Tablet of the Deathless Youth 12 страница
Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted.
34.
Say:
Fear ye God and commit not such deeds as would cause My loved ones on earth to lament.
35.
Thus biddeth you this Pen which hath set the Pen of Glory in motion within the arena of wisdom and true understanding.
36.
Convey My greetings unto those whose faces mirror forth the radiance of Bahá, then mention to them this utterance which cheereth the eyes of the righteous.
37.
The glory of God rest upon thee and upon such as have firmly clung to the Cord of God, the Revealer of verses.
38.
Restrain thou the inhabitants of those regions from provocative acts,
from strife, dissension, or anything else that would create trouble.
39.
That which is praiseworthy in these days is the promotion of the Cause.
40.
For instance if those people who pursue certain aims were to dedicate themselves to the teaching of the Cause, all the dwellers of those regions would, ere long, be invested with the mantle of faith.
41.
Should anyone perceive the sweetness of the following passage in the Tablet revealed in honor of Nabíl of Qá’in, he would readily comprehend the significance of assistance:
42.
Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation.
43.
As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement,
which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure.
44.
As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom
as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.
45.
O My Name!
Utterance must needs possess penetrating power,
for if bereft of this quality it would fail to exert influence.
46.
And this penetrating influence dependeth on the spirit being pure and the heart stainless.
47.
Likewise it needeth moderation, without which the hearer would be unable to bear it, rather he would manifest opposition from the very outset.
48.
And moderation will be obtained by blending utterance with the tokens of divine wisdom which are recorded in the sacred Books and Tablets.
49.
Thus when the essence of one’s utterance is endowed with these two requisites
it will prove highly effective and will be the prime factor in transforming the souls of men.
This is the station of supreme victory and celestial dominion.
50.
Whoso attaineth thereto is invested with the power to teach the Cause of God and to prevail over the hearts and minds of men.
|
|
|
Tablet to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají CHAPTER THREE
Divisions 51-75
SIYYID MIHDÍY-I-DAHAJÍ
51.
O My Name!
The Daystar of utterance, shining resplendent from the dayspring of divine Revelation, hath so illumined the Scrolls and Tablets that the kingdom of utterance and the exalted dominion of understanding vibrate with joy and ecstasy and shine forth with the splendor of His light, yet the generality of mankind comprehend not.
52.
The reason why the subject of aid and assistance hath time and again streamed and will continue to stream from the Pen of Providence is to warn the friends of God lest they engage in activities that would give rise to strife and turmoil.
53.
It is incumbent upon them, one and all, to diligently seek ways to help the Cause of God in such manner as We have explained.
54.
This is but a token of His grace especially conferred upon His loved ones that every one of them may attain the station characterized by the words:
55.
“Whoso quickeneth a soul hath verily quickened all mankind.”
56.
Temporal ascendancy hath been and will continue to be under the shadow of this station.
57.
Its appointed hour is preordained in the Book of God.
58.
He is truly cognizant thereof and it will be manifested through the potency of His might.
Verily He is the Powerful, the All-Subduing, the Omnipotent,
the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
59.
The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching.
60.
From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures
they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances,
so that in the paths of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demand it,
inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman.
61.
So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for wavering.
62.
I swear by My life! This Revelation is endowed with such a power that it will act as the lodestone for all nations and kindreds of the earth.
|
|
|
63.
Should one pause to meditate attentively he would recognize that no place is there, nor can there be, for anyone to flee to. In such manner hath the Kitáb-i-Aqdas been revealed that it attracteth and embraceth all the divinely appointed Dispensations.
64.
Blessed those who peruse it.
65.
Blessed those who apprehend it.
66.
Blessed those who meditate upon it.
67.
Blessed those who ponder its meaning.
68.
So vast is its range that it hath encompassed all men ere their recognition of it.
69.
Ere long will its sovereign power, its permeating influence, and the greatness of its might
be manifested on earth.
Verily, thy God is the AllKnowing, the All-informed.
70.
O My Name!
Hearken thou unto My Voice coming from the direction of My Throne.
71.
He wisheth to make mention of thy name at all times inasmuch as thou hast proved thyself steadfast in extolling His virtues amongst men.
72.
Indeed thy Lord loveth fidelity as found in the realm of creation,
and He hath given it precedence over most of the praiseworthy qualities.
Verily, He is Potent and Powerful.
73.
Know thou moreover that We have heard the praise thou hast uttered in thy communion with God, thy Lord, the Exalted, the Gracious.
74.
Great indeed is the blessedness awaiting thee, inasmuch as thou hast curtailed thine own affairs in favor of this inviolable, this mighty and enlightened Cause.
75.
We entreat God to make thy call a magnet which will attract the embodiments of names in the world of existence that all beings may spontaneously hasten to heed it.
