Selected Learning Projects

Selected Learning Projects Themes of Early Tablets

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In the early tablets of 1853-57, Baha'u'llah's messages included several themes:

His suffering at the hands of men and His willingness to sacrifice all for God
Indirectly identifying Himself and His station through symbolic references
The splendor and promise of this new day; the significance of the time
His experience of the Divine and praise and glorification of God
Standards of conduct and expectations for commitment of the Babi community

These works reflected the Sufi style until 1863.

Rashh-i-Ama: Sprinkling from a Cloud

Revealed in Persian, refers to the outpouring of Revelation, the release of spiritual energies, the descent of Spirit.

Revealed in the Siyah-Chal in Tehran, the dungeon where Babi's were held, between August and December, 1852.

A short tablet of only 19 lines, this is the first tablet of Revelation, and the only one to be revealed in Baha'u'llah's homeland of Persia (Iran).

It is a poem of celebration, joy, and exultation; it celebrates the release of Divine Energies, and it identifies

Baha'u'llah as God in the form of joyful proclamation.

Lawh-i-Kullu't-Ta'am: Tablet of All Food

The tablet interpreted the Qur'anic verse "All food was allowed to the children of Israel."

It was revealed in Arabic in late 1853 or early 1854 in Baghdad, in response to a request by Haji Mirza Kamalu'd-Din of Naraq, who was disappointed by Mirza Yahya interpretation. This was the first time He responded to a question in writing, and was the first tablet revealed in Baghdad. It was written and chanted by Baha'u'llah Himself, and had such an impact on Mirza Kamalu'd-Din that he recognized Baha'u'llah's divinity, but was requested to not announce this awareness at that time.

The content of this tablet included

"food" symbolizes knowledge of and recognition of the Manifestation of God
the wealth of meaning encoded symbolically in scriptural language that those with pure hearts recognize
description of schemata of many spiritual worlds and this mortal world (5 total
the nature of God as unknowable Essence, with our knowledge of God being accessed through the Manifestation
identification of three stations of existence: God, Manifestation, and Creation
Manifestation as source of spiritual sustenance, the "food"

This work is significant in that it is the first explanation of the concept of Manifestation of God and the relationship of that station to God, which introduced the theological basis of the Baha'i Faith to be fully developed in later writings.

Tablets Revealed in Kurdistan

While Baha'u'llah was in seclusion in the Kurdistan area, between April 1854 and March 1856,

He was in contact with the Sufi's near the town of Sulaymaniyyih. These tablets were not written to a specific person, but were spontaneous prayers, expressing His dedication and service to God, His sorrowful suffering, and His mystical experience of the Revelation. He also began the description of the expectations for character and commitment of His followers.

Qasidiy-i-Varqaiyyih; Ode of the Dove

Dove refers to Baha'u'llah as the Manifestation of God

This poem was revealed in Arabic between 1854 and 1856 in Sulaymaniyyih, in response to the Sufi's request for a poem in the same meter and rhyme as a classic ode, as further and conclusive proof of His divinity. In response, Baha'u'llah wrote 2,000 verses, of which He retained only 127 as the rest were beyond the capacity of the listeners at that time. The quality of His response confirmed that His gifts were of Divine Source.

The style of the poem included a dialogue between the voice of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Maid of Heaven, and the voice of Baha'u'llah as the Manifestation, Who is the Bearer of God's message.

The content included

glorification of the Maid of Heaven
suffering and cruelty of imprisonment
determination to face challenges and hardships with the joy of serving God
requirement of the sacrifice of self and sincerity of commitment
spiritual source from which all Revelation descends
spiritual domains of God

HIDDEN WORDS: Guidance for Living

The Hidden Words serves as an ethical work in that it describes the expected relationship with self, others, and with God.

We are encouraged to manage the energies of self by overcoming pride and vanity, working hard, taking account of ourselves, and keeping focus on the things of God.

In relationship with others, we are called upon to avoid all the forms of misuse of power (tyranny, negative speech, lying, exploitation) which would serve to divide us from each other. These guidelines introduce the concept of oneness by focusing on standards of personal conduct prerequisite to unity. Woven throughout the Hidden Words is the imagery of the sanctified and loving heart and the importance of loving as a key to spiritual growth and connectedness to the Beloved.

This work also includes a stern warning to take this guidance seriously, as consequences exist and we will be held accountable for our choices of behavior and the quality of our inner life.

Process of Change

The Hidden Words emphasizes strength of spiritual commitment, intense loving connection between God and persons, and the presence and power of God that assists us in striving toward these goals. In this way we are supported in attaining virtues.

