Selections of "The Hidden Words" by Bahá’u’lláh (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Born in 1817 in Tehran, Persia, or present-day Iran, Bahá’u’lláh was the enlightened Prophet and founder of the Bahá’i Faith. He and His teachings are believed to be prophesied in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and other religions. The Arabic word Bahá means “glory” or “splendor.” The Bahá’i Faith rests on three main concepts, also known as the “three onenesses”: unity of God, unity of religion, and unity of humankind. Today, we present to you a selection from “The Hidden Words” by Bahá’u’lláh. “This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous, that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of divine virtue.”

“O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting. O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom, if thou desire Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily, justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.”

“O Son of Being! Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me. Enter therein and tarry not. This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our kingdom above and Our exalted dominion. O Son of Being! Thou art My lamp and My light is in thee. Get thou from it thy radiance and seek none other than Me. For I have created thee rich and have bountifully shed My favor upon thee.”

“O Son of Light! Forget all save Me and commune with My spirit. This is of the essence of My command, therefore turn unto it.”