Lights of Guidance/Explanation of Some Bahá’í Teachings

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Lights of Guidance edited by Helen Hornby Explanation of Some Bahá’í Teachings

‘Abdu’l-Bahá→

1574. What is Meant by a Personal God—God is not Anthropomorphic

"What is meant by a personal God is a God Who is conscious of His creation, Who has a Mind, a Will, a Purpose, and not, as many scientists and materialists believe, an unconscious and determined force operating in the universe. Such conception of the Diving Being, as the Supreme and ever present Reality in the world, is not anthropomorphic, for it transcends all human limitations and forms, and does by no means attempt to define the essence of Divinity which is obviously beyond any human comprehension. To say that God is a personal Reality does not mean that He has a physical form, or does in any way resemble a human being. To entertain such belief would be sheer blasphemy."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 21, 1939)

1575. Man Lives in a Three Dimensional Plane of Consciousness

"When we say that man lives in a three dimensional plane of consciousness, we should not interpret such statement in mathematical terms, though the basic idea at its root is certainly correct."

(Ibid.)

1576. Possibly Indians of America were Influenced by Prophets in Asia

"It is possible the Indians of the Americas were influenced in the remote past by Prophets in Asia. But again, as there is nothing in our teachings about it, we cannot do more than speculate."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 25, 1950)

1577. Mustaghath

"The meaning of 'Mustaghath' is: 'He Who is invoked for help.' "

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, June 14, 1947)

1578. Reference in Gospel of St. John to Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh

"The passage in the Gospel of St. John 14:26, is a reference to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, through Whose coming this prophecy was fulfilled."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 21, 1939)

1579. "Lord" and "God" Refer to the Creator in Bahá’í Writings

"In the Bahá’í Writings Lord and God refer to the Creator, not the Manifestations of God; in a few passages the word 'Lord' refers to the Manifestation, but usually it means 'God'!"

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 4, 1950)

1580. Copper Can be Transmuted into Gold

"Considering that a century ago, nobody knew the nature of matter, and couldn't split any kind of an atom, it should not surprise the scientist that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that copper can be transmuted into gold.

"There may come a time, for all we know, when the mass of many atoms can be changed by scientists. We have no way of proving or disproving at present the statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Just because we cannot demonstrate a contention in the Bahá’í Teachings does not mean the contention is not true.

"The same holds true of the statement of Bahá’u’lláh in the Íqán, regarding transmutation of copper into gold after seventy years, under certain conditions.

"We as Bahá’ís must assume that, as He had access to all knowledge, He was referring to a definite physical condition which theoretically might exist. Because we don't know what this condition is in scientific terms does not refute Bahá’u’lláh's statement at all.

"The Guardian hopes that Mr. … will not let so small a thing stand in his path. The principle of Faith is to accept anything the Manifestation of God says, once you have accepted Him as being the Manifestation. That is really the crux of the whole matter. It is a question of confidence."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 14, 1955)

1581. Creatures are to be Found on Every Planet

"Regarding the passage on p. 163 of the 'Gleanings': The creatures which Bahá’u’lláh states to be found on every planet cannot be considered to be necessarily similar or different from human beings on this earth. Bahá’u’lláh does not specifically state whether such creatures are like or unlike us. He simply refers to the fact that there are creatures on every planet. It remains for science to discover one day the exact nature of these creatures."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 9, 1937)

1582. "Dayspring" Defined

"I have asked the Guardian concerning the exact meaning of the word 'Dayspring'. Literally it means 'Dawn'. It is sometimes used in the sense of 'Horizon' or 'Rising point', and taken figuratively it is equivalent to fountain or source. It can also be used as referring to a Manifestation of God, as in the following expression 'Dayspring of Truth'."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 19, 1935)