Virtues

Kind heart, justice, nobility, humility, obedience, equality, generosity, responsibility for self/positive to others

Do

Don't

Seven Valleys

This work, revealed in Baghdad for a Sufi judge Shaykh Muhyid-Din, after Baha'u'llah's return from seclusion in Sulaymaniyyih between 1856 and 1863. It is considered to be His greatest mystical composition, in which He describes seven stages the seeker experiences in spiritual progress toward the Beloved God.

The word valley is translated from "vaadi", which has several meanings, one of which is the conventional reference to land between mountains, and another indicates a way of thinking. "These seven valleys or stages are the Valleys of Search, Love, Knowledge, Unity, Contentment, Wonderment, True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness.""[Baha'u'llah King of Glory, pages 161-163]

Valley l: purification of the heart from conflicting desires

Valley 2: love burns away the ego self with focus on God

Valley 3 knowledge allows understanding of God's guidance in all

Valley 4: perception of God's unity in all creation

Valley 5 in contentment the seeker needs nothing but God

Valley 6: experience of mystical astonishment and ecstasy

Valley 7: loss of self in God

Four Valleys

This work, was also revealed in Baghdad in Persian for a Sufi, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman-i-Karkuti, in approximately 1857. Written in mystical prose, it describes the process of journeying to the goal of knowing the Divine through four successive stages.

The process includes

making oneself pleasing to God by overcoming limitations and increasing devotion
purification of the heart from materialism in order to receive the Light of understanding
surrender of self to the Love of God
conscious awareness of the Divine guidance and authority at work in our lives

Baghdad Tablets

Themes:

Identification of early believers (recipients and those honored by tablets)
Identification of enemies of the Faith, sources of plots, intrigue, and murderous intentions
Fearless declaration of commitment, strength and determination; allegiance to God despite risks
Description of noble response to tests and suffering which continue as a model for today's time
Ascendancy of the Faith despite hardship, struggle, and oppression
Glorification of God; celebration of the mystical wonders of relationship with God
Spiritual guidance for development of attributes, such as contentment, humility, detachment
Release of transformative spiritual power into the world
Explanation of the nature of God and the relationship of God to Manifestation (sun-ray-mirror)
Eternal life, life unfolding with soul development

Sahifiy-i-Shattiyyih: Book of the River

This tablet, revealed in Persian in Baghdad , uses the image of the Tigris River to illustrate the power of the Faith, which is similar to a river in that it rushes onward over obstacles and opposition, and breaks up existing institutional structures. This tablet emphasizes the triumph and ascendancy of the Faith, despite apparent struggles. The river analogy is also used to exemplify the concept that although God's bounty pours out like the flowing of water, each of us receives a measure according to our capacity.

This tablet discusses the role of miracles of the Prophets, and indicates that miracles only convince the witnesses, and are therefore not conclusive proof. In contrast, the Revelation of the Word of God is the convincing evidence of Divinity that endures.

Baha'u'llah also expresses his personal struggle at that time, with reluctance to write more fully due to the expected negative, jealous reaction of his competitors and enemies, such as Mirza Yahya and Siyyid Muhammad-i-Isfahani.

Madinatu'r-Rida: City of Radiant Acquiescence

This tablet, revealed in Arabic, emphasizes contentedly accepting the Will of God, without resentment of suffering and struggle. Believers were encouraged to let go of attachment to this world's temporary pleasures, be humble and patient, and commit fully to God. It serves as a teaching of necessary attributes in preparation for the challenges to be faced in coming years.

Madinatu't-Tawhid: The City of Divine Unity

This tablet was revealed for Shaykh Salman, the courier who carried messages for 40 years from the exiled Baha'u'llah to believers remaining in Persia. It focuses on the oneness of God, the nature of God as Unknowable Essence, and the role of the Manifestations in making God's attributes accessible to people. He also explained the similarity of function among Manifestations, while indicating differences in intensity.

This tablet affirms man's freedom of choice and validates that differing forms of worship are acceptable to God.

The role of Manifestation is explained with the metaphor of sun (God), light ray (Holy Spirit), and mirror (Manifestation).

Suriy-i-Qadir: Surih of the Omnipotent

In this tablet, Baha'u'llah speaks of releasing the power of Spirit in the world, that is accessible to believers, according to personal capacity. They can then accomplish goals and overcome resistance, by having the Power of God within themselves. However, believers were also cautioned against pride and self-serving materialism as misdirection of efforts.

Hurufat-i-Allin: The Exalted Letters

This tablet, which focuses on the unfoldment of life and the process of death, was written for his cousins, Maryam and Havva, at their time of grief and loss of their brother and husband, Mirza Muhammad-i-Vazir. The tablet was originally Arabic, translated later into Persian.

