Questions, Might

Month, Day: 170, Questions, Might (Glory)

Today is the winter solstice. We're on the tenth day of Questions.

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Aqdas #144: Consort with all religions with amity and concord, that they may inhale from you the sweet fragrance of God.

Along with this, we've been counseled to not engage in "contention and conflict." Does this not bring forward a new view of Might?

Remarks:

12/21/2013 --


Modified: 12/21/2013

Will of Speech

Month, Day: 170, Speech, Will (Grace)

After Speech, we will have Questions which is the basis of science and, then, Honour which denotes reward, somewhat.

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HW II #16:  O ESSENCE OF NEGLIGENCE! Myriads of mystic tongues find utterance in one speech, and myriads of hidden mysteries are revealed in a single melody; yet, alas, there is no ear to hear, nor heart to understand. 

Remarks:

12/03/2013 --


Modified: 12/03/2013

Power and motivation

Month, Day: 170, Power, Splendour (Perfection)

Power, first of the Motivational months. Then, we have Speech, Questions, and Honour.

HW #34:  O SON OF SPIRIT! The spirit of holiness beareth unto thee the joyful tidings of reunion; wherefore dost thou grieve? The spirit of power confirmeth thee in His cause; why dost thou veil thyself? The light of His countenance doth lead thee; how canst thou go astray?


Remarks:

11/04/2013 --


Modified: 11/04/2013

Twelfth

Month, Day: 170, Knowledge, Sovereignty (Independence)

We are about to go from the Operational (last month of which has the first of the Twin Birthdays) to the Motivational (first month of which has the second of the Twin Birthdays).

And, we'll be in Questions before we know it. Is not that the biggest gift of all? Without it, no science.Too, Questions were allowed in the Aqdas.

Remarks:

03/25/2016 -- A change in the calendar will have these two adjusting. As well, we have a principal vector upon which to contemplate.


Modified: 03/23/2016

Will it

Month, Day: 170, Will, Sovereignty (Beauty)

Will? Yes, from the lowest form of life up to the ephemeral. Like Questions, it is one of the basic gifts for which we ought to be thankful, always.
 
Being, and will, are essential (SAQ #80): The names and attributes of God require the existence of beings, and the Eternal Bounty does not cease. If it were to, it would be contrary to the perfections of God.

Some might even claim will for the non-life beings. However we may get there, science can (and will) study will and Will in a more full context than is allowed now (audacity says).

Remarks:

10/13/2013 --


Modified: 10/13/2013

Technical and more

Month, Day: 170, Will, Grandeur (Beauty)

I missed the whole month of Might, for several reasons. But, Knowledge (the month of the Bab) is right around the corner, so we'll resume. After that, the Motivational comes to fore.

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When looking at the popular posts, we have the following order:

• Technical spirit (Sept 2, 2009) -- Motivated by articles in the ACM Communications. Turns out that this post has a similar sense (more below).
• We are not idempotent? (May 9, 2012) -- The concept can be applied to many situational themes, especially those related to the strangling mesh of a mathematical/computational origin that is being put over human kind. By whom? Those who have the wherewithal to do so. Now, the concern is not the reality of this type of thing with its being, naturally (and supernaturally), part of human nature. The problem is that Independent Investigation of the Truth applies here, with more connotative emphasis than some might have thought (way beyond the religious-based usages). Too, those doing IIofT must attune their heads and hearts, as needed. Part of this would be to properly filter processing of "residues" (see below).    
• Christopher Hitchens (Jan 21, 2012) -- He was of comprehension, more than most. The lesson is that we don't comprehend (as said von Neumann) many things; yet, those who build constructively (even though they still allow the use of infinity) do not grasp the underlying issue. How can they when the universe seems to  be reflecting right back to them what they are looking for? (see below)
• Audacious comment (Aug 3, 2013) -- Along the line of the prior bullet, on the BF&S page on Wikipedia, there is a listing of notions that seems to have appeared firstly in the Writings. The list ought to be (and will be, at some point) much longer. In fact, creative urges, unfounded otherwise, will result from the Words. However, one discussion, which is an example of how things can go awry, considered whether the Writings could be used logically (as in, from one view, embedded within the Writings, some string being able to support a reasoning chain). Well, given that humans are, in part, rationally based, the answer is yes. However, the modern trend is to discount that which cannot be Turing-based (not as hopeless as it might seem - see below).

