Five kinds

Month, Day: 182, Beauty, Might (Grace)   

SAQ (The Five Kinds of Spirit) 

– 36 – The Five Kinds of Spirit  

First is the vegetable spirit… the composition and combination of the elements according to the wisdom and decree of the Most High, and from their mutual arrangement as well as their influence upon, and their interconnection with, other created things. … So, to give an analogy, electricity results from the composition of certain constituent parts, and as soon as these parts are separated, the electrical force is immediately dissipated and lost. Such is the vegetable spirit.

After this is the animal spirit … when by the decree of the almighty Lord it reaches a fuller degree of combination, the animal spirit, which consists in the power of the senses, comes to exist. This power perceives sensible realities—that which can be seen, heard, tasted, smelled, or touched. … It is like this lamp before you: When oil, wick, and flame are brought together, light is produced; but when the oil is exhausted, the wick consumed, and the constituent parts separated, the light will also be extinguished and lost. 

As to the human spirit, its likeness is that of a glass and the bounty of the sun … body of man, which is composed of the elements, is the most perfect form of composition and combination, the soundest arrangement, the noblest composition, and the most perfect of all existing things. It grows and develops through the animal spirit. This perfect body can be compared to a mirror, and the human spirit to the sun: If the glass is shattered or the mirror destroyed, no harm befalls the outpouring grace of the sun, which continues unabated.

This spirit is the discovering power that encompasses all things. … 

But this human spirit has two aspects: one divine and one satanic—that is, it is capable of both the greatest perfection and the greatest deficiency. Should it acquire virtues, it is the noblest of all things; and should it acquire vices, it becomes the most vile. 

As to the fourth degree of spirit, it is the heavenly spirit, which is the spirit of faith and the outpouring grace of the All-Merciful. This spirit proceeds from the breath of the Holy Spirit,

The fifth degree of spirit is the Holy Spirit, which is the mediator between God and His creation. It is like a mirror facing the sun: Just as a spotless mirror receives the rays of the sun and reflects its bounty to others, so too is the Holy Spirit the mediator of the light of holiness, which it conveys from the Sun of Truth to sanctified souls.

Remarks: 08/26/2025

05/06/2025 --   

Exaltation

Month, Day: 181, Perfection, Questions (Justice) 

SAQ (The Difference between Man and Animal) 

This love of transcendence is one of the hallmarks of man. I am astonished that certain philosophers in Europe and America have consented to lower themselves to the animal realm and so to regress, whereas all existence must ever aspire towards exaltation. And yet, were you to call one of them an animal, he would be most hurt and offended.

Remarks: 08/14/2024

08/14/2024 --  

Knowledge as a state

 Month, Day: 181, Mercy, Splendour (Beauty) 

SAQ #25: 

Moreover, entrance and exit, descent and ascent, are characteristics of bodies and not of spirits—that is to say, sensible realities enter and come forth, but intellectual subtleties and mental realities, such as intelligence, love, knowledge, imagination and thought, do not enter, nor come forth, nor descend, but rather they have direct connection.

For example, knowledge, which is a state attained to by the intelligence, is an intellectual condition; and entering and coming out of the mind are imaginary conditions; but the mind is connected with the acquisition of knowledge, like images reflected in a mirror.

Remarks: 06/23/2024

06/23/2024 --   

Old views

Month, Day: 173, Might, Mercy (Perfection)

I read Private Dowding back in 1968 in San Francisco after finding the little book in the Bahai Library. Remarkable, I thought (see my dreams of Hitchens of late). Over the years, I thought of the book, now and then.

At that time, I became aware of Tolkien's work. Imagination is a marvelous thing. After reading the first volume of the Ring series, I had to run to the bookstore to get the second one. A one-time read was sufficient. The popularity, including movies, 40 years later says a lot about the spirit of the times.

My rule is to not see a movie if I read the book first after having been disappointed in things not matching up to my imagination (Paul Simon's song comes to mind). 

