“O thou who art seeking for the Power of the Holy...”
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, (1909) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
O thou who art seeking for the Power of the Holy Spirit!
The reality of man is like unto a sea, and the Holy Power is like unto brilliant pearls. Not until the sea moveth in waves doth it throw a shell of pearls upon the shore. Therefore if thou wishest to become heavenly, cut thy attention from the earth; that is, cease to attach thy heart unto this world and seek connection with or attachment to the Kingdom and turn unto God. and when thou doest this, thou wilt become the mercy of God and a gift of the Almighty. Consider how the attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, is in constant progress through the heavenly bounty. I hope that thou mayest become likewise.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas (1909). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19312.
Discuss this story
For adults
- How does this story illustrate the practice of hope?
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
- What might 'Abdu'l-Bahá's example ask of us in our own circumstances?
For teens
- Who is someone you know who lives out hope the way this story describes?
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
Reflection
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice hope?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "“O thou who art seeking for the Power of the Holy...”" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
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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