 There is a fifth post, Yearly measure, on the list that remains open to discussion.

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Now, the recent Communications (see first bullet) had an article that applies to the themes behind the blog. The article (by Mark Braverman, of Princeton University, "Computing with Real Numbers, from Archimedes to Turing and Beyond") is considered premium and is not available on-line (so, run down to the nearest library).

Mark uses the progression from the natural numbers upward to illustrate his points. We all have an intuitive sense for these numbers. The rationals may be a little more problematic. Some feel that they ought to be introduced earlier in the educational process. Going further, one gets into the reals and the more involved number systems, such as complex numbers.

As an aside, one thing that we see with the earlier types is a close correspondence between the thing and how we name it. For instance, for any lower-level number, we can easily say it and even demonstrate it with objects. Even with the more complicated numbers, there are times when we see "nice" ways to handle things. Mark uses an example of a simple harmonic oscillator. In fact, one finds closed-form opportunities in many places.  Prior to computation's emergence last century, humans did quite well this way.

The point, so far? Names and Attributes are one thing that we'll continue to bring up. Too, computation brings in complexity; approximations allow us some leeway; yet, at the core, there are the lessons from the Valleys (underdetermination, of sorts).

Mark gets into more complex notions that result from trying to model natural processes (and God's creation). Too, in order to get beyond undecidability and its influence, we have seen many creative schemes applied. For instance, with the spread of computers and systems, all sorts of algorithms exist that allow people to compute, and display, Julia sets which are great for illustrating issues related to convergence and its opposite.

A key notion deals with equivalence which is a very hard problem that has been, in part, conquered. One might say that dropping the whole notion has been the operational mode (it was phrased this way, as, other things have undergone equivalent (yes) parsing - all the way up to ...).

After Mark discusses how bringing in parameters allows further control including the continued existence of problematic issues, he suggests that allowing for noise can help reduce things to a tractable state. In a sense, one might see this as a parallel seen in the success of fuzzy methods.

But, then we get back to probabilistic issues which come from another use of numbers. So, computation is hard; too, though, it ought to be instructive to mathematics in a quasi-empirical sense. Perhaps, that hardness can be, in the long term, indicative of the limits that we need to understand. That is, being cannot be encompassed by this means (or, by any other of our way); but, given its growing usefulness, modelling can be considered essential to our future.

So, we're at a type of cusp. Describing this seems to be in order; perhaps, we'll get there at some point.  
Remarks:

09/30/2013 --


Modified: 09/30/2013

Bridge from the Operational

Month, Day: 170, Names, Power (Beauty)

Motivational. Haven't paid enough attention to this group. Have not even made a category for it.

Essentially: Power, Speech, Questions, Honour.

Perhaps, it's due to the intuitive appeal of the Operational. But, could leverage off the Twin Festivals which span Operational and Motivational.

Aside: Twin appears several times.


Remarks:

09/02/2013 -- Eyes, ears, self-ness.


03/25/2016 -- A change in the calendar will have these two adjusting. As well, we have a principal vector upon which to contemplate.


Modified: 03/23/2016

Eyes, ears, self-ness

Month, Day: 170, Names, Mercy (Beauty)

Being, now, in the Operational times, we can expect action. And, audacity would suggest that more information (abundantly so) awaits within the Writings.

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Consider that we need to get a better handle on consciousness, for ourselves and the future. That "handle" would be of use several ways, including pushing back the frontiers.  As we wait for the world to wake up, we can have our own little musings.

Such as? Take the #11 Hidden Words (Persian): O SON OF DUST! Blind thine eyes, that thou mayest behold My beauty; stop thine ears, that thou mayest hearken unto the sweet melody of My voice; empty thyself of all learning, that thou mayest partake of My knowledge; and sanctify thyself from riches, that thou mayest obtain a lasting share from the ocean of My eternal wealth. Blind thine eyes, that is, to all save My beauty; stop thine ears to all save My word; empty thyself of all learning save the knowledge of Me; that with a clear vision, a pure heart and an attentive ear thou mayest enter the court of My holiness.

