpZmWSQj2XBIvhmigq8M14zYmowhXxkLslo59802LhAvHl_EELXUHZVv9BDZ1tVj-daoNLVBe4ixlDrUv8Z2Uevbk5xQEYfNt21tpQ0PgdxPdxolVuw2Ht-UAkJ6Re1ytIMCkIHVqX-NVeYkSr6nfJOiR8YzrGdnYXXSy5bt9U/s1000/Bahai-prayer-O-my-Lord-Thou-knowest-that-the-people-are-encircled-with-pain-and-calamities-11-18-2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH1fiDQ6w05Fl4oXKpxpZmWSQj2XBIvhmigq8M14zYmowhXxkLslo59802LhAvHl_EELXUHZVv9BDZ1tVj-daoNLVBe4ixlDrUv8Z2Uevbk5xQEYfNt21tpQ0PgdxPdxolVuw2Ht-UAkJ6Re1ytIMCkIHVqX-NVeYkSr6nfJOiR8YzrGdnYXXSy5bt9U/s320/Bahai-prayer-O-my-Lord-Thou-knowest-that-the-people-are-encircled-with-pain-and-calamities-11-18-2020.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Omy Lord! Thou knowest that the people are encircled with pain and calamities and are environed with hardships and trouble. Every trial doth attack man and every dire adversity doth assail him like unto the assault of a serpent. There is no shelter and asylum for him except under the wing of Thy protection, preservation, guard and custody.
<br />O Thou the Merciful One! O my Lord! Make Thy protection my armor, Thy preservation my shield, humbleness before the door of Thy oneness my guard, and Thy custody and defense my fortress and my abode. Preserve me from the suggestions of self and desire, and guard me from every sickness, trial, difficulty and ordeal.
<br />Verily, Thou art the Protector, the Guardian, the Preserver, the Sufficer, and verily, Thou art the Merciful of the Most Merciful.
<br /><br /><a href="https://www.bahaiprayers.io/prayer?id=222090"> ‘Abdu’l-Bahá</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-77278084925451708262024-02-02T09:06:00.000-08:002024-02-02T09:07:39.284-08:00O SON OF SPIRIT!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXnqQR8o4klKZWeRAlm7foLp-MhdDKIiYiVB71IHcuEq27WS2V_sjmiiGLXCkb7B0TgubVoOdklQ9sNOZH7IV1bJdmqPwJfCwLLAZ5fipc2Tu8UuT17hkB991QE9ACOKFvzObZwLwstT3IG5qXD16O6wJ90oWj7Y7NVlnsDcwq5dnwvO3gyYuDSOQr98/s845/df49e0918310bd6c2c4bc66f09e23748.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXnqQR8o4klKZWeRAlm7foLp-MhdDKIiYiVB71IHcuEq27WS2V_sjmiiGLXCkb7B0TgubVoOdklQ9sNOZH7IV1bJdmqPwJfCwLLAZ5fipc2Tu8UuT17hkB991QE9ACOKFvzObZwLwstT3IG5qXD16O6wJ90oWj7Y7NVlnsDcwq5dnwvO3gyYuDSOQr98/s320/df49e0918310bd6c2c4bc66f09e23748.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span> SON OF SPIRIT! <br /><br />I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself? Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being, why seekest thou enlightenment from anyone beside Me? Out of the clay of love I molded thee, how dost thou busy thyself with another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.
