Jamál, 12 Qudrat (Power), 178 B.E.

Seen

Base of a Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern in the snow …

… wondering what happened to the rest of it ;-)

Done

Quick trip to the Detroit area to visit family …

… another magnolia tree was waiting for me to take its picture!

Noted

Astral Prospecting on Instagram

First time catching a flathead catfish:

Marc Bosserman on Instagram and Marc Bosserman Music and Musings on YouTube

Tab’s Galaxy on YouTube

Quoted

The key, therefore, to answering the question of how to attain happiness is learning how to develop our spiritual nature. This question has been answered by Bahá’u’lláh. He has taught that we can develop spiritually by fulfilling the twin, inseparable duties of recognizing the Manifestation of God and observing His ordinances. All those who have accepted Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age strive to observe the ordinances He has set forth. His Teachings reveal that spiritual excellence is not an idealistic or impractical goal that only a few will reach. Rather, it is available to every person who makes the effort to understand and fulfill life’s purpose by performing certain sacred duties and practices. The purpose of the present book is to discuss the basic features of these duties and practices, which are “the essential requisites for our spiritual growth” 1 and which “represent the path towards the attainment of true spirituality.” 2 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. Hornby, Helen, ed. Lights of Guidance: A Baháʾí Reference File. 2nd rev. and enl. Ed. 1983. Reprint, New Delhi, India: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1988, 540 [return]
  2. Ibid, 541. [return]
  3. Vafai, Shahin. The Path toward Spirituality: Sacred Duties and Practices of the Bahá’í Life. 1996. 2nd ed, Palabra Publications, 1998, 4. [return]