It suggests an operational framework with benefits beyond belief. In short, it separates out eyes, ears, and self (as thyself). Now, consider what the Master said about cognition (see spiritual powers - we could have a mapping seeing/imagination, hearing/thought, comprehension/self-ness) and wonder how this might apply in the modern reductionistic world where we're essentially thought of as a collection of particles and energies. 

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In other words, we can see if we desire. The Words are there for our use. Then, we can know God.

Think of an argument as consonance exemplified if it is true (rings as such). Ears tied to rationality? The modern world has embraced dissonance (music, for example); such movements toward the random side do not remove what messages are there for us to identify.  

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Another trend related to progress is toward enabling human efforts. And, such phenomena go beyond those things of concern to the elite view (and separatist's mindset). We like to use "savant" for unexplained talents; yet, it may very well be that latent talents will emerge more from non-elite situations than not. One case in point: numeracy (taking, for instance, STEM as the sole basis for our truth maintenance is wrongful - there are inverses of numeracy that are very interesting and potent - actually, those who bastardize mathematics have entrapped us heavily in ways that will take much effort to untangle). 

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No Luddite am I; rather, I grate at the lop-sided worldviews that have such prominence, now.

Remarks:

08/25/2013 -- 

Modified: 08/25/2013

The Poets

Month, Day: 170, Perfection, Questions (Majesty)

Our best benefit is this Attribute, the foundation of science.

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Earlier, we took a brief look at Either/Or. One either accepts something or not. This applies across the board; even, dear readers, in science where "faith" pertains to belief (perhaps, measured by comfort-ability with) in the system (methods, etc.), the players (credentials), and even one's own prowess (yes, the development of hubris is not uncommon). One of our 21st Century problems is that perceived effectiveness of quantitative methods (read, applied mathematics) leads toward a shroud that is appallingly deadening to the spirit (whatever that is? -- ah, audacity will cover that, to boot).

Now, given methods and their chief tendency (centralism), we see the necessity to demonstrate a broader sense of knowing (not an important issue?). These ways of knowing are accepted by some; how many of those who accept have any idea of the functional aspects?

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So, given a Faith, one has Writings to consider. Of course, the believer accepts the Writings. The non-believer not; so, we have the need to address issues, many times, without using the Writings (to be discussed). So, given the choice, mentioned above, one would have Writings (inspired) on the one hand; on the other, it would be a matter of creativity, being clever, and other human approaches.

Now, can one obtain knowledge such that science (without some serious changes) cannot evaluate the source, the context, veracity, and more? Of course. Such really is what is behind success of the highest nature. Despite protestations otherwise, consciousness is not under anyone's thumb (that is, all materialistically motivated attempts are lacking -- and will continue to be -- that is one thing for audacity to bring out). 

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One of the Writings is the Koran. It's an enormous amount of material that was spoken for a long while. Later, there were attempts to write what was recalled in a more permanent form.

There are other Sources, however we use the Koran due to its relationship with the Glory and the Master. They knew to quote from this source.

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Now, using a nice Koran site, let's look at The Poets. In this Sura, there is a listing of earlier Prophets.

Why is this important? Well, the inspiration behind the Koran puts a strong basis behind its veracity. Okay? 

So, we could match up these Prophets with the Bible; we could also take a historical view.

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We'll get back to this, but we can list a few and their times: Moses (ca. 1391 BCE), Eber/Hud (ca. ?), Lot (ca. 2000 BCE), Jethro (ca. Moses' father-in-law), Salih (ca. ?), Noah (ca. before Lot). This list is from only one sura. There are many more Prophets mentioned elsewhere in the Koran.

Again, given their mention, we can take them as historical fact. Filling in the details may, or may not, be of interest. 

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The theme, in each case, is that the Prophet tried to get people to listen but failed, in general. There were those who listened; the majority did not (makes on think of the Return mentioned in the Iqan). Now, one could consider the repercussions of the failure, but we can go in other directions, too. Such as? How could have listening changed what was known?

Ah, in the ancient past, that is a long stretch. But, please consider. It is not hard to look at how things have unfolded with the past 200 years or so and, then, to ponder how things might have been different. In fact, one might argue that we are to do just that, using the Revelation time as a point of reflection (actually, it's more an issue of a symmetry of sorts).

Remarks:

08/15/2013 -- Abraham is not in the list? He's at the top.

Modified: 08/15/2013

Octaves?