<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.bahaiprayers.io/prayer?id=401130">Bahá’u’lláh</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-84309745427935457882024-02-01T16:31:00.000-08:002024-02-01T16:31:48.697-08:00Only when the lamp of search<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhes0Gt4IYNrGT9d3q84xEofZajK6B5o_72QRufmKAi9SP3UJHLl-1psBBRVpGuMt3T4RPC0AB4X8hXDB8AiSzq5shnRudNQnczmTzNHNMJpFCZKCRBQ5eyVnzkVDLB1i0igS3HtW-pEvZUKrZWqeWTYpHF1BIrK_9WZNXLoSBAh_P79p_qqz_ZBjgu1Q/s736/a2f84749b087586ca85e81e86069d310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhes0Gt4IYNrGT9d3q84xEofZajK6B5o_72QRufmKAi9SP3UJHLl-1psBBRVpGuMt3T4RPC0AB4X8hXDB8AiSzq5shnRudNQnczmTzNHNMJpFCZKCRBQ5eyVnzkVDLB1i0igS3HtW-pEvZUKrZWqeWTYpHF1BIrK_9WZNXLoSBAh_P79p_qqz_ZBjgu1Q/s320/a2f84749b087586ca85e81e86069d310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">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 negligence. <br />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.<br /><br /> <br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bahá'u'lláh</span><br />The Kitáb-i-Íqán<br /> <a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/729558295">www.bahai.org/r/729558295</a></span>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-79678953088559943902024-01-31T21:08:00.000-08:002024-01-31T21:08:45.453-08:00Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose is to<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAC7uKVoQ0TsZqUP5k_zoQKxv8pLdJfIMkBub1I6YYveNLQuZxACRt17bw6Zm432BniXcJiRj0m-N7YDirhx76k4h_s_Z5yqyId9p1c0Ud8Pz4HIRjWBGCmQ6bw6T8iBAftNIpR3M5UtXAuTZLs2s3A4PIi6kcrRjGpQJwLoHdqbRyZ9_MsEzNBOdv8A/s640/sddefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAC7uKVoQ0TsZqUP5k_zoQKxv8pLdJfIMkBub1I6YYveNLQuZxACRt17bw6Zm432BniXcJiRj0m-N7YDirhx76k4h_s_Z5yqyId9p1c0Ud8Pz4HIRjWBGCmQ6bw6T8iBAftNIpR3M5UtXAuTZLs2s3A4PIi6kcrRjGpQJwLoHdqbRyZ9_MsEzNBOdv8A/w403-h302/sddefault.jpg" width="403" /></a></div><p></p>Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose is to usher in a new stage in human development—the organic and
spiritual unity of the peoples and nations of the world—signalizing thereby the coming of age of
the human race and characterized, in the fullness of time, by the emergence of a world civilization
and culture. To this end, He revealed His teachings for the inner and outer transformation of
human life. “Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that
discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deeds”, He stated. And in
countless Tablets He, the Divine Physician, diagnosed the ills afflicting humanity and set forth His
healing remedy for “the elevation, the advancement, the education, the protection and the
regeneration of the peoples of the earth”. Bahá’u’lláh explained that “The summons and the
message which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only.”
“It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding”, He wrote, “to strive to translate
that which hath been written into reality and action…. Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to
promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20231128_001/1#973422615">THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
<br />28 November 2023
</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-49952248399454219602024-01-31T14:17:00.000-08:002024-01-31T14:17:32.291-08:00Ordinances and prohibitions.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJOr-lnLJkVPCVnVjdbdHBxOaYZTwBLZptgQWR2Xma01LoMx8Tllyq0J-44Tafbnq1Zq2a_2GWv7i4vuaUpmNQIPcfRtnrN64yl0IvVZxVigDqsWag9QqWSON1t_xgf0gi2AdI61REFwZ0I1uclcmed4kLSnxA0Zjz7oYwGDjmN3IKcvy-l5Gjb9cNYI/s1080/1393394-master.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJOr-lnLJkVPCVnVjdbdHBxOaYZTwBLZptgQWR2Xma01LoMx8Tllyq0J-44Tafbnq1Zq2a_2GWv7i4vuaUpmNQIPcfRtnrN64yl0IvVZxVigDqsWag9QqWSON1t_xgf0gi2AdI61REFwZ0I1uclcmed4kLSnxA0Zjz7oYwGDjmN3IKcvy-l5Gjb9cNYI/s320/1393394-master.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p>They that immerse themselves in the ocean of His utterances should at all times have the utmost regard for the divinely-revealed ordinances and prohibitions. <br />Indeed His ordinances constitute the mightiest stronghold for the protection of the world and the safeguarding of its peoples—a light upon those who acknowledge and recognize the truth, and a fire unto such as turn away and deny.
