“O thou spiritual leaf who art verdant and well-watered...”
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, (1909) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
O thou spiritual leaf who art verdant and well-watered by the outpouring from the Kingdom of God!
Verily, I beseech His Presence, the Mighty and the majestic One, to enlighten the mind through the lights gleaming from the summit of the Kingdom, and by which thy tongue shall become eloquent with the remembrance of the Ever-living One (He who liveth and dieth not), to make thee a lamp shininng with the lights of knowledge in those far-distant horizons and vast countries.
Verily, I say unto thee, the Covenant of God and His Alliance is a Lamp diffusing lights from the Supreme Concourse unto the horizons of the earth and heaven. Whosoever hath this Divine Lamp before his face, his forehead shall glisten with manifest light and his speech shall take effect in all minds and spirits, and God shall assist him by the poser which penetrateth the essences of things.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas (1909). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19312.
Discuss this story
For adults
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- What stands out about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response in this account?
For teens
- Which line in this story surprised you the most?
- How could the spirit of devotion show up in your week?
Reflection
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice devotion?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "“O thou spiritual leaf who art verdant and well-watered...”" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1909). *Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19312/pg19312-images.html
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