Month, Day: 170, Perfection, Perfection (Majesty)

4 Attributes, 5 Groups

By having the yearly congruence, we can see a little closer.  Earlier, I mentioned sevenths (and other groupings) in the sense of chords.  However, the grouping went along only one axis in the discussion. That way, one might see Light/Knowledge/Loftiness, for example.

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Seven is an interesting number. The week's length gives us work and rest days; of course, we got that from Genesis.

Today, I was thinking of going along the other axis. In that mode, one finds that Perfection would start the second group. As follows:

• Splendour, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words
• Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech
• Questions, Honour, Sovereignty, Dominion, ??, Loftiness

"??"? Yes, for the year, we have the intercalary period which ought to be of interest to a scientific view (more on this, over time). In the months, is there a "null" between Dominion and Loftiness?

Why ask? Well, we have two mappings, which would depend upon the choice. Light/Knowledge/Loftiness, as mentioned above. And, Light/Knowledge/??. Ah, like that?

You see, audacity would say that the models need to change to allow something like this, Great Undecidable (characterize it, or name it, as you wish -- at least, be respectful of the choice, if not for yourself, for others -- the choice? yes, a fundamental right for everyone to make for themselves).

However GU works, it has already led our technical prowess to a stalemate. That is, the technical, mathematical framework has come back upon itself. Well, as we can argue, people have to be central to a proper working of that framework. For some reason, modern hubris has chosen to throw out intuition and to allow computers to reign (many times).

All arguable, yet the whole issue is whether doing the above-suggested would have operational effects (note, please, that measurability would be subsumed under this, not drive it -- to rephrase, the change would be toward a mode in which mathematics participated but did not own the principle views). The key thing now would be to set up the proper experimentation.

And, that would not be within the context mentioned by the Master (miracles, where the Glory challenged the mullahs to ask for a miracle which, as we know, is only for those there). For such, those not there, either because of space or time, have the right to play the doubting Thomas.

Too, science's basis is public, repeatable, and several other things. It turns out that we do have something emerging that would provide the platform for experimentation (the web, in a very broad sense). This platform would, for one, break the barriers related to elitism that is so rampant in modern thought.  

That last statement? Consider, please, the imperative nature of the autodidact's contributions.

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

Modified: 08/08/2013

Audacious comment

Month, Day: 170, Perfection, Beauty (Glory)

I did not expect to be back to this until 8/8 (Perfection squared; here's another type), however a comment left on the Baha'i Faith and Science Talk page provided an unexpected motivation. Rather than respond to the comment on the Talk page, I decided to do so here.

Firstly, the comment (in part - see discussion, below) from Anonymous (from Texas): ... But I also believe in prophecy. I have my own interpretations of Baha'i prophecies on science. I believe that what this page says about creation and nuclear power is true.... As for ether, I believe that Abdul Baha was referring to the Higgs boson. Transmutation of elements? I believe that refers to picotechnology and femtotechnology which are orders of magnitude smaller than nanotechnology. ...

Secondly, there are many things to discuss, in an audacious mode. Whether or not the topic gets attention by those doing "scholarly" work can be immaterial. I can put my finger on several examples where the peers did not understand some person who turned out to be right. But, more, it's a matter of concern for the individual (no group will stand in your stead when it's your time). This is brief, but we can say this: science, and knowledge, are far beyond what the current-day cohorts (of talent, drive -- in other words, on the largely-gifted side -- see the little thing about gallons, cups, handfuls) have wrapped within their mathematically-flavored sense of reality.

Thirdly, we have the Wiki policies to consider. That is not the platform for discussion or creatively expressed ideas. So, where is there such? Well, we could have a page off the BF&S to allow such. The Talk page has gotten a lot of use. 

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I like the use of "prophecy" and am assuming some notion of other ways of knowing. One onus for those of the BF'ers (or any who honor spirituality) would be to counter yokes that are all the time trying to encompass being (restrain it) into a bounded state. Mind you, an individual very well may constrain itself; that is a matter of choice (actually, it is counseled - but, against whose judgment is one to reflect for value?). It's more than a matter of constraints; any autodidact would easily show something to his/her peers, if they would listen (unfortunately, that is not the way of the world whose principle value resides within a committee who offers prizes -- we can discuss this, at length).