In this writing, Baha'u'llah not only describes the development of the physical life from seed, to embryo, to being, but also outlines spiritual unfoldment. The spiritual process includes recognition of the Manifestation, suffering, renunciation, devotion, and deepening the spirit.

This tablet, often read upon death of a believer, encourages us all to reflect upon death in order to prepare ourselves for the next life through purification and dedication. Comfort to the bereaved was provided through the affirmation of the immortality of the soul and the focus on God rather than this material world.

Lawh-i-Huriyyih: Tablet of the Maiden

This tablet is described as "inexpressible, mysterious and soul-stirring." "Its perusal moves the heart and evokes feelings of excitement and wonder within the soul." [Revelation of Baha'u'llah vol. 1, pages 124-126] It is written as dialogue between the Manifestation (Baha'u'llah) and the Holy Spirit (Maid of Heaven). Reference is made to both the wonderous experience of God, and to the afflictions and struggles of the time in Baghdad.

Lawh-i-Ayiy-i-Nur: Tablet of the Verse of Light

Revealed in Arabic, this tablet is also known as Interpretation of the Isolated Letters. It was written in response to Mirza Aqay-i-Rikab-Saz, later martyred to the Faith. The explanation focused on the deeper meanings of letters at the beginning of chapters of the Qur'an, which have numerical value, hidden truths, and profound implications.

Lawh-i-Fitnih: Tablet of the Test

This Arabic tablet was revealed for Princess Shams-I-Jihan, known as Fitnih. In this tablet, Baha'u'llah discusses the testing of all of creation, with none exempt. He indicates that learned ones with knowledge, such as religious leaders, will be fall like stars from the heaven, and that what is in hearts will be exposed. Although these concepts continue to have relevance today, He was specifically referring to the challenging activities of dissenters and Covenant breakers.

Suriy-i-Nush

This tablet was revealed in Arabic in Baghdad to honor Siyyid Ja'far-i-Yazdi who had experienced torture and persecution. In this tablet, written at a time of great danger for Baha'u'llah, He speaks of Himself as Divine, and describes the suffering and persecution of previous Manifestations, who were also not recognized by the political and religious leaders of Their times. Baha'u'llah also denounced Shaykh Abdul-Husayn-i-Tihrani as wicked, depraved, and Satan-like in a powerful statement.

Shikkar-Shikan-Shavand

This tablet was written as a commitment to face the presenting dangers, as all Manifestations have endured

Suffering and abuse. Instead of hiding in a safe place, Baha'u'llah affirmed trust in God and "welcomed adversities in order that mankind may be freed and united." [Revelation of Baha'u'llah vol. 1, page 148]

Baha'u'llah also declared to Siyyid Hysayn, a Babi deserter, betrayer, and enemy of Baha'u'llah, that he would not be successful in his evil plans to harm the Cause and the person of Baha'u'llah. This tablet was written at a time of great intrigue, danger, and malicious use of power.

Javahiru'l-Asrar: The Essence of Mysteries

This tablet was revealed in Arabic for Haji Siyyid Muhammad-I-Isfahani, a wise and learned man who recognized Baha'u'llah's divine nature from the nature of His writing. This work refers to the active assassination plots and political schemes surrounding Baha'u'llah's community.

It also gives guidance for spiritual development, with emphasis on humility rather than pride. He also interprets the scriptures of older religions. He explains the qualities that are necessary for recognition of God's truth: "man will see in all things the signs of God, will become humble, never exalting himself above others, and at all times will regard himself as being in the presence of his Lord." [Revelation of Baha'u'llah vol. 1, page 152] The process of spiritual development contained in this work is similar to that of Seven Valleys in that the metaphor of valley is used for stages. However, the names of the valleys are somewhat different from those in Seven Valleys, and include Search, Love, Unity, Wonderment, Annihilation of self, Eternal Life, and That which is Beyond.

Kitab-i-Iqan [Book of Certitude]

This major work was revealed in Persian and Arabic in 1862 in Baghdad to the eldest maternal uncle of the Bab, Haji Mirza Siyyid Muhammad, also known as Khal-i-Akbar. This book, considered to be the spiritual completion of the Bayan, was revealed in two days and nights. It is considered a work of central significance in the Baha'i Faith, with a treasured copy in the handwriting of Abdul Baha.