So, given the recent emergence of the web/cloud, we are finding things on line all of the time. I ran across Private Dowding at a Bahai site. It was PDF form.

Here is the book at archive.org (which site does wonderful work).

   https://archive.org/stream/PrivateDowding#page/n7/mode/2up

About dreams, see Valley of Wonderment. I can attest to the phenomenon's importance having been dreaming for decades, including all of the Principals of the Faith. That is one motivation for my apple of the Bab's eye remarks.

Actually, Hitch seemed to be off to something new. He was of comprehension (see SAQ).

Remarks: Modified: 09/12/2016

09/12/2016 --

SAQ

Month, Day: 171, Power, Glory (Justice)

We have a new source media: Some Answered Questions. Or, as we have used: SAQ.

Like this format for on-line presentation.

Remarks:

11/05/2014 --

Honour, Glory

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

Second day of Honour, which followed Questions.

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Five aspects of spirit, as seen in SAQ #36. Given the Either/Or, one would expect that people harkening to the heavenly spirit (fourth degree) would have a positive impact on human affairs.

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It's still 2013, in my timezone, despite the clock for this blog having it in 2014. I have it that way so that the new day starts in the evening, post sundown (or close to it).

Remarks:

12/31/2013 --



Modified: 12/31/2013

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

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.

---

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

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

Crown with brilliant jewels

Month, Day: 169, Power, Honour (Perfection)

The headline says, today:  Persian Highbrow Dubs Morgan "Some Philanthropist"

I saw this earlier in the summer but did not notice that the date or that the headline was after the western trip. J.P. Morgan took over his father's bank which had been started by George Peabody. J.P. wasn't universally loved, yet he did change colors and became a giver.

So, that makes one wonder if sins can be bought off. Something like this: step on people, have all sorts of negative impacts, but then turn around and use the money for good. The greed of those after capitalistic pursuits is well-known. Those lusting after power can be problematic, to boot.

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Which brings up the issue of kinghood. We know the Aqdas has a quote that mankind will be of age when noone wants to be king. Yet, we are to serve the king; there seems to be some necessity of the role implied.

Well, it is a role. We can study the royal families in Europe to get a good handle on the intrigue and other matters that ought not be condoned. Except, there are exceptions, like St. Margaret of Scotland.

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In a sense, those ahead of large corporations are the new kings whose domains are beyond any geographic limitations. One doesn't have to go far to see some of these with almost countless poor workers who are trapped into a type of indentured servitude state.

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In True Wealth (SAQ #15), the Master uses the metaphor of a crown: As the compassionate God has placed such a wonderful crown upon the head of man, man should strive that its brilliant jewels may become visible in the world.

Too, the Aqdas tells us of the true throne of gold.

---

So, we'll be getting back to this topic, a lot. It was interesting that the Master first mentioned rank after being here a few months. We know that there are differences in ability. The Master said, though, that all ought to be able to enjoy the fruits of life.

Ought kings be elected? We sure see that attribute come out of the personalities of a lot of elected officials (a whole other topic -- we'll get back to this in a discussion of memes, which are, essentially, a way to discuss something that is metaphysical (perhaps, we need another term) without using the term or concept).

Is a king someone who is on the right side of the distribution in all possible projects from whatever is the hyperspace that describes the requirements for the role?

---

The Master was the King, as we'll explain, for several reasons. Yet, it was like with Christ, those in charge then completely misinterpreted the predictions of the sacred texts. Our intent in looking at this continues the audacious thrust.

Speaking of memes again, we're all kings of ourselves. By capability, we may differ in how we like to spend our time and energy. However, structure is there to keep the system working. Hence, roles will differ; some may have more glory, or power, than others; yet, we're all potentially the whole bit.

And, we do have the aristocracy as subjects for scrutiny so that we can better learn to live peacefully on this planet.

Remarks:

12/06/2012 -- Changed the title. 'brilliant' was mis-spelt. Writing in tongues? See the next audacious post.

Modified: 12/06/2012

No diary?

Month, Day: 169, Might, Might (Perfection)

A double day.