1583. Absolute Being Can be Attributed only to God—His Creation Has Relative Existence, a Separate Reality

"In a Tablet Bahá’u’lláh says that even though absolute being can be attributed only to God we cannot say that other objects have no being. A table has an existence even though its existence compared with the existence of the carpenter who is its maker is almost nothing. Compared to God nothing has existence but this does not mean that even stones do not have being. It is speaking relatively. Moreover, God reveals Himself in all things in the sense that He is the Source of their being and the Cause of their existence. Without Him all things will shrink down to nothing. This however does not mean that all things are parts of God as the pantheist believes. The pantheist says that only God exists, objects are mere modes of His attributes. Bahá’u’lláh however says that objects have a separate reality that is created by God. The Master explains these things in the 'Some Answered Questions', especially in one of the last chapters. There are also many Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh explaining these matters. Most of them, however, have not yet been translated into English. Let us hope that some day this work will be done and the friends will appreciate how Bahá’u’lláh has solved their problems."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 26, 1932)

1584. Meaning of "Sciences that Begin and End in Words"

"What Bahá’u’lláh meant primarily with 'sciences that begin and end in words' are those theological treatises and commentaries that encumber the human mind rather than help it to attain the truth. The students would devote their life to their study but still attain nowhere.

"Bahá’u’lláh surely never meant to include story writing under such a category; and shorthand and typewriting are both most useful talents very necessary in our present social and economic life."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 30, 1932)

1585. Atomic Energy—"A Strange and Wonderful Instrument"

"The words of Bahá’u’lláh regarding 'a strange and wonderful instrument…' can, in the light of what the Master said in San Francisco, be taken as a reference to the great destructive power atomic energy can be made to release."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 16, 1946)

1586. Bahá’u’lláh Exhorts Man to Try to Develop His Dormant Qualities

"The passage in the 'Epistle to the Son of the Wolf' in which Bahá’u’lláh says: 'Give that which is asked of you' means that man must always try to develop and reveal the qualities that are to be found potentially in him. It is an urge to self-improvement and individual progress, and has, therefore, no connection with that passage in the 'Aqdas' wherein Bahá’u’lláh forbids mendicity."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 8, 1936)

1587. The "Veils" are Very Thin at the Time of the Manifestation

"As to the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the 'vineyard will not then be so easy to find', etc. This supports many such remarks: He explained often that at the time of the Manifestation the veils are very thin, so to speak. Many souls accepted seemingly spontaneously, on the basis of a dream, or just hearing the Cause existed! But later, this first phase passes, and the people require more arguments and proof, acceptance comes less as a flash of spiritual insight and more as an intellectual process. This is quite different from the future glory of the Cause and the divine origin of its institutions, graphically outlined by Him. When the Master says the Local and National Assemblies are the 'Voice of truth', He means here that they must be obeyed, not that they are infallible."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 25, 1947)

1588. Today it is a Greater Responsibility to Reject the Manifestation

"It is certainly a much greater responsibility to reject the Manifestation in this day than it was in the past Dispensations, inasmuch as man, and indeed humanity as a whole, have been endowed with a greater measure of spiritual receptivity than ever before, and consequently it would be a much graver sin to repudiate the revealed Truth now than it would have been the case in bygone ages and centuries."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 14, 1939)

1589. Cornerstone of all the Teachings—Oneness of Humanity

"It is most essential that the believers should be quite clear on this point, as the principle of the oneness of humanity is the cornerstone of all the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and should be presented as such, without the least hesitation, by the friends."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, March 11, 1937; cited by the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, August 8, 1968)

1590. "He Who Loves His Kind"

"With reference to your question as to the meaning of the passage of 'he who loves his kind', the statement of Bahá’u’lláh does not refer to any special race or class of people. Rather it includes the entire human race, irrespective of any class, creed or colour. The Message of Bahá’u’lláh is not a particularistic appeal to a group of people. It is a Universal Message and all-inclusive appeal. His principle of the oneness of mankind is world-wide in its spirit, in its application, and covers the entire field of human relationships."

(Ibid.)