Yes, the BF&S page mentions a lot more than it did in 2005. That denotes progress. But, some of the words seem to dance around (almost tautological view of minerals being everywhere - as if this were life in the larger connotations), so as to not get dinged (?) by those who are virulently supportive of their modern views (some of which are more scientism than not - sometimes noted as Brights, here). So, the comment's take on the items is nice to see. We'll get back to this.

Ether? Yes, that is a problematic area; it's almost a litmus test to see if someone falls into hubris with their knowledge. Consider, too, psyche-ether's use, to boot. One thing that grates, frankly, on the BF&S page was the almost apologetic explanation of what the Master meant. Granted, language is temporal and situational. Yet, that to which the Master alluded did not fade away (just as God did not die). So, see the next item, please.

Higgs? Yes, a lot of money has been (is being) spent to find out what we already know (there is something from the Bab about the new-born babe today knowing more than all of the scholars of His time --- applies today, given time, I'll explain). Again, it gets back to private versus public knowledge. The former is not illusory, by nature (in fact, it's more real than the latter). The latter is artifact-based (including language being used as a tool), as in, does not deal with essence.

And, the models that motivate the money being spent get re-inforced by the intelligent cosmos (small "c" used purposely). That is, what was found out was precisely what we were led to find out. Yet, the large truth is still there, ready for grasping. The main question is how this might come about. Consider: a future model, where the Great Undecidable nestles within and surrounds the computational - essentially, a wisely attuned quasi-empirical framework as the operational basis. Again, just a brief statement here; can discuss this ad infinitum. 

Now, two paragraphs above, I suggested that we already know. Yes, that pertains to bringing back intuition into the equation. How this might be done will be a whole area of study and practice in itself. Perhaps, our main hope is that the BF, using the Master and more, can demonstrate efficacy (such as we will need) in establishing such (more than cognition).

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So, considering that futurists can be listened to (with a grain of salt and more), why not have a section on the BF&S page dealing with the future. After all, the cosmologists have run amok already far beyond what their model can support (ah, how to explain this to them?). Perhaps, a more tempered viewpoint deserves some attention. 

Remarks:

04/03/2015 -- This is a popular post. See NDEers for a bit of audacity.

09/30/2013 -- More of a technical nature.

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

08/04/2013 -- This is not to be construed as an off-site area for discussion of Wikipedia content. Rather, it's a blog with a Science/Religion flavor within the contexts mentioned in the Title written and maintained by the blogger representing only his viewpoint.  There just happened to be a recent overlap of interest with an entry on a particular Talk page. Hey. In truth, this blog started since Wikipedia is not the platform for the content that this blog attempts to bring forth for discussion. 

08/04/2013 -- Forgot to mention the Great Ether. Incidentally, the list of things to discuss is very long. Here is one thrown out in good spirit: Virgin Mary. But, once opening the door, it's hard to stop: Apple of the Eye of the Bab.

Modified: 04/03/2015

Gift of Perfection

Month, Day: 170, Perfection, Splendour (Majesty)

We close the Teleological and get ready for the Operational and beyond. What better gift than that? With Questions in each month, as well as a Motivational assist?

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So, we'll now have 19 days of congruence with which to ponder how audacity ought to unfold and many other things. We'll be back on eight of eight (Perfection of Perfection) for a few more words.
 
Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

08/01/2013 -- Gift? Yes, let Teleological, and the concept's wide variety of connotations, be the clue.

Modified: 08/08/2013

Words to Perfection

Month, Day: 170, Words, Questions (Glory)
Month, Day: 170, Words, Honour (Beauty)

We'll continue to recall the 100 years ago visit.

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But, Words, by themselves, are not enough. For instance, let's look at this.

Hidden Words, #30: O SON OF MAN! Deny not My servant should he ask anything from thee, for his face is My face; be then abashed before Me.

One can think of a number of things that one ought not do for another (be immoral, for instance - but, who's to judge that? --- more, do something illegal?). But, there are issues that can be fairly complicated to consider.

Now, juxtapose with this.

Gleanings, pg 263: It is for this reason that, in those days, no man shall ever stand in need of his neighbor.

We need to consider the role of independent views, for one thing. Audacity and science is another way to look at this.

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Perfection is a theme that needs more attention. It's the month that has a beginning congruent to the beginning of August. It is the last of the Teleological group. Words and Names are symmetric around Perfection. And, much, much more.

