Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá — John Shaqi
Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-BaháʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Religion
Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Bahai Faith
Likewise, look into this endless universe: a universal power inevitably
existeth, which encompasseth all, directing and regulating all the parts
of this infinite creation; and were it not for this Director, this
Co-ordinator, the universe would be flawed and deficient. It would be even
as a madman; whereas ye can see that this endless creation carrieth out
its functions in perfect order, every separate part of it performing its
own task with complete reliability, nor is there any flaw to be found in
all its workings. Thus it is clear that a Universal Power existeth,
directing and regulating this infinite universe. Every rational mind can
grasp this fact.
Furthermore, although all created things grow and develop, yet are they
subjected to influences from without. For instance, the sun giveth heat,
the rain nourisheth, the wind bringeth life, so that man can develop and
grow. Thus it is clear that the human body is under influences from the
outside, and that without those influences man could not grow. And
likewise, those outside influences are subjected to other influences in
their turn. For example, the growth and development of a human being is
dependent upon the existence of water, and water is dependent upon the
existence of rain, and rain is dependent upon the existence of clouds, and
clouds are dependent upon the existence of the sun, which causeth land and
sea to produce vapour, the condensation of vapour forming the clouds. Thus
each one of these entities exerteth its influence and is likewise
influenced in its turn. Inescapably then, the process leadeth to One Who
influenceth all, and yet is influenced by none, thus severing the chain.
The inner reality of that Being, however, is not known, although His
effects are clear and evident.
And further, all created beings are limited, and this very limitation of
all beings proveth the reality of the Limitless; for the existence of a
limited being denoteth the existence of a Limitless One.
To sum it up, there are many such proofs, establishing the existence of
that Universal Reality. And since that Reality is pre-existent, It is
untouched by the conditions that govern phenomena; for whatever entity is
subject to circumstances and the play of events is contingent, not
pre-existent. Know then: that divinity which other communions and peoples
have conjured up, falleth within the scope of their imagination, and not
beyond it, whereas the reality of the Godhead is beyond all conceiving.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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