1591. "From It (Earth) We Have Created You"

"Regarding the passage on page 231 of the 'Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh', the sentence beginning with the words 'From it(earth) have We created you', is a quotation from the Qur'án.…

"By 'second time' is meant the spiritual resurrection of man, that is to say, his acceptance of the Divine Manifestation. But Muslims have given this term a literal interpretation: the physical resurrection of man. Bahá’u’lláh is using this same interpretation current among Muslims to defeat their argument."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 8, 1936)

1592. The Spiritual Resurrection of Man

"With regard to the Racine Assembly's request for an explanation of the passage on page 231 of the 'Gleanings' beginning with the words: 'From it(earth) have We created you…': this is a verse from the Qur'án… Bahá’u’lláh in quoting this passage seeks to refute the argument of the Muslims, who attach a purely literal interpretation to this verse of the Qur'án, and therefore consider it as implying bodily resurrection. To these Muslims He says, you who literally believe that the human body will return to dust and will be raised from it again, and therefore attach so much importance to this mortal world, how then can you wax so proud, and boast over things which are but perishable and consequently void of any true and lasting value."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Racine Assembly, February 7, 1939: Bahá’í News, No. 124, April 1939, p. 6)

1593. The Day of Resurrection, of Judgement, and the Tomb

"… Concerning the meaning of 'Resurrection': Although this term is often used by Bahá’u’lláh in His Writings, as in the passage quoted in your letter, its meaning is figurative. The tomb mentioned is also allegorical, i.e., the tomb of unbelief. The Day of Resurrection, according to Bahá’í interpretation, is the Judgement Day, the Day when unbelievers will be called upon to give account of their actions, and whether the world has prevented them from acknowledging the new Revelation."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, Dawn of a New Day, p. 79)

1594. Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Primarily for This Planet

"… On page 231 of the same book(Gleanings): no particular force is meant. It is symbolic of the regenerative power with which a righteous act is endowed.

"As to your question whether the power of Bahá’u’lláh extends over our solar system and to higher worlds: While the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, it should be noted, is primarily for this planet, yet the spirit animating it is all-embracing, and the scope therefore cannot be restricted or defined."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 14, 1938)

1595. Abhá Kingdom

"With reference to your question as to the meaning of the term 'Abhá Kingdom', it is another term for the spiritual world beyond the grave."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 21, 1939)

1596. "Singled Out"

"The term 'singled out' on p. 172 of the 'Gleanings' means chosen one or favoured one.'

(From a letter of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 26, 1939, from Spiritualism, Reincarnation and Related Subjects, p. 5)

1597. Evolution of the Soul

"The passage on p. 156 of 'Gleanings' regarding the evolution of the soul after death clearly proves that the soul after its separation from the body keeps its individuality and its consciousness both in relation to other souls and to the human beings in the world."

(Ibid.)

1598. "Perishing"

"The word 'perish' on p. 190 of 'Gleanings' does not mean that the human soul will cease to exist, but will be deprived of all spiritual capacity and understanding."

(Ibid.)

1599. "No Man Attaineth Everlasting Life"

"Also on p. 183, the passage: 'No man can attain everlasting life…' should not be taken literally: by 'everlasting life' is meant spiritual felicity, communion with the Divine Spirit."

(Ibid.)

1600. Differences of Station and Classes in Society

"As regards the meaning of the passage of page 188 of the 'Gleanings': It is an emphasis by Bahá’u’lláh on the importance of maintaining differences of station and classes in society and does not refer to the question of race."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 22, 1936: Bahá’í News, No. 105, p. 1, February 1937)

1601. "Hidden Words"

"As to the passage No. 13 of the Arabic Hidden Words: That which Bahá’u’lláh declares we can find abiding within us is the power of the Divine Spirit, the reflection of the light of His Revelation. This reflection of the Divine Spirit, however, can in no way be compared to the Revelation which God discloses to His Prophets and Messengers. The similarity in the terminology should not confuse this distinction which is most fundamental."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers, December 7, 1935)

1602. Íqán, Kitáb-I-Íqán—"City of God", Meaning of

"…as to the meaning of the passage in the 'Íqán' in which Bahá’u’lláh refers to the renewal of the 'City of God' once in about a thousand years: this, as the word about implies, is simply an approximate date, and should not therefore be taken literally."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 29, 1938: Dawn of a New Day, p. 202)

1603. "Who Out of Utter Nothingness"

"The statement in the 'Gleanings', pp. 64-65, 'who out of utter nothingness…', etc., should be taken in a symbolic and not a literal sense. It is only to demonstrate the power and greatness of God."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi: Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, 1923-1957, p. 41)

1604. "Hosts of His Testament" and "Cord"

"Regarding your questions: By 'Government', on page 210 of the 'Bahá’í World' Vol. VI, is meant the executive body which will enforce the laws when the Bahá’í Faith has reached the point when it is recognized and accepted entirely by any particular nation. On page 205, indem, the 'Hosts of His Testament' refers to those who are firm in the Will and Testament of Bahá’u’lláh and who defend and uphold it.

