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THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE-- 32)Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:-- 33)So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (137:1) ..(24:32 3) The Spiritual Life of Mankind-- In this parable of the fig tree, we have an analogy applicable to the changes that will take place in the spiritual life of humankind and in the institutions of religion. Like the seasons, our spiritual life has cycles. This type of decline and renewal is seen in the life of the nation Israel as portrayed in the Old Testament. Most significantly, the transformation brought about by Moses can be likened to a spiritual Springtime. The appearance of Christ is another example of a Divine Springtime in the history of the world. 'Abdu'l-Baha specifically points out the appropriateness of this analogy, of one season following upon another, to suggest the progressive and organic nature of humankind's spiritual life, the course and evolution of religion: (137:2) The spiritual world is like unto the phenomenal world. They are the exact counterpart of each other. Whatever objects appear in this world of existence are the outer pictures of the world of heaven. When we look upon the phenomenal world, we perceive that it is divided into four seasons; one is the season of spring, another the season of summer, another autumn and then these three seasons are followed by winter.
(137:3)
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