Themes include:

Linking of Babi Dispensation with Baha'u'llah's Revelation by writing to the Uncle about the concept of Manifestation before the public declaration two years later
Honoring the Station of the Bab and the significance of His mission
Interpretation of the Bible and the Qur'an to establish validity of His station through scriptural explanation
Explanation of the concept of Manifestations of God, the exalted station of the Manifestations of God
The continuity of revelation , relating all religions to common Source, and unifying all Prophets under the concept of Progressive Revelation
Lamentation of the suffering and cruelties experienced by Divine Messengers throughout the ages
Explanation of the resistance of those in power to His message based on their own investment in existing institutional power and asset
Warning of the interference of acquired learning in acceptance of His station, and the limitation of blindly following leaders
Guidance to believers including clear directions for personal conduct, how to act in the world despite hardship and abuse, guidance regarding ego based materialism and detachment, avoidance of pride and seeking for glory, caution regarding negativity among believers
Preparation of believers for tests which distinguish the sincere from the false
Emphasis on purity of heart as a basis for understanding rather than acquired knowledge and intellectual training.
Unifying all mankind into one family under the guidance of harmony and truth.
Preparation of the faithful for tests through systematic persecution
Preparation of the faithful for strength of faith in the face of betrayal within their community
Guidance for believers regarding standards of personal conduct and detachment from worldly desires
Joyful announcement of the Station of Baha'u'llah
Affirmation of the continuity of Revelation throughout all Prophets
Establishment of the Covenant as a basis for loyalty, with consequences for betrayal

Subhana-Rabbiya'l-A'la [Praise to the Exalted Lord]

This Tablet in Arabic was revealed in honor of Haji Mirza Musay-i-Javahiri, known as Harf-i-Baqa [Letter of Eternity]. This Tablet guides Mirza Musa, the Letter of Eternity, to detach himself from the material world, and warns of tests of the faithful. Its allusive language requires listening with the heart.

Lawh-i-Ghulamu'l-Khuld [The Youth of Paradise]

This Tablet, written in both Arabic and Persian, was revealed to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab. It honors the Bab as the source of all knowledge, the Point from which all knowledge comes, as were all previous Prophets of God. In allegorical language, this Tablet also announces, identifies, and declares the joyful arrival of His own Revelation. It continues the guidance of preparation of the hearts of believers by detachment from worldly and ego-based ideas.

Hur-i-Ujab [The Wondrous Maiden]

This Tablet, in Arabic, continues the theme of unveiling his Station in allegorical and celebratory language. It also refers to the blindness of the unfaithful ones (Mirza Yahya).

Az-Bagh-i-Ilahi [From the Garden of Holiness]

This joyous ode alternates Persian and Arabic verses, thus creating a response of ecstasy, excitement, and rapture in those who chanted it at a feast hosted by Abdu'l Baha who was then 18 years old. The verses reveal the exalted Station of Baha'u'llah, who was moved by the intensity of the group and joined the gathering with a blessing of rose water.

Lawh-i-Ayyub [Tablet of Job], a.k.a. Suriy-i-Sabr [Surih of Patience]

This Tablet, in Arabic, was revealed in honor of Haji Muhammad-Taqi, a wealthy supporter of the Bab. This Tablet describes the persecution and martyrdom in Nayriz, with brutality toward the women and children who survived, as well as the atrocity of carrying the heads of martyrs on lances in a parade to Shiraz.

This tablet honors Vahid, one of the Letters of the Living, and supports the believers of Nayriz with encouragement to demonstrate virtues in their lives and to be firm in faith despite persecution. This lengthy Tablet explains the virtues of patience, overcoming desire, fortitude with suffering, and preparation for tests which would try their faith.

Baha'u'llah revealed this Tablet on the night before his departure from Iraq in preparation of the believers for separation from Him. He affirmed the continuity of Divine Revelation and asserted the idea that His Cause will gather the human race in unity.

Tablet of the Holy Mariner

This Tablet, with two parts in Arabic and Persian, was revealed on the fifth of Naw-Ruz in 1863 outside Baghdad. Only the Arabic part has been translated to English. Its sorrowful content preceded the Governor's direction that Baha'u'llah was to go to Constantinople. This Tablet forecasts future events of betrayal, and has the theme of man's unfaithfulness to God's Covenant. Its symbolic language requires meditative reflection for understanding, serves as a reference point for reminding believers of the necessity of loyalty to the Covenant when under challenge, and sets the stage for removal of the opposition from the Cause. It warns of those who would foolishly depict themselves as godlike and "above their stations" and describes the suffering and grief He experiences upon betrayal by believers.

This Tablet refers to Baha'u'llah as the Holy Mariner, to believers as dwellers in the ark, the ark as the Cause of God and the Covenant as source of protection and safety. In this Tablet, Baha'u' llah defines his Station, and states that denial of Him is denial of all previous Prophets.

It continues the guidance of purification of the heart, overcoming self and passion, and faithful strength of conduct.

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