"The word 'cord', so often mentioned in the teachings, means both the Faith itself and also the power of the Faith which sustains those who cling to it."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, April 18, 1941; also see The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 14-15)

1605. Sura of the Sun, Explanation of

"The passage in Bahá’u’lláh's Tablet in which He explains the sura of 'The Sun' should not be interpreted literally. It does not mean that after the Day of Resurrection praise and peace will cease to be vouchsafed to the Prophet. Rather it means to the end of time, i.e., indefinitely and for all times."

(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, pp. 79-80)

1606. Intercession

"The intercession spoken of by Bahá’u’lláh in one of His prayers which you have quoted is a purely spiritual act and is applicable to Muhammad as well as to all Prophets. This passage, however, refers more particularly to that kind of intercession in which Muslims believe, though the manner and circumstances of it, according to Bahá’í belief, are mysterious and unknowable."

(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, p. 80)

1607. "Knowledge Consists of Twenty-Seven Letters…"

"Regarding the passage beginning with the words: 'Knowledge consists of twenty-seven letters': this should not be interpreted literally. It only indicates the relative greatness and superiority of the new Revelation."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 10, 1939)

1608. Tablet of Ahmad—The Word "Ungodly"

"In the passage 'eschew all fellowship with the ungodly,' Bahá’u’lláh means that we should shun the company of those who disbelieve in God and are wayward. The word 'ungodly' is a reference to such perverse people. The words 'Be thou as a flame of fire to My enemies and a river of life eternal to My loved ones' should not be taken in their literal sense. Bahá’u’lláh's advice is that again we should flee from the enemies of God and instead seek the fellowship of His lovers."

(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, p. 200)

"The Tablet of Ahmad was revealed by Bahá’u’lláh to be read when one feels himself in exceptionally difficult circumstances. There is nothing obligatory about its use, and every person has to decide for himself whether he desires to learn it by heart or not.…"

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of Kenosha, April 14, 1932)

1609. The Tablet of the Holy Mariner

"The Tablet of the Holy Mariner was revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád. The Holy Mariner is a reference to Bahá’u’lláh Himself, and the Ark mentioned in that Tablet is the Ark of His Cause."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 8, 1936)

"Concerning the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, it is one of the most significant Tablets revealed by Bahá’u’lláh during the last days of His stay in Baghdád, and refers to the sad though momentous events which were to transpire soon after His arrival in Adrianople. Its main significance lies in the fact that in it Bahá’u’lláh clearly foreshadows the grave happenings which eventually led to the defection of Subh-i-Azal, and to the schism which the latter thought to create within the ranks of the faithful."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, August 10, 1934)

1610. Tablet to the Presidents of the Republics of the Americas

"Bahá’u’lláh never revealed a Tablet to the President of the U.S.A. In His Book the Aqdas He revealed words addressed to the Presidents of the Republics of the Americas, but no single Tablet was ever revealed to any one of them."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 21, 1942)

1611. Tablet of Joseph

"The Tablet of Joseph does not refer to Joseph Smith.

"Joseph Smith we do not consider a Prophet, minor or otherwise. Certainly no references he made would have foretold the coming of this Revelation in his capacity as a Prophet."

(Ibid.)

1612. Meaning of "Verities of the Faith"

"By 'verities of the Faith' he means the great teachings and fundamentals enshrined in our Bahá’í literature; these we can find by reading the books, studying under Bahá’í scholars at summer schools and in classes, and through the aid of study outlines."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 19, 1947)

1613. Meaning of the Word "Patron" in Seven Valleys

"Regarding your question about the meaning of the words on page 50 of the Seven and Four Valleys: This is a verse of the Qur'án which Bahá’u’lláh quotes; the word patron here means helper—in other words when God misleads a soul, he shall find no other helper. You would find Sale's translation and comments on the Qur'án helpful in getting at the story back of such verses as this one."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, March 18, 1946)