Manifestations-Knowledge of:
Question.-- One of the powers possessed by the Divine Manifestations is knowledge. To what extent is it limited? (157:1)

Answer.-- Knowledge is of two kinds. One is subjective and the other objective knowledge-- that is to say, an intuitive knowledge and a knowledge derived from perception (157:2)

The knowledge of things which men universally have is gained by reflection or by evidence-- that is to say, either by the power of the mind the conception of an object is formed, or from beholding an object the form is produced in the mirror of the heart. The circle of this knowledge is very limited because it depends upon effort and attainment (157:3)

But the second sort of knowledge, which is the knowledge of being, is intuitive; it is like the cognizance and consciousness that man has of himself (157:4)

For example, the mind and the spirit of man are cognizant of the conditions and states of the members and component parts of the body, and are aware of all the physical sensations; in the same way, they are aware of their power, of their feelings, and of their spiritual conditions. This is the knowledge of being which man realizes and perceives, for the spirit surrounds the body and is aware of its sensations and powers. This knowledge is not the outcome of effort and study. It is an existing thing; it is an absolute gift (157:5)

Since the Sanctified Realities, the supreme Manifestations of God, surround the essence and qualities of the creatures, transcend and contain existing realities and understand all things, therefore, Their knowledge is divine knowledge, and not acquired-- that is to say, it is a holy bounty; it is a divine revelation (157:6)

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