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About the time of the Lincoln visit, the diary quit. It has been really interesting reading these personal notes from several parties. For one thing, they brought forth more interpretations of dreams (about dreams generally) that I have had of the Master. I'll go into these at some point.Too, they personalize the situation. It's one thing to see, hear, or read about something that is public. It's another to know the personal issues, as in the Person versus the Role.

What? Yes, you see, science is public which is its main point (despite protestations by the Brights).

---

So, whilst the Master was on the East coast with the older aspects of our civilization in evidence, we had auxiliary information personal observations about the times and events (I liked the one where the Illuminati of Boston's locale all lined up to make their presence known -- same thing happened in D.C.). Too, we had the Master having little discussions captured by someone who was being succinct due to space, and perhaps time, constraints.

---

At the same time, there were public speeches recorded. However, it was done by hand and brain, though some electronic (artificial) recordings are around. Mainly, we have things from people's efforts (to wit, SAQ). Today, we have capturing everywhere, unedited, unrehearsed, etc. Even from little portable devices, such as the phone (one of the dreams dealt with this, way back in the 60s).

After Nebraska, there aren't any diary entries, unless they'll show up later. It would be easy to find out. But, for now, let's assume that there won't be any. What would that mean?

---

Yes, audacity pushes me on here. As the Master went west, it seemed to me that His talking about the Covenant, and lurking problems, strengthened. You see, look at our history. Too, look at the widening spaces as you go west.

Aside: remember, I've been on this side of the world for decades, mostly, by choice, in the west. Yet, Thornton roamed the same environs.

So, we will have the speeches to follow, daily, in the westward trek. Perhaps, there may be some way to get personal glimmers from what is at the site. We'll have to see. The visit was short, and sweet, comparatively. Oh well. New York was given the title of City of the Covenant.

Aside: hopefully, that will somehow straighten out, at some point, the financial messes that arise from that city which is not as illumined as it ought to be; rather, fairly stinky processes run daily there under the guise of the thoughts laid down by Adam Smith; but, all of that can be characterized in a manner that will describe the problems and hopefully allow creative solutions that are of value to more than the shifty-valued.

Remarks:

10/11/2012 --A visit to the grave site on October 19, 1912.

09/24/2012 -- The west, finally.

09/20/2012 -- Happy to note more content has appeared. The Rockies had to be mentioned.

09/18/2012 -- Sept 26 showed up today. So, I'll just wait and not look ahead too far. Looking forward to reading the CA pieces (and talks).

09/17/2012 -- Now, we have diary entries through Sept 25. Perhaps, they're appearing by some type of period. Throughout the summer, I could look weeks ahead. The Glenwood Springs entry seems like a diary entry. 

09/17/2012 --Was in the SFO area on 09/09/2012, when there was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the visit by the Master. His visit came six years after the earthquake. So, SF was renewing itself, at the time.

Modified: 10/11/2012

Proofs, dreams

Month, Day: 169, Names, Power (Glory)

Mentioning lesson? There are many left to be learned.

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A cursory look follows which will be explored further. Several posts deal with dreams. They have been with us from the beginning (especially, using a chord model and considering Wonderment). In a talk, 100 years ago today, in Canada, the Master used dreams as an example.

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Audacity would claim that the current studies of the dream focus too much on the vehicle, as in that which bridges the material and the spiritual. The spiritual that relate to the senses are five. Of these, the common faculty does the bridging. So, insight via the Writings ought to have some import in studies related to this "phenomenon" (read the Valley's description). Actually, there are several areas that audacity pertains to; in short, any that extrapolate from a limited basis (and they are many).

The Master (SAQ) described one pathway, yet the five would relate in several manners. That would imply other pathways. It's already been suggested that some people seem to have an emphasis on one of these as they process. We all know the powers of the imagination (Albert's quote, et al -- too, hallucinatory experiences). Thought and memory? Lots to discuss there.

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The point is that 'we' (our very selves) are of the other side of the veil, even though we're tied (how this is so remains a mystery) to Creation's physicality (and, how far does this extend?) during a brief moment in time.