No God is there besides Him,
the Exalted, the Preeminent, the Ever-Blessed,
the Sublime, the Most August, the Most Glorious,
the Most Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Tablet of Seven Questions CHAPTER ONE
Divisions 1-25
The Council of Zoroastrians which was set up by Mánikchí Sáhib[1] consisted of the most prominent Zoroastrians of Yazd. At one time there were nineteen councillors, six of whom became Bahá’ís. As we have already mentioned, Kay-Khusraw-i-Khudádád, the first believer, was among them.
|
|
|
Others who joined the Faith were men of learning or people held in high esteem by the community. Notable among them was the renowned Ustád Javán-Mard, the Secretary of the Council. He was a teacher by profession and became a devoted believer.
He wrote a letter to Bahá’u’lláh and asked some questions. The Lawh-i-Haft Pursish, in pure Persian, was revealed in his honour. [2] Bahá’u’lláh, in this Tablet, calls him by a new name, Shír-Mard (Lion of a man). He was the first Zoroastrian Baháí to be buried, instead of having his body disposed of in the Dakhmih [3] as was the custom among his people.
SEVEN QUESTIONS
1.
In the Name of the Lord of Utterance, the All-Knowing!
2.
Praised be the Sanctified Lord,
Who from the effulgence of the Sun of Grace hath illumined the world.
3.
From the letter "Bá'" there hath appeared the Most Great Ocean,
and from the letter "Há,'" the Pure Essence.
4.
He is the Almighty, Whose purpose the power of men can never frustrate,
nor can the hosts of kings hinder His utterance.
5.
Thy letter was received and from it was heard thy call.
6.
Therein the pearls of love were hid, and the mysteries of kindliness concealed.
7.
I beseech the Peerless Lord to confirm thee in aiding His Cause
and to assist thee in guiding the sore-athirst in the wilderness of ignorance to the water of life.
He is the Able, the All-Powerful.
8.
To that which thou hath asked of the Ocean of Knowledge and the Day Star of Wisdom,
We now make reply.
9.
The 1st question:
"First, in what tongue should God, the Peerless, be worshipped and in what direction is it befitting to turn?"
10.
The beginning of all things is the worship of God, which followeth upon recognition of Him.
|
|
|
11.
Sanctified must be the eyes if they are to recognise Him.
Sanctified must likewise be the tongue to utter His praise.
12.
In this Day, the faces of the learned and the wise are turned in His direction; nay, every direction itself is inclined towards Him.
13.
O Shír-Mard!
I beseech God that thou be a man of action in the arena, and by the power of the Omnipotent, arise and say:
14.
"O high-priest! [4]
Ears have been given you that they may hearken to the mystery
of Him Who is the Self-Dependent, and eyes that they may behold Him.
15.
Wherefore flee ye?
The Incomparable Friend is manifest.
16.
He speaketh that wherein lieth salvation.
17.
Were ye, O high priests,
to discover the perfume of the rose garden of understanding, ye would seek none other but Him, and would recognise, in His new vesture, the All Wise and Peerless One,
18.
and would turn your eyes from the world and all who seek it,
and would arise to help Him"[5]
19.
The 2nd question is regarding religion and faith.
20.
The Faith of God hath, in this Day, been made manifest.
21.
He Who is the Possessor of the World is come to guide the people.
22.
His faith is righteousness and His ordinance forbearance.
23.
This faith bestoweth eternal life and this ordinance leadeth men to the world of detachment.
24.
Therein, all faith and religion is contained.
25.
Cling ye thereunto and hold fast.
Tablet of Seven Questions CHAPTER TWO
Divisions 26-50
SEVEN QUESTIONS
26.
The 3rd question:
27.
"In what manner should we deal with the people of this day
who have segregated themselves into separate religions,
each regarding their own religion and faith as superior and more exalted than others,
so that we may not suffer at their hands and tongues?"
28.
O lion amongst men!
Regard suffering when endured in the path of the Omnipotent as comfort itself.
29.
Endured in His path, every pain is a mighty remedy,
every bitterness, sweetness itself and every abasement an exaltation.
30.
Were men to seek and understand,
they would readily offer up their lives for this suffering, for it is the key to treasures.
31.
Outwardly, it is abhorrent, but inwardly it is pleasing.
32.
We accept and affirm that which thou sayest.
33.
The people of this day, bereft of the sun-like effulgence of the true Friend, have considered Him their enemy.
34.
Shouldst thou wish to be free from suffering,
recite this utterance which hath emanated from the Pen of the All-Merciful:
35.
"O my God, O my God![6] I testify to Thy oneness and Thy singleness.
36.
I beg of Thee, O Thou Who Possessor of Names and Fashioner of Heavens,
by the influence of Thine exalted Word and the potency of Thy Supreme Pen,
to aid me with the standards of Thy power and might, and to protect me
from the mischief of Thine enemies, who have broken Thy Covenant and Testament.