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/108212210">Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh The first Tajallí</a><br /><br />Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-75901849838109388632024-01-23T18:56:00.000-08:002024-01-31T14:17:50.026-08:00Love is ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DjAwOugSBeE" width="320" youtube-src-id="DjAwOugSBeE"></iframe></div><p>Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God's holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven's kindly light, the Holy Spirit's eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the diverse elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation.</p><br /><a href="https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/1#324741256">Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 27.</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-37278786492871651392023-12-24T18:04:00.000-08:002023-12-24T18:05:16.076-08:00In earthly riches fear is hidden<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjrJZUhyphenhyphenr4HAxhL3J1GsahadydBF76sCEL2HUcbwlDcNy53VeFMLZ5a6GgUK7lKXNOw_vE_592ZhHyLN0-sEh7sVXv8Ihl1Z1P0trTyUR5cVLBZAZjeJOfuQMmAxhVA3QfTOv0jt0ZxaDZQhXNNTpFhCL4NRMw3l_QiTweGOi-2L-KTTC6GPIcJUMgEA/s1600/Bahji_night_MG_3110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjrJZUhyphenhyphenr4HAxhL3J1GsahadydBF76sCEL2HUcbwlDcNy53VeFMLZ5a6GgUK7lKXNOw_vE_592ZhHyLN0-sEh7sVXv8Ihl1Z1P0trTyUR5cVLBZAZjeJOfuQMmAxhVA3QfTOv0jt0ZxaDZQhXNNTpFhCL4NRMw3l_QiTweGOi-2L-KTTC6GPIcJUMgEA/w400-h266/Bahji_night_MG_3110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>ALTHOUGH the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet within the treasury of trust and resignation We have bequeathed to Our heirs an excellent and priceless Heritage. Earthly treasures We have not bequeathed, nor have We added such cares as they entail. By God! In earthly riches fear is hidden and peril is concealed. Consider ye and call to mind that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: “Woe betide every slanderer and defamer, him that layeth up riches and counteth them.” Fleeting are the riches of the world; all that perisheth and changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a recognized measure.<br /><br /><div>Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-‘Ahd <br /> <a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/333031351">www.bahai.org/r/333031351</a></div>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-51518295709915477242023-12-24T10:03:00.000-08:002023-12-24T18:05:43.363-08:00THE LAW OF LOVE<p style="text-align: right;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn84fkZ4Ao4sI0pg3icjmpnBG6AWxrD_7BdZfzw5Do-RKP1fqdvY1bB5CL9ArPxd3Nl4RX8bPAfJzrHGPs55PCwewwQUFVlIYayMyUVfYKEMyf5ES1tCzr8TwoMgnV06ZAl9qGxCb7tDJTUXqlntnPNoZ9hGMJimArKcsj5mhm2plg8UEwveO6_Jec8I/s1080/237020282_4315272245254291_4787627628153092332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn84fkZ4Ao4sI0pg3icjmpnBG6AWxrD_7BdZfzw5Do-RKP1fqdvY1bB5CL9ArPxd3Nl4RX8bPAfJzrHGPs55PCwewwQUFVlIYayMyUVfYKEMyf5ES1tCzr8TwoMgnV06ZAl9qGxCb7tDJTUXqlntnPNoZ9hGMJimArKcsj5mhm2plg8UEwveO6_Jec8I/s320/237020282_4315272245254291_4787627628153092332_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Say: O friend! Sleep with your face turned to the Friend, and rest in bed in the thought of the loved One. From flowers inhale the fragrance of the beloved One, and in every fire see the light of the desired One. I swear by the life of the Friend, that if thou smellest the garment of Joseph and enterest the Egypt of the love of God, thou wilt become the mother of all the chosen ones! Then exert thyself in love with thy soul and enter the abode of the beloved One with thy heart. Abandon grief for the world to its people and give no heed to the limited days of this world; be seated on the immortal, everlasting throne, be clad in a divine raiment, drink the wine of love from the cup of the beloved One, become ablaze with the light of love, and sew the robe of love! This is that matter which shall never change! Know thou, therefore, that in every age and dispensation all Divine Ordinances are changed and transformed according to the requirements of the time, except the law of love, which, like unto a fountain, flows always and is never overtaken by change. This is of the wonderful mysteries which God has mentioned for His servants! Verily, He is the merciful, the compassionate!