Consider: our little box (Hilbert, et al) of wetware-influenced consciousness sweeping through sensible space, yet, at the same time, traversing the worlds (many, many) of God. There is a post that talks this as being one motivation for burial and timeliness of its occurrence. Something to ponder? While embodied, we have choice as to direction (within our box and its sphere plus however we relate to the rest); that, itself, implies an enormous amount of power (yes, even of the physically observable type -- beyond our imagination, at this point) and influence. The main reason to open the box (not Pandora-ish) is to obtain insight so as to do science in a proper manner (the Master says that such is our duty, many times and ways -- hence, audacity's emergence -- nothing to do with hubris).


Remarks:

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

10/17/2012 -- There is a lot to reflect on, about the trip, especially the western loop.

09/24/2012 -- The west, finally.

Modified: 03/12/2013

Hitch, again

Month, Day: 169, Grandeur, Grace (Justice)

Hitch got things boiling a lot. A recent tribute is worth listening to, for several reasons (which we'll get to, eventually). As said before, Hitch was of interest, many ways.

Krauss' tribute says a lot of things that we ought to know. Hitch loved 'knowledge' and seemed to obtain it from outside (reading, discussing, etc.). One wonders if he spent much time in a contemplative mode; he seems to argue that the joys of the bohemian life had a greater influence (arguing from the imbibe, if you would).

From listening to Krauss (who obviously is hero-worshipping - yes, don't we all want to be able to be so erudite, at will?), it seems to me that Hitch had a large gift of comprehension.

Aside: Look at what the Master said of the mental faculties (thought, comprehension, imagination, memory, and the common one -- SAQ #56). I know that this simple model doesn't seem to gel with the modern views (complicated mess that does not explain consciousness). But, it does (we'll get back to that).

Aside: Comprehension (somewhat like intuition) is suspect from many modern views. Paraphrasing von Neumann: you don't understand mathematics, you get used to it.

---

As a reminder, there are several motivations for this series being inspired by Hitch. Part of that involves the dreams that I had. In the first encounter, he knew of the after life (after all, he was there), yet he was trying his best to ignore (almost catatonic -- by the way, listen to certain lifestyle-influenced arguments, they want to go toward that state -- yes, brights, too). In this encounter, he looked at some notes that I was carrying around (me, of course, a bit abashed to have the lofty Hitch looking at my stuff). In the next encounter, he visited my work area (to be explained fully, in time) with my college roommate (of similar lifestyle and purpose). Now, there, Hitch did an assessment of me (sizing up, if you would). And, there were lessons learned on both sides (these will be described, in time, to boot). And, the saga continues.

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Anyone barfing at me punting to the future? Oh yes! We have hundreds of years until the next Manifestation. Too, each can stand on their own feet (in this regard). So, don't look for guidance here (unless some glimpse at truth might come from reading anything here -- it's not planned). What we're up to here is trying to lay down a framework that would allow a more full science to emerge (which seems to be diametrically opposed to where science seems to be going,  why?). See Science as highest attainment (how we know God) and Spiritual susceptibilities (which will influence, and broaden, science).

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First order observations are suspect everywhere (we are very much imperfect in that manner). Too, models are shaky at their core. Krauss likes to talk grand scale; perhaps, he would deem to let me discuss some issues with him as he claims Hitch did for him (Krauss saying that he was chagrined at the thought that the mighty Hitch would befriend him -- look, Krauss, Hitch knew his limitations and appreciated truth from whatever source, as you said -- yet, he missed several important conclusions -- as have a whole bunch of others). So, on what do we have to rely? Well, the goodness of those who we have to trust (you see, no one knows all, has to cast over the wall to other disciplines -- Richard does this quite well), our abilities to overcome our limits (somewhat), ..., and, that the 'design' did include the ability to question and to search (among other things).

