Selections of “The Hidden Words” by Bahá’u’lláh (vegetarian) – From the Persian, Passages 18–44, Part 1 of 2

Today, we will share some passages from “The Hidden Words,” by Lord Bahá’u’lláh (vegetarian) and translated by Shoghi Effendi (vegetarian). It is a work partly in Arabic and partly in Persian, consisting of short aphorisms revealed by the enlightened Prophet while He walked alongside a riverbank during His exile in Baghdad. Part Two: From the Persian

Passage 18 “O YE DWELLERS IN THE HIGHEST PARADISE! Proclaim unto the children of assurance that within the realms of holiness, near unto the celestial paradise, a new garden has appeared, round which circle the denizens of the realm on high and the immortal dwellers of the exalted paradise. Strive, then, that ye may attain that station, that ye may unravel the mysteries of love from its windflowers and learn the secret of Divine and consummate wisdom from its eternal fruits. Solaced are the eyes of them that enter and abide therein!”

Passage 19 “O MY FRIENDS! Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings ye were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life, which is planted in the all-glorious paradise? Awestruck ye listened as I gave utterance to these three most holy words: O friends! Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that which I have not desired for you, and approach Me not with lifeless hearts, defiled with worldly desires and cravings. Would ye but sanctify your souls, ye would at this present hour recall that place and those surroundings, and the truth of My utterance should be made evident unto all of you.”

Passage 21 “O MOVING FORM OF DUST! I desire communion with thee, but thou would put no trust in Me. The sword of thy rebellion has felled the tree of thy hope. At all times I am near unto thee, but thou are ever far from Me. Imperishable glory I have chosen for thee, yet boundless shame thou has chosen for thyself. While there is yet time, return, and lose not thy chance.”

Passage 28 “O ESSENCE OF DESIRE! At many a dawn have I turned from the realms of the Placeless unto thine abode, and found thee on the bed of ease busied with others than Myself. Thereupon, even as the flash of the spirit, I returned to the realms of celestial glory and breathed it not in My retreats above unto the hosts of holiness.”