Remarks:

08/01/2013 -- Nineteen whole days of congruence, each year. Gift, indeed.

Modified: 08/01/2013

The illustrious

Month, Day: 170, Mercy, Questions (Perfection)

Last year, as we followed the Master's journey of 100 years ago (now 101), it was interesting to see who came to visit Him. As well, He got to the Library of Congress. Didn't see any visit to Congress.

In DC, all of the literati lined up, it looks like. One of them was Adolphus Greely who rose to the level of Major General. The General had an interesting career. He, in his younger days, led a team, in 1881, to the polar region. They got stranded and were rescued 1884. The majority of the team was lost.

Later, in his post-retirement years, he had the opportunity to meet the Master.

Remarks:

07/08/2013 -- 

Modified: 07/08/2013

Light, Light

Month, Day: 170, Light, Light (Beauty)

A double, of an important attribute. It may be in the Teleological group, but there are many implications of an Operational nature, to boot. As we know, our whole e-m prowess rests, in part, on this.

For now, let's ponder SAQ #60: But if the human spirit will rejoice and be attracted to the Kingdom of God, if the inner sight becomes opened, and the spiritual hearing strengthened, and the spiritual feelings predominant, he will see the immortality of the spirit as clearly as he sees the sun, and the glad tidings and signs of God will encompass him.

There is a series of lessons here, such as the use of sight, hearing, and feelings. That is, we have these facilities, and they can be used to know. Then, knowing of immortality as clearly as seeing the sun speaks much. To me, audacity is warranted.

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What are we missing? And, how would bringing this in change some worldviews, starting with cosmology?

Remarks:

06/17/2013 -- LIght is shared.

Modified: 06/17/2013

Lessons via Hands

Month, Day: 170, Grandeur, Names (Glory)

Last year, we had the Master's visit (celebration thereof) to recall and learn from, in our own ways. Being an American Baha'i, reading about the travels was particularly inspiring. Having spent most of my life in the western part of the U.S., that portion of the visit was especially wonderful to read about using the new forms of presentation. I posted related blog posts during the period, last year.

Let us remind ourselves that the western expansion from the eastern start (early 17th century) is a large part of the history of the country. The Master sojourned, for the most part, in the former. There are lessons from that. The western jaunt could be thought of as whirlwind.

That is, in terms of physical size, the west hold many multiples of the little eastern region. 100 years ago, of course, the east had the majority of the population. We'll get back to this theme, as America's role (potential) requires a good re-look.

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Aside: There will be some flavoring of audacity as the theme expands.

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Thinking about the congruences, in space, with the visit that was celebrated last year, and lessons thereof, got me to consider a couple of other lessons. Both of these resulted from being in close proximity of a Hands (Zikrullah Khadem and Abu'l-Qasim Faizi). Note, that proximity does not imply social interaction; I was in the room where they (different calendar days) were giving a talk (and meeting audience members). In both cases, I was puzzled. Mr. Faizi's lesson was more immediately apparent, yet the context/content could be looked at further. Mr. Khadem's was a little more perplexing, at the time and for awhile afterward, since it was more personally oriented. With the passing of time, several things to discuss stand out.

You see, these occurrences were 40+ years ago when I was much younger. Too, there are still lessons for us to learn from those times. Perhaps, the boomers getting to retirement age will bring out some of this, including the approaching 50th year look-back.

We'll get to the lessons and what they mean, later. 

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For now, let's just say that the Hands of the Cause had talents out of the normal related to their role which was limited by point of time.

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Aside (from earlier post): The blogger has been, during his times, in all of the cities visited by the Master in the U.S. though not always being aware that there had been the Presence. So, it's not like a pilgrimage, but there is a record of this in memory and on the ether. Serendipitous convergence, somewhat. -- Addition -- There are patterns, that will relate to cosmology, which can only be understood (perceived?) from the context of the Writings. How will this work (do not limit consideration to the propositional)?

Remarks:

05/25/2013 -- The approach is somewhat similar to writing about inspirational, or interesting, characters met, and such. The context would be of the Faith's Basis.

Modified: 05/25/2013

Science and Religion

Month, Day: 170, Grandeur, Grandeur (Perfection)

One of those square days. Need to get back to the theme related to audacity: Science, Religion (the Master talked of that a lot in his visit - 100th anniversary commemorated last year).

