Fidál, 12 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 178 B.E.

Seen

The rain stops, the clouds leave, the sun shines and …

… the fall colors are nigh upon us!

Done

But clear skies at night bring a drop in temps—forecast in the upper 30s. Spent the afternoon rearranging furniture in the Florida room to a “winter config” to accommodate the houseplants. This old century plant, which I mentioned a week ago, had to come in first due to its location in the room.

Everything is safely tucked away except the geraniums. I’m betting it won’t get THAT cold so I’ll deal with them tomorrow.

Noted

Astral Prospecting on Instagram: Saugeye — hybrid between the Sander vitreus (Walleye) and Sander canadensis (Sauger)

Difficult to say if it meets the 21” minimum in length to qualify for Fish Ohio Recognition Program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, but it did fit into the Astral Prospector’s frying pan and onto the menu:

Quoted

The sacred writings of the Bahá’í Faith clearly define the role of reason in attaining spiritual insight. These teachings advise a seeker to ‘apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments. For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will be opened and will recognize the Sun through itself. Then man will be in no need of arguments …’ 1 In divine questions we must not depend entirely upon the heritage of tradition and former human experience; nay, rather, we must exercise reason, analyze and logically examine the facts presented so that confidence will be inspired and faith attained.’ 2

This book is the fruit of one person’s struggle to understand and fulfill these admonitions. It seeks to present, in rational terms, the basis for my belief that the Bahá’í Revelation is divine in origin, and to explain why I see its claim as posing a challenge of critical importance to humanity. Since religious conviction has roots that go far deeper than words or logic, it would be presumptuous to call this book a complete statement of my reasons for being a Bahá’í. Those reasons which I can explain in print constitute only one aspect (and not necessarily the most important aspect) of the experiences and promptings which have helped shape my belief. Nevertheless, I share them in the hope that they will prove useful or stimulating. 3

My sister and brother-in-law recently relocated and chose to donate several books in their library rather than move them. Many of these volumes are not well-known, but due to the topics they cover and the manner in which their authors explore them, they warrant a nod of recognition before being sent on their way. Accordingly, most quotes referenced in the “Quoted” section come from these books. Maybe they will stir (or renew) your interest, too.

  1. Baha’u’llah and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Baha’i World Faith. 1943. 1956 Edition, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1976, 383-384. [return]
  2. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 327. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/24#852349855 [return]
  3. Matthews, Gary L. The Challenge of Bahā’ú’lláh: Proofs of the Bahá’í Revelation. Revised Edition, George Ronald, 1999, xv-xvi. [return]