<br /><br /><a href="https://bahai-library.com/compilations/bahai.scriptures/5.html#LawLove">Bahá’u’lláh</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-90181857276105277692023-12-02T10:09:00.000-08:002023-12-24T18:06:01.205-08:00Differences of character arising from education<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVxguxAue2bkbL0Mn2ygeiNV6YutZNaTvrQAjhuYy_b-ZA3cw_4OVEP1QQg0icI6PSAsl-0O-Zs3AQsuBj67nm6Yi1Q-El-TUHhOQWbwsKFDVuJ736n8nGV0IXgI9pYV2Y6I6nc_fFjVgPyQPLcURBj-Xx4hq0ePlGCP0xbjgLeEU-KIWWDRcNoccbZY/s268/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVxguxAue2bkbL0Mn2ygeiNV6YutZNaTvrQAjhuYy_b-ZA3cw_4OVEP1QQg0icI6PSAsl-0O-Zs3AQsuBj67nm6Yi1Q-El-TUHhOQWbwsKFDVuJ736n8nGV0IXgI9pYV2Y6I6nc_fFjVgPyQPLcURBj-Xx4hq0ePlGCP0xbjgLeEU-KIWWDRcNoccbZY/w320-h224/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>As to the differences of character arising from education, they are great indeed, for education exerts an enormous influence. Through education the ignorant become learned, the cowardly become courageous, the crooked branch becomes straight, the acrid and bitter fruit of the mountains and woods becomes sweet and succulent, and the five-petalled flower puts forth a hundred petals. Through education barbarous nations become civilized and even animals take on human-like manners. Education must be accorded the greatest importance; for just as diseases are highly communicable in the world of bodies, so is character highly communicable in the realm of hearts and spirits. The differences caused by education are enormous and exert a major influence.<br /><br /> ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá: Some Answered Questions<br /> <a href="http://www.bahai.org/r/462168153">www.bahai.org/r/462168153</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-55407907406803855302023-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:002023-12-02T10:16:06.692-08:00Difference of capacity in human individuals is fundamental. <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYarjvNniArJnWxCen-lW-GNTmB4mPQxotTX9_KgQWSDuDChCOVwyTMmOwHZ72P61c-KJ3P908HQO1_XPGxlAaHMYksJXhhyphenhyphen4ggwqgXUBZLKLqVbXtyVy7GP_ClYdOb59KA7QybaLh2L0qf-YnAvCrLVJbkGD45gTnYqPTRpjrlx_tKuOYUKCcjAHNu8/s1468/sharmila_181121_Baha1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYarjvNniArJnWxCen-lW-GNTmB4mPQxotTX9_KgQWSDuDChCOVwyTMmOwHZ72P61c-KJ3P908HQO1_XPGxlAaHMYksJXhhyphenhyphen4ggwqgXUBZLKLqVbXtyVy7GP_ClYdOb59KA7QybaLh2L0qf-YnAvCrLVJbkGD45gTnYqPTRpjrlx_tKuOYUKCcjAHNu8/w217-h400/sharmila_181121_Baha1.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p>Difference of capacity in human individuals is fundamental. It is impossible for all to be alike, all to be equal, all to be wise. Bahá’u’lláh has revealed principles and laws which will accomplish the adjustment of varying human capacities. He has said that whatsoever is possible of accomplishment in human government will be effected through these principles. When the laws He has instituted are carried out, there will be no millionaires possible in the community and likewise no extremely poor. This will be effected and regulated by adjusting the different degrees of human capacity. The fundamental basis of the community is agriculture, tillage of the soil. All must be producers. Each person in the community whose need is equal to his individual producing capacity shall be exempt from taxation. But if his income is greater than his needs, he must pay a tax until an adjustment is effected. That is to say, a man’s capacity for production and his needs will be equalized and reconciled through taxation. If his production exceeds, he will pay a tax; if his necessities exceed his production, he shall receive an amount sufficient to equalize or adjust. Therefore, taxation will be proportionate to capacity and production, and there will be no poor in the community.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PUP/pup-77.html">`Abdu'l-Bahá: The Promulgation of Universal Peace</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-39749590991943963362023-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:002023-11-21T15:33:19.805-08:00Waywardness of this people.