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Lots to discuss, but, for now, let's collect other blogs dealing with the subject (at least, in part).

• http://cosmologybus.typepad.com/ -- ran across this from searching on the subject of Closer to Truth (ran into this series today on youtube while looking at several videos related to current views as supported by higher-order mathematics). 
• ...

...

Remarks:

05/20/2013 --  

Modified: 05/20/2013

St. Paul

Month, Day: 170, Beauty, Power (Independence)


I ran across Paul in a research context. Like I usually do, I went to the Scriptures (and their milieu) to see how Paul fared post Biblical times. As in, yes, how he has carried forward.

Well, evidently, Paul is considered bad by some in Islam. You can search for that.

In Baha'i? There are references. The strongest are in the SAQ (6 hits). But, one worth pondering is in Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the section on "References to the Qu'ran." As in, #189: One’s conduct must be like the conduct of Paul, and one’s faith similar to that of Peter. This musk-scented breeze shall perfume the nostrils of the people of the world, and this spirit shall resuscitate the dead.

Got that? Conduct like Paul; faith like Peter.

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Now, let's proceed to another mention of Paul. Epistle to the Son of Wolf, pg 91: In the Epistle to the Romans Saint Paul hath written: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.” And further: “For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” He saith that the appearance of the kings, and their majesty and power are of God.


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It's good to see some Christian knowledge come forward.

Remarks:

05/10/2013 --  

Modified: 05/10/2013

The four rows?

Month, Day: 170, Glory, Glory (Justice)

A theme: groups. One permutation: chords and groups.

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The image is apropos. The task? What would be the labels for the columns? Or, if the matrix were transposed, what would be the row names?

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Since there are four, the Valleys (Self of God, remembrance of God, neither reason nor authority, blackest of nights)? The Spirits (mineral, vegetative, animal, human). Earlier, there was a mapping to the intellectual attributes: Imagination, Thought, Comprehension, Memory.

All sorts of mysteries abound and can help insight if time is spent in reflection. 

Remarks:

04/10/2013 --  

Modified: 04/10/2013

New Year, 170

Month, Day: 170, Splendour, Splendour (Majesty)

Last year, I missed the Naw -Ruz post: the day of the 'yearly measure', return, and more. I did one on the eve.

• Year 165, Year 166, Year 167, Year 168, Measures (169)

The Rodwell Index.

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This year's meditative focus was, in part, on chords and groups. It is a topic that will relate to memes.

Remarks:

03/21/2013 --  

Modified: 03/21/2013

Effectiveness, Groups

Month, Day: 169, Loftiness, Knowledge (Justice)

We know cycles, by observation and by practice. Our science has taught us a lot about cycles. Mathematics knew about these before we pulled them out through discovery.

Five?

Earlier, we used groupings to relate Attributes (Category: Badi, Search: Groups). Some of those posts are listed below with a little commentary about motivation and content.

• Upward (March 18, 2009) - Post the day of the Saint of the Isles, which is Honour, there is the upward movement toward the next period. Honour is the last of the Motivational months. 
• Groups and cusps (March 24, 2009) - Notice that Light starts the Teleological mix. 
• Transcendent, again (May 30, 2009) - We go into the Transcendent with Naw-Ruz with the new measure.
• Light and Names (October 20, 2009) - It is interesting that Light and Names start their groups. In fact, that first column has an interesting feel; along with these two, we have Splendour, Power, and Sovereignty. 
• Sevenths (December 21, 2009) - Four is not magical; it was picked for a certain type of effectiveness. What we grouped by three? Five (see the image of the Bab's handwriting, above)? Any other number that allows a set greater than 1? Seven is interesting (see 7V4V) in how it relates the months.    
• Chords (December 23, 2009) - The prior bullet's theme brings up chords (see TP & AN).
• Enlightenment (May 22, 2010) - One theme that we'll explore further is looking at the American experience (remembering the negative impact on the native population) in the framework of before and after the advent of the Great Name. 
• Overcoming ignorance (August 27, 2012) -- We have a Perfection each year and month. Lots to say about that.

4 Attributes, 5 Groups

The image, to the right, is the first cut of several on this theme. The columns need to be named (for example, Splendour, Light, Names, Power, Sovereignty). Too, the title would have some meaning. Notice that the Intercalary period (third column) allows for a full matrix (5x4). Also, the insertion of this period into the calendar right before the last month allows for future adjustment of the calendar with minimal effect. One could imagine a shorter or longer Interplanetary period depending upon the state of our solar system.

