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We are proud of ourselves because we know more about science and technology than our parents and ancestors. We readily accept what is better and more advanced than what our parents have had. Yet, many of us do not hesitate to follow our parents blindly in religion, even if it means doing something we do not fully believe in.5 (2:1) By far the most important freedom is spiritual freedom. Every consequence is temporary except the spiritual, yet many ignore this God-given right. As psychologist Wayne Dyer notes: (2:2) We can respect and even appreciate the past and the ways of our ancestors. We can love them for having chosen to go their own way. But to be attached to having to live and think the way others before you did, because you showed up looking like them in form, is to deny yourself enlightenment. This is how people and their institutions have controlled others for thousands of years.6 (2:3) Take a look at all of the people who are fighting in wars around the globe today, and you see them suffering and dying in the name of tradition. They are taught that what their ancestors believed is what they must believe. With this logic they perpetuate the suffering in their own lives and in the lives of their assigned enemies.7 (2:4) As a human being you were built to think for yourself. Your mind is going to rebel with anxiety...if you don't allow yourself the freedom to think up to your full...capacity.8 (2:5) The laity are following their leaders; the leaders are following the laity. A French revolutionary once said, "There go my people and I must find out where they go, so I can lead them. (2:6) Unquestioned conformity is perhaps the most common cause of ignorance. Most people follow the phantoms of their own culture. They walk in the ways of their own ancient ancestors. They choose their robes but not their religion; their fish but not their faith; their doctor but not their destiny. Whatever chance hands them, they accept. Whatever their culture gives them, they worship. Whatever their family tells them, they follow. (2:7) Christ repeatedly asked Christians to investigate the news of His coming. As demonstrated in the books I Shall Come Again, and The Glory of the Father, He often used the word "Watch!" in place of "Investigate!" (2:8) What I say to you, I say to everyone: "Watch!" Mark 13:37 (2:9) Be always on the watch...that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36 (2:10) We must empty ourselves before we can be filled. We must leave all our preconceived notions behind. "The humble are the empty vessels God loves to fill." (2:11) The fact that we imagine ourselves to be right and everybody else wrong is the greatest of all obstacles in the path towards unity...9 'Abdu'l-Baha (2:12) Knowledge is light; ignorance is darkness. When we stand in the dark we experience fear and anxiety, we imagine danger. As soon as light comes, our fear vanishes. Truth is light; it extends our vision and makes us free. Why then are so many afraid of the light? Why are so many afraid to investigate? "The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage." (2:13) Knowledge of our spiritual destiny sheds light on our path even unto eternity. In life it manifests an enduring purpose, and in death it reveals the glimmering of eternal life. It takes away all fears. (2:14) Give me the liberty to know, to think, to believe, and to utter freely, according to conscience, above all liberties. (2:15) Freedom of choice is one of God's most magnificent gifts. The consequences of the choices we make are enormous; we must make them with the utmost care: See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse-- the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord...the curse if you disobey the commands. Deuteronomy 11:26-27 (2:16) On the journey towards God, no one can blame others for his or her failure. No one can say, "My parents prevented me" or "My pastor misled me." God leaves the door open to all, and declares that He will accept no excuses from anyone: (2:17) See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Christ (Rev. 3:8) (2:18) Truth unifies; falsehood divides. If we seek the truth with impartial and open minds, we will all discover the three unifying onenesses that are the essence and purpose of this book: one God, one faith, one people. Acknowledging these three onenesses will create a power that will transform our planet and its peoples. What prevents us from seeing this truth is the veil of false assumptions, fantasies, and illusions. (2:19) We all have our own share of illusions and false assumptions. The difference is how many, and how attached we are to them. The incredible power of illusions comes from this: They hide from the one who holds them! We are quick to see other people's illusions, but not our own. Just as we get used to our own odors, we get used to our fantasies. As much truth is visible as we have minds to know and hearts to see. (2:20) References: |