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I might add that those who believe need to remember the Tablet of the True Seeker (Iqana #213). Any sinner can be a saint, at death. What is worse? The saintly (ah, how can such forget the glass house?) can become lower than low at the time of their meeting.

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What meeting? Ah, as Hitch knows, where he met the Mockee (to which end we all move)!


Remarks:

06/13/2012 -- On second thought, I hope that my little dabbling was instrumental to the guy's grasp. As said, he was of comprehension (more ways than one).

Modified: 06/13/2012

Operationally oriented

Month, Day: 169, Splendour, Names (Majesty)
Month, Day: 169, Splendour, Might (Independence)

We're into the first day of the Operational. The just past Group (Teleological) ended with Perfection. Of course, we're in a month of the Transcendent (baffles the brights).

The first attribute of Operational, Names, implies structure. We've said that before (and will get back into this). Then, the next ones, Might and Will, are related to actions on (or by) those structures, implying, in part, motion.

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So, two thoughts on action.


SAQ #63: This state of motion is said to be essential—that is, natural; it cannot be separated from beings because it is their essential requirement, as it is the essential requirement of fire to burn.

Of course, as it says, one action is to remember those who have passed on. Pray for the departed.

SAQ #62: As the spirit of man after putting off this material form has an everlasting life, certainly any existing being is capable of making progress; therefore, it is permitted to ask for advancement, forgiveness, mercy, beneficence and blessings for a man after his death because existence is capable of progression.

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Of course, there are many more actions, almost an endless set, given all the possible permutations. Objects? We have only a glimmer of these, mainly having discovered those within the scope of our filters, both natural and scientific. 

But, remembrance of people past has several implications that we'll get into at some point. It'll be brought to the fore, by necessity. 

Remarks:

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence. Pay attention to the last three minutes.

Modified: 03/30/2012

Blind or delusional

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Power (Grace)

Grace is the 4th day of the week. As such, Unity is a nice thing to ponder.

---

We have to re-look at the choice brought up before: 'Tis or 'Tisn't. Gosh, has it been six months? One thing that is different is that the blogger has been making the effort [to] read secular material and to listen to videos from that side [of the worldviews]. This was precipitated by Christopher's (CH) display of endurance. 

We'll make a couple of comments and then bring in quotes for reflection. Many who argued with CH (using him as a proxy for the secular view) said: why can't you see? Ah, blindness, one might think. We used that here in talking about the Brights. So, the claim is that the secular side does not allow into discourse certain things that are accepted by the 'Tis side, hence a whole bit of stuff cannot be talked about.

If these are brought up, then the response is: you're delusional. Gosh, how many times is that used?

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Now, 'blind' is not bad. Justice is said to be blind. Note that it's a day of the week. Too, 'blind' implies not sensing something; how many things are outside of our senses? In fact, modern scientific views all make heavy use of lens, filters, and more (caution: quasi-empiricism needs to be addressed).

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'delusion' is a powerful thing to throw at someone (straight-jackets, and what not, are associated with this). Its use seems particularly oppressive; however, perhaps it is just this stalemate that brings up the counsel to not proselytize.

Yet, there are audacity issues that might require some attention. Hopefully, these are addressed with some wisdom.

---

4th Valley: Hence, when searchers inquired of this, He made reply, “This is a bottomless sea which none shall ever fathom.” And they asked again, and He answered, “It is the blackest of nights through which none can find his way.”

SAQ (#37): Therefore, the Reality of the Divinity is hidden from all comprehension, and concealed from the minds of all men. It is absolutely impossible to ascend to that plane. ... From this it is certain and evident that if we imagine a Divine Reality outside of the Holy Manifestations, it is pure imagination, for there is no way to approach the Reality of Divinity which is not cut off to us, and all that we imagine is mere supposition.

SAQ (#22): Consequently, whenever it is recorded in the Holy Books that such a one was blind and recovered his sight, the meaning is that he was inwardly blind, and that he obtained spiritual vision, or that he was ignorant and became wise, or that he was negligent and became heedful, or that he was worldly and became heavenly. ... As this inner sight, hearing, life and healing are eternal, they are of importance.