37.
Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful." [7]
38.
This invocation, like unto a mighty fortress and a powerful host, shall protect and deliver thee.
39.
The 4th question:
40.
"Our Books have announced the appearance of Sháh Bahrám with manifold signs to guide the people..."
41.
O friend!
Whatsoever hath been in the Books hath been revealed and made clear.
42.
From every direction, the signs have been manifested.
43.
The Omnipotent one is calling, in this Day, and announcing the appearance of the Supreme Heaven.
44.
The world is illumined by the light of His appearance, yet few are the eyes to behold.
45.
Ask of the one true God to bestow wisdom upon His servants.
46.
Wisdom leadeth to understanding and hath ever been the cause of salvation.
47.
The understanding of the mind is derived from insightful vision.
48.
Were the people to gaze with their own eyes, they would, in this Day, behold the world illuminated with a new light.
49.
Say:
the Day-Star of Wisdom is manifest and the Sun of Knowledge evident.
50.
Happy the one who attaineth thereunto, who seest and recognizeth Him.
Tablet of Seven Questions CHAPTER THREE
Divisions 51-75
SEVEN QUESTIONS
51.
The 5th question is regarding the bridge of irá, "paradise" and "hell".
52.
Verily the Messengers have come and spoken the truth.
53.
That which the Divine Harbinger hath announced, hath been and shall be made manifest.
54.
The world is established upon reward and punishment.
55.
Heaven and hell have ever been and are confirmed by knowledge and wisdom, for the existence of reward and punishment requireth them.
56.
The first station and the foremost status is the paradise of Divine contentment.
57.
Whosoever attaineth His contentment, is reckoned among the denizens of the most exalted paradise, and, upon the ascension of his soul, shall attain that which mere pen and ink are powerless to describe.
58.
The irá, "the balance", "paradise", "hell-fire"
and whatsoever hath been mentioned and written in the Divine Books,
is clear and evident to those with seeing eyes and to men of great insight.
59.
At the hour of the manifestation and appearance of the Day-Star of inner mystery,
all dwell in the same station and then God uttereth that which He willeth.
60.
He who heareth Him and accepteth Him is called an inmate of paradise.
61.
The irá, "the balance" and whatsoever hath been mentioned regarding the Day of Resurrection hath now occurred and come to pass.
62.
This day is the Greatest Resurrection.
63.
We cherish the hope
that, aided by the wine of heavenly inspiration and the Fount of divine bounty,
thou shouldst attain the station of discovery and vision,
and witness inwardly and outwardly all which hath been mentioned.
64.
The 6th question:
65.
"After relinquishing the body and the departure of the soul to the other place..."
66.
In this regard, a while ago there appeared from the Pen of Knowledge that which sufficeth the wise and bestoweth greatest felicity upon the learned.
67.
Verily, We say, the soul deriveth happiness from goodly deeds and benefiteth from charity and generosity offered in the path of God.
68.
The 7th question is concerning the name, lineage and ancestry of the Noble One.
69.
Regarding this matter, ’Abú'l-Fadl-i-Gulpáygání, upon him be My Glory, hath written of the Heavenly Books that which bestoweth knowledge and increaseth understanding.
70.
The Faith of God is endowed with power and might.
71.
Erelong will that which the [prophetic] Tongue hath uttered be manifested.
We beseech God to empower thee to assist Him.
He is the All-Wise, the Most Powerful.
72.
Shouldst thou obtain and peruse the Súrah-i-Ra’ís and the Súrah-i-Mulúk,
thou wouldst find thyself no longer in need of that which thou hast asked and wouldst arise in service to the Cause of God
in such wise that neither the cruelty of the world nor the power of its people would prevent thee from rendering assistance to the Ancient and All-Possessing One.
73.
I beseech God to confirm thee in that which shall cause the exaltation and the perpetuation of thy name.
74.
Strive, perchance thou mayest obtain these aforementioned Tablets and acquire therefrom a portion of the pearls of wisdom and utterance which have been revealed from the treasury of the Pen of the All Bountiful.
75.
Glory be upon thee and upon all who have remained sure, steadfast, firm and faithful.
Translated and introduced by S. Razavi
Notes
[1] A member of the Zoroastrian community of Yazd, ’Irán. The 'Council of Zoroastrians' which he founded was recognized by the Sháh as a support for the Zoroastrian community in that city. Though he did not become a believer, Mánikchí Sáhib was friendly to the Faith and received several Tablets from Bahá’u’lláh, one of which is discussed in Taherzadeh, Adib. The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 3, pp 270-1.
Дата добавления: 2019-02-26; просмотров: 212; Мы поможем в написании вашей работы! |
Мы поможем в написании ваших работ!