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwWvjly13QwL204wjSXlXPQC3I1kQi_8AeqOyk_SV3wiJIAH58ryTqf77A6J0VgWDaQviCzMoW2KiG1ldeaO-RAawGPM3EJLdIaQlVj90wUEpOgIZBrTuwzTOA0VgimtJh1n0ciTdl7U8Z0Gv5n1uQkPIKSyujgr_AZ5hRBTmlXjmAfQMsogI35KyifA/s1920/1_UcR-8frtRMLa0YKvnhJFHw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1358" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwWvjly13QwL204wjSXlXPQC3I1kQi_8AeqOyk_SV3wiJIAH58ryTqf77A6J0VgWDaQviCzMoW2KiG1ldeaO-RAawGPM3EJLdIaQlVj90wUEpOgIZBrTuwzTOA0VgimtJh1n0ciTdl7U8Z0Gv5n1uQkPIKSyujgr_AZ5hRBTmlXjmAfQMsogI35KyifA/s320/1_UcR-8frtRMLa0YKvnhJFHw.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><p></p>And now, consider and reflect a moment upon the waywardness of this people. What could have been the reason for such denial and avoidance on their part? What could have induced them to refuse to put off the garment of denial, and to adorn themselves with the robe of acceptance? Moreover, what could have caused the nonfulfillment of the divine promise which led the seekers to reject that which they had accepted? Meditate profoundly, that the secret of things unseen may be revealed unto you, that you may inhale the sweetness of a spiritual and imperishable fragrance, and that you may acknowledge the truth that from time immemorial even unto eternity the Almighty hath tried, and will continue to try, His servants, so that light may be distinguished from darkness, truth from falsehood, right from wrong, guidance from error, happiness from misery, and roses from thorns. Even as He hath revealed: “Do men think when they say ‘We believe’ they shall be let alone and not be put to proof?<br /><br /><a href="https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/1#990539395">The Book of Certitude, Bahá'u'lláh P.8</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-26805322996802149102023-10-15T07:52:00.000-07:002023-11-21T15:33:32.218-08:00Backbiting as grievous error<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGQP5hb_zJeCJN_C2wOkDtw56GbkVe-2JwGBpU5NNqbvDVAXl4h2bSJiFCQUWL9_6zBdvALO-oByJYBRo-me2VEz99kcLsulOP4HTEeYJmqMEZRdvR_i6cxzt_cEQ5ZD5bpS04GIBXcAWwtg3RCXgnjs0ZF-8sXp06C2BQzI5NzEr1l8vw-qMpxwGVr4/s1200/DU2gEVeXkAAqOAb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1200" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGQP5hb_zJeCJN_C2wOkDtw56GbkVe-2JwGBpU5NNqbvDVAXl4h2bSJiFCQUWL9_6zBdvALO-oByJYBRo-me2VEz99kcLsulOP4HTEeYJmqMEZRdvR_i6cxzt_cEQ5ZD5bpS04GIBXcAWwtg3RCXgnjs0ZF-8sXp06C2BQzI5NzEr1l8vw-qMpxwGVr4/w361-h274/DU2gEVeXkAAqOAb.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><p></p>That seeker should, also, regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as <span style="color: #cc0000;">backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul.</span> He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the companionship of them that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and, with all his soul, persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him. He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellow-man, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He 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 he should 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 attained, at the hour of death, to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draught, hath taken his flight unto the Concourse on high! 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!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/1#529444114">Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh</a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-42717611692719314382023-10-15T07:45:00.002-07:002023-12-02T10:20:03.292-08:00Baha'i Stories: An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s sense of humor<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQfTrtZxzTX-2DrqObTXvKMYWams7tnJM0535dbeZ6DTxLNK9vfRBO4tbNpooC5cmUC1M907KkmQ1GpFz1WOmk-Pb7KbQe4lZDkpKpZAQqx8wQT9YmseIydEBHPza9ZRX7S_7lqIEciRof0xb1UaDG6L38d8viiphza7IedsSJDbLWDG6C1yOiZfLV-0/s958/b89787607b11e3e1a3f6dea59cb235f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="735" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQfTrtZxzTX-2DrqObTXvKMYWams7tnJM0535dbeZ6DTxLNK9vfRBO4tbNpooC5cmUC1M907KkmQ1GpFz1WOmk-Pb7KbQe4lZDkpKpZAQqx8wQT9YmseIydEBHPza9ZRX7S_7lqIEciRof0xb1UaDG6L38d8viiphza7IedsSJDbLWDG6C1yOiZfLV-0/w323-h419/b89787607b11e3e1a3f6dea59cb235f6.