Remarks:

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence.

02/01/2012 --Reflecting on CH interchanges, one has to wonder is dreams can ever be used in science. Now, mind you, I'm talking an advanced view of science that deals with knowing God, in part. Actually, just having science shift to where it realizes the usefulness of addressing human intelligence will be a step forward. One can surmise a whole lot from such a thing. I'm too old to see this, though, even in an inkling. But, I'll be able to watch the secular thing wound down as complexities of Being bound it up. That is, the 'religion' of both science and secularism will come to fore and be noticeable. Basic query: how can there be any epistemological framework (including its tools) that is not amenable to being grasped by all humans seen as that which is our future? Of course, we know that the system requires difference in ability. Yet, underlying truth ought to be apparent in any context.   

Modified: 03/29/2012

Operational, again

Month, Day: 168, Names, Names (Beauty)

We are done with the first two groups, finally arriving at the Operational. There is much of significance to look here. But, we have four months to do so, and we see the cycle with every month. Too, we're nearing half of our yearly measure.

SAQ #3: He must also impart spiritual education, so that intelligence and comprehension may penetrate the metaphysical world, and may receive benefit from the sanctifying breeze of the Holy Spirit, and may enter into relationship with the Supreme Concourse. He must so educate the human reality that it may become the center of the divine appearance, to such a degree that the attributes and the names of God shall be resplendent in the mirror of the reality of man, and the holy verse “We will make man in Our image and likeness” shall be realized.

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Thought: Creation implies structure which implies names and, as well, the operational properties.

Remarks:

08/28/2011 --

Modified: 08/28/2011

First Mind

Month, Day: 168, Light, Grandeur (Justice)

As we construct, motivation comes to mind. There are several, including the "ever-advancing civilization." We do the work; things just don't come about (though, there are plenty who enjoy the efforts of others - too many, without paying properly for their use - that, folks, is the most basic of factors causing the economic problems).

SAQ #53: Therefore, all creatures emanate from God—that is to say, it is by God that all things are realized, and by Him that all beings have attained to existence. The first thing which emanated from God is that universal reality, which the ancient philosophers termed the “First Mind,” and which the people of Bahá call the “First Will.” This emanation, in that which concerns its action in the world of God, is not limited by time or place; it is without beginning or end—beginning and end in relation to God are one. The preexistence of God is the preexistence of essence, and also preexistence of time, and the phenomenality of contingency is essential and not temporal, as we have already explained one day at table. (emphasis mine)

Earlier, we danced around an issue (Foreknowledge) as we let the audacity dampen. Well, we need to be more bold, since the angels are there to help.

The next two steps will be to address item #2 (Brights) and item #3, juxtaposing them using "First Mind" as the BASIS, or, if you would, principle vector. Call that effort, Anselm redux.

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

06/10/2011 -- Interpretations, again and again.

Modified: 08/08/2013

Construction II

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Sovereignty (Majesty)

This carries on the theme, with a little step, due to reflecting on the transition from here to there due to a recent passing of an in-law. 'here' is what we think we know now, with science taking more credit for itself than is warranted when one considers underdetermination. 'there' is the mystery, which today is becoming more of a myth in peoples' minds. So, Peter can motivate several ways.

For this step, let's just follow a little progression.