Operational months are quite purposeful. It is the middle set of groups and map to the harvest times for the northern climes. Too, this grouping is not meant solely for meditative purposes. Just like we can see attributes for days of the week (albeit, some might argue it's purely psychological - ah, is that so?), we can see them for the months of the year. The calendar was set out to allow us a handle on this.

Which brings up the motivational. Questions, as the basis of science, is our main gift.

Remarks:

03/11/2020 -- Still doing Groups (patterns).

04/09/2016 -- We had a triple day, earlier, due to the new definitions.

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

Modified: 03/11/2020

Effectiveness, how to address?

Month, Day: 169, Loftiness, Will (Grace)

The Aqdas has an instruction to repeat the Greatest Name 95 times a day. Too, in God Passes By, the prayer of the Bab (Remover of Difficulties) was mentioned as being appropriate for frequent use. That is, one could say it almost continually (1000 times a day).

In essence, prayer is expected to have results; assuming such results, would any of these be measurable? The short answer would be yes; why else would we have science and prayer? The longer answer would consider several things, such as measurements, effective use, and a whole lot of other things. That is, not everything can be subsumed under a measurement system.

Don't agree? Try to count the sand particles on a beach including those under water. Actually, one could scoop a hole and count what came out. But, residue handling is necessary to account for lost particles. 

Residue? Yes, that which is considered non-important to some scope of reference. Modern methods make great use of this approach that relegates things to be inconsequential, even people.

Yet, any of those can use prayer if only to have strength to put up with their tribulations, lot of which originate from people and their misdeeds. 

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So back to the beach, do you think that you could count the particles without destroying the beach? No. But, again, modern overlays would provide a good estimate which could be operationally effective in some situations and within bounds.

Of course, who cares? And, why do we need to know this? And, more questions can come to mind. But, we have to know. For one, all progress seems to push many toward the inconsequential state. Too, the hubris that comes with such progress warps "value" into usage that fails those who are of the inconsequential class (tight loop).

Right now, the trick question is whether a focus on science, mathematics and technology is a silver bullet. Of course, we know that it's not.

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So, we should want to hear about effective prayer schemes. And, it's more than prayer. The use of the Greatest Name is a type of affirmation. Consider this: it, too, is a focus mechanism whose power we have not understood.

Remarks:

03/12/2013 --

Modified: 03/12/2013

Science and Religion

Month, Day: 169, Sovereignty, Perfection (Glory)

Last time, we ran across a Science/Religion site after reading a book review (Neil Shubin). From there, we have links to many others. A few of note are listed below.

• The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
• AAAS - Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion 
• John Templeton Foundation
•  ...

Remarks:

03/12/2013 -- We need to address effectiveness.

Modified: 03/12/2013

In a grain of sand

Month, Day: 169, Honour, Dominion (Majesty)
Month, Day: 169, Honour, Loftiness (Independence)

Neil Shubin's book takes a grand sweep in its look at life. Such a view makes one marvel at our power of comprehension. His notion of every speck betraying a hidden compliment would approach (in the limit, if you would) those mentions of the atom: HW 29, Iqan #216, et al.

It's nice to see a scientific viewpoint that is uplifting, even if the WSJ thought it deflating.

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Ought we work on a modernization of the argument of the necessity of God, though not in the usual sense? Rather, we either approach via an axiomatic view or through rule set modifications. Then, we ought to be able to show some benefit from the addition of the incomprehensible (either small i or large I, due to choice - small i as operationally useful in the context of intractable situations, large I from the deeper meaning).

Remarks:

03/12/2013 -- We need to address effectiveness.

Modified: 03/12/2013

The Travels

Month, Day: 169, Honour, Mercy (Glory)

After the Master left the USA, some time was spent in Europe, over the winter. So, there was the experience of the northern climates during the cold season. Have found some interesting sites that I'll collect about the travels in the old countries.

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There are still plenty over here to look at, such as this one:

          http://portraitsabdulbaha.blogspot.com/


Remarks:

01/26/2013 -- Jan 6th, arrival in Edinburgh.

Modified: 01/26/2013