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">When the Master completed His historic journey throughout the United States of America He sailed for England to arrive at Liverpool on December 13th, 1912 and in London three days later. Staying with Lady Blomfield as before, 'Abdu'l-Baha again received a constant stream of visitors at her house. The Hand of the Cause Hasan Balyuzi has reported this delightful incident that took place there:</div></span></div><br />“When 'Abdu'l-Baha sat down to dinner on Christmas Eve, He said, playfully, that He was not hungry, but He had to come to the dinner table because Lady Blomfield was very insistent; two despotic monarchs of the East had not been able to command Him and bend His will, but the ladies of America and Europe, because they were free, gave Him orders."<br /><br /><a href="https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2021/07/an-example-of-abdul-bahas-humor.html?spref=bl">Baha'i Stories: An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s sense of humor</a>: Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-90065871069618518592023-10-15T07:44:00.000-07:002023-11-21T15:34:02.649-08:00 Twin Holy days<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYnth3Br3-hnxaOg6T5AZmH-S8ceP1ek93jUQUyZYsidypddMEHKFd1TuTHw9dA_3uYQoCVFj0FVW7M5meN58_s9NtE6bZolEB5RnKjnlWpscYZAGN7mol4Qupgg0wZy_UzIGdFWjGDlCAi4rv69Z7ijXzJhx1zDO5m9XEsN8JoYCNdHQh9ZsgSI7VQk/s945/8c584e10486dd70612c6071cfc1aa1c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYnth3Br3-hnxaOg6T5AZmH-S8ceP1ek93jUQUyZYsidypddMEHKFd1TuTHw9dA_3uYQoCVFj0FVW7M5meN58_s9NtE6bZolEB5RnKjnlWpscYZAGN7mol4Qupgg0wZy_UzIGdFWjGDlCAi4rv69Z7ijXzJhx1zDO5m9XEsN8JoYCNdHQh9ZsgSI7VQk/s320/8c584e10486dd70612c6071cfc1aa1c5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>“In the name of the One born on this day, Him Whom God hath made to be the Herald of His name, the Almighty, the All-Loving!
This is a Tablet We have addressed unto that night wherein the heavens and the earth were illumined by a Light that cast its radiance over the entire creation.
Blessed art thou, O night! For through thee was born the Day of God, a Day which We have ordained to be the lamp of salvation unto the denizens of the cities of names, the chalice of victory unto the champions of the arenas of eternity, and the dawning-place of joy and exultation unto all creation.”
<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/days-remembrance/8#210953678">Days of Remembrance, Baha'u'llah </a>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1932140326467775115.post-12964486131460661592023-09-30T18:03:00.006-07:002023-11-21T15:34:13.733-08:00The electoral process<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-gXTL7y3ji83ztFy8_VxZlfIqUVRnJJ3Dp06mTqHBaUhLtVJY5hChhyphenhyphenXznA_-VQE70mwi_icy_ySCOXbRP4ou7s1Y414u7s0TJDwrQVey0zfFA4SiMBUI07OOE0oaQJogiK7nXTLQOJ9LgAy9KsDP7JUgj4Ce1zTx3LWpIGA5RpELNwPHdD40OIXLg/s864/Why-is-the-Bahai-World-Centre-in-Israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="864" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-gXTL7y3ji83ztFy8_VxZlfIqUVRnJJ3Dp06mTqHBaUhLtVJY5hChhyphenhyphenXznA_-VQE70mwi_icy_ySCOXbRP4ou7s1Y414u7s0TJDwrQVey0zfFA4SiMBUI07OOE0oaQJogiK7nXTLQOJ9LgAy9KsDP7JUgj4Ce1zTx3LWpIGA5RpELNwPHdD40OIXLg/w400-h234/Why-is-the-Bahai-World-Centre-in-Israel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>One compelling insight which has emerged is that the extent to which the station and leadership of a Local Assembly is recognized in a community is related to how deeply the believers appreciate the sacredness of the electoral process and their duty to participate in it, in an atmosphere wholly free from the taint of suasion or worldly attitudes about power. As consciousness is raised in a community about the spiritual principles underlying Bahá’í elections, a new conception is formed of what it means for someone to be called to serve on an institution, and understanding grows of how the individual, the community, and the Local Assembly and its agencies relate to one another. Where systematic effort has been made to stimulate conversations in a community about the formation of the Local Assembly and its purpose, and to sustain those conversations year after year, the strength of the elected body and the dynamism of community life reinforce each other.<br /><br /><div> <br /><a href=" www.bahai.org/r/758524509">Universal House of Justice</a></div><div><a href=" www.bahai.org/r/758524509">30 December 2021 </a><br /><br /></div>Mehran Azizihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669620989106336424noreply@blogger.com0