16th Chapter
Empty our mind of idle fancies (submit to God),
hold fast to stillness (rely on God),
then we can see with insight and discover everything set in motion and come to life, and then it will return to the state of origin, that is, back to rest.
The things we see are in many forms, but they all go back to their original state in the end.
When the mind returns to its origin, it is called “quiescent”.
“Quiescent” means returning to its “being”.
In the state of “being”, it is called “constant”.
To be able to recognize the “constant” state is called “understanding”.
If one can’t live in this “constant” state of mind, it means his mind more likely lives in vain imagination, that is where the troubles come from.
Whoever understands “constant”, has compassion toward others and is accepting of others.
Because he is forbearing towards others, he shows justice with loving-kindness.
His justice shows he is the master of self as in his heart lives a king.
When one becomes the master of self his spiritual quality will be heavenly.
When one becomes a holy being his attributes will reflect the light of Tao/God.
The one who lives in Tao is an eternal being.
Even if his body perishes, his spirit is immortal.
Implications from the Holy Books
For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not, and you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”— therefore you shall flee! And, “we will ride on swift horses” Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift! ── Isaiah 30:15-16
O SON OF MAN!
If thou lovest Me, turn away from thyself; and if thou seekest My pleasure, regard not thine own; that thou mayest die in Me and I may eternally live in thee. —Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic 7
O SON OF SPIRIT!
There is no peace for thee save by renouncing thyself and turning unto Me; for it behooveth thee to glory in My name, not in thine own; to put thy trust in Me and not in thyself, since I desire to be loved alone and above all that is. —Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic 8
It behooveth the loved ones of God to be forbearing towards their fellowmen, and to be so sanctified and detached from all things, and to evince such sincerity and fairness, that all the peoples of the earth may recognize them as the trustees of God amongst men. —Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 115
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