• -- Some, using formal approaches, seem to think that we only need one (as in, 1) ontological premise. That, of course, leads to the binary situation. Believe or not.
• -- Why the 'not' believe? A good question since it brings up, What? Yes, almost as underdetermined as is materialism. So, choosing to not believe may appear to be easier. Is it really the easier choice? Of course, consider that would mean some understanding of the work required to hold a rational position against all of the types of onslaught that are possible. Hence, the brights are right to re-enforce each others' efforts to be the essence of reason. So, the choice-action pair becomes, believe-and-search or not-believe-and-cope. Ah, next bullet expands the former. On the latter, we can look to all sorts of discussion in the SAQ. How to know? Limits? ... Finally, sources for progressive notions and for not backsliding (anarchy from all of the john galts conflicting - egotistically) need to be developed and maintained. In short, a whole lot of work to be done.
• -- Now, the belief side takes work, to boot. First, there is to know. Then, there is to follow what is known. And, all the while, there needs to be independence. Talk about a juggling act. Now, where does one find out what to know? The answer to that question would involve accepting that something might be behind the belief. That is, in the prior bullet, those choosing not to believe imply by their action that they do not think that there is any reason to believe. Some who choose to believe may not know but are only taking that option, by chance or whatever motivation. Hence, resolving that issue is prime. Now, though, if it is true that one ought to believe, would it seem fair that the 'what' ought to be settled (if it were not, we would be back into the situation of the second bullet)? How could there not be means to this end of knowing? Are those means easy to obtain? Well, comparative effort might suggest that it is a whole lot easier than the work cut out for the non-believer. Why? They only have nature, need to explain the why, must firm up their ignoring the whence, and then have to build (without even knowing the future -- yes, brights, you all have some limit to your time here). So, the means are there as a reward for the search. But, once the means are found, there is then a continuation of the need for effort; it's not some falling into the void of nirvana. But, again, there is an offer of assistance. From what we know, there is no limit to this help (albeit some by humans acting as angels). In fact, such reinforcements that are found really do work. Why else the attraction? Yet, humans have feet that stray off of the path of the middle way. So, believers cannot really lord it over the non-believers. In other words, who can cast the first stone (paraphrasing Christ)? That, by the way, is one grunge about the in-your-face materialism that has become the vogue. No amount of proof can remove the choice; on the other hand, experiential and existential rewards do build up, perhaps not to an unshakable level (after all, even Christ was tempted) but sufficiently to sustain the know/follow-ness.

Now, earlier, a motivation was offered. Would it not be nice if those who pass over could come back and tell us what things are like? Well, they can. In fact, dreams are one method. We mentioned that before but will push that off to another time.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

06/25/2011 -- We'll name these two, as follows: second bullet ('Tisn't), third bullet ('Tis)

06/10/2011 -- Life after life.

06/08/2011 -- A little on motivation.

06/03/2011 -- We'll do this, again, a few times, looking at the nuances. The chief role of autodidact remains, for either choice.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Peter and motivation

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Grandeur (Independence)

As we work constructively to build a basis, we'll look at Motivation from time to time, also.

We'll point a lot to the SAQ, as it is a seminal work. For instance, look at this in relation to Religion and Science.

SAQ #34 (Peter's Confession of Faith): While the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the founder of science and knowledge, it is full of goodwill for learned men; it is the civilizer of mankind, the discoverer of the secrets of nature, and the enlightener of the horizons of the world. Consequently, how can it be said to oppose knowledge?

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Peter will be a central point for several constructive arguments.

Remarks:

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

Modified: 05/26/2011

Stinting

Month, Day: 168, Glory, Words (Independence)
Month, Day: 168, Glory, Might (Perfection)

We will be using the Rodwell Index this year, as we look for scientific contexts within the Writings. If these can be found in the Koran, they'll be in later Revelation, too.

Isn't that one of the notions behind the Hidden Words?

In terms of the zero-sum, Sura 83 says a lot. And, we know that selfish actions on the part of all leads to chaotic messes.

The IEEE Spectrum has an article that talks game theory in an accessible manner. The example starts with the failure of Steve Jobs' demo of the new IPhone, last year, which was attributable to the many mobile hot-spots that were collected in the room.

Essentially, selfish action is expected, rationally. Well, we know the limits of reason (SAQ #83).

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In the history of mathematics, as it unfolded in the 20th century, we can see the growing emphasis on foundations and on effects. To wit, game theory preceded, and, perhaps, led to general systems theory. Is not measure theory, and one realization, central to technology's expansive cover (of ourselves and our lives)?

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A focus that we can take, in part? Realization of God's System (core concept) operationally.

Remarks:

04/15/2011 --

Modified: 04/18/2011