Was Baha'u'llah a Saint ?

[Servant19]

I just told you, now give me the Baha’i way.

The Baha’i way is this, and only this:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

I could say more, a lot lot more, but I can’t trust you to treat it with respect



.

 

[Techno2000]

The Baha’i way is this, and only this:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

I could say more, a lot lot more, but I can’t trust you to treat it with respect



.

I see whenever you have a problem with the Baha’i way, you turn to Jesus,anyway please answer post 315.

 

[Servant19]

I see whenever you have a problem with the Baha’i way, you turn to Jesus,anyway please answer post 315.

That’s because, as much as you like to kick and scream, we are not preaching another Gospel

There is no problem…

.

 

[Techno2000]

That’s because, as much as you like to kick and scream, we are not preaching another Gospel

There is no problem…

.

No, you are preaching Cathbaha’ism

 

[Servant19]

No, you are preaching Cathbaha’ism

There it is…

I knew it was coming…

.

 

[GuyNextDoor]

I have, firstly stated that I am a Baha’i, not a Buddhist, or a Hindu. All I stated was that Brahma WAS ONE OF MANY HINDU GODS at the time the Buddha taught. I feel that He was referring to that god in the quote you provided.

Yes he was referring to the Great Brahma in the passage, there is only 1 Creator God in Hinduism.

Can you show evidence that this quotation was from Buddha?
If so, what is the first recorded textual copy of it, and what year?

And if I can show you, what are you intending to do about it? Are you going to dismiss it altogether again? Or say its corrupted by men?

Here’s more:

Anguttara Nikaya 3.61: “Again, monks, I [the Buddha] approached those ascetic and brahmins and said to them: ‘Is it true, as they say, that you venerable ones teach and hold the view that whatever a person experiences…all that is caused by God’s creation?’ When they affirmed it, I said to them: 'If that is so, venerable sirs, then it is due to God’s creation that people kill, steal …[and otherwise act badly]. But those who have recourse to God’s creation as the decisive factor will lack the impulse and the effort doing this or not doing that. Since for them, really and truly, no (motive) obtains that this or that ought to be done or not be done…”’

“The universe is without a refuge, without a Supreme God.” MN II 68.

Samyutta Nikaya III 144: “Bhikkhus [monks, the Buddha said, holding a fleck of cow dung in his hand], if even if that much of permanent, everlasting, eternal individual selfhood/metaphysical being (attabhava), not inseparable from the idea of change, could be found, then this living the holy life could not be taught by me.”

With the same measure you ask of me, can you show me evidences that the Buddha explicitly taught about the existence of God? As in Creator God, not some mumbo jumbo not born not made, etc because that itself can be interpreted in different ways if anyone refuses to accept that the Buddha taught Nirvana. Also can you show me evidences of the Buddha demanding worship of this “Creator God”?

Same questioning of Buddhism sources: Can you show me how are we to know that the Buddhist teachings are not taught from the Buddha himself? Then show me how are we to know that Husayn Ibn Ali’s writings are from Husayn Ibn Ali himself, and not someone else? From hearsay & written declarations from certain people, witnesses or organisation? How are we to confirm if all these are reliable?

Now its only fair you show me the evidences I require from the Buddha to back what you are claiming because I have responded to your requests for evidences in kind.

I take EVERY written teaching of Buddhism today with a grain of salt.

I want my faith to be built on knowledge that is verifiable.

Good that you want your faith to be built on knowledge that you can verify. So how did you verify & accept the authenticity of Baha’ism when you do not read the Pali Canon extensively but just accept Baha’ism as what it said about other religions and dismissed all other teachings forcefully? With what measure or methods did you use to verify your belief in Baha’ism?

So you can argue as much as you like and mock Baha’is as much as you like, but it is the only major global religion on earth with authenticated Scripture, and THAT is why I am a Baha’i, because it is the fully legitimized Word of God and I know that what I am doing has not been passed down from mouth to mouth and added to or subtracted from.

Now now, lets not let your defense mechanism kick in just yet, dear friend. I am merely stating logic & showing comparisons. How did you arrive that I am mocking Baha’ism when I am merely stating what I know about Buddhism? Are we not having a dialogue dear friend? How is it that an intellectual dialogue/argument is offending to you now?

Let us reason. Please be fair.

Please explain how else did you verify the teachings of Baha’ism when you have not read all the Buddhist sutras in the Pali Canon, apart from what Baha’ism claims is the truth.

I’m not interested in anything else my friend. As far as I am concerned, Buddha is a Manifestation of God who’s teachings today are not really His. You can quote Him as much as you like…

What happened to your requests of intellectual dialogues and wanting us to reason together in the previous threads? Whats with the change in stance now, dear friend? Suddenly you are not interested to hear anything anyone else have to say?

Let us reason please! I am in need of your charity. Please be fair to me.

Servant19:

 

[Techno2000]

There it is…

I knew it was coming…

.

Really, I just thought it up about hour ago.

 

[arthra]

The one thing that strikes me is that Bahai make it impossible to actually govern themselves. So Hypothetically if Bahai managed to rule the world (as is the bahai ambition it seems) you would either have to rely on nonbelievers to do what you consider evil or bad or be easily overthrown.

Also define equality of Men and women. Are we talking equality as in egalitarian equality or something which actually allows gender norms.

Thanks for your post!

Baha’is are not interested in governing the world…What Baha’u’llah proposed to the rulers was establishing a representative world parliament… and an international court of arbitration… Since He proposed this back aroung 1868 there has been some progress made toward achieving this goal…

Today there is great disparity in many parts of the world between men and women although in some countries progress has been made. In some areas women are kept from being educated. Women are not accorded the same rights men have…

You can explore these issues here…

bahai.org/dir/teachings/equality/equality_gender

A position paper on the subject:

bahai-library.com/nsa_two_wings_bird

 

[Techno2000]

Dear Baha’i people, what I think everyone on here is simply trying to say is, how can you create one huge Hybrid Religion without running into problems. it just defies all logic.Look at the conflicts that there is with just one Religion… Catholicism, how much more so would it be for all the world Religions.

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

Thanks for your post!

Baha’is are not interested in governing the world…What Baha’u’llah proposed to the rulers was establishing a representative world parliament… and an international court of arbitration… Since He proposed this back aroung 1868 there has been some progress made toward achieving this goal…

Today there is great disparity in many parts of the world between men and women although in some countries progress has been made. In some areas women are kept from being educated. Women are not accorded the same rights men have…

You can explore these issues here…

bahai.org/dir/teachings/equality/equality_gender

A position paper on the subject:

bahai-library.com/nsa_two_wings_bird

And since you cannot be partisan (any position taken politically is partisan) you cannot write laws in such a world. How would bahai go about enforcing laws? They cannot since that requires force. If a person who owns one hundred million dollars refuses to give up his wealth for the sake of people, you would have to send men in to take it by force. Are bahai willing to do this themselves? If not you cannot hope to govern or run the new world order you hope to be in control of. Since you cannot vote you cannot have representation, thus ensuring the everlasting reign of Bureaucrats and politicians who cannot be challenged or voted out by the people. When you want to redistribute the wealth (which is communism and necessitated by the limiting of wealth in this scheme) you are effectively stealing from the legitimate profit made by many business people.

Welcome to the brave new world huh?

Now in regards to equality of genders, do you believe in radical equality? That Women should be able to do all things men do and men do all things women do? If a man wants to dress like a woman should he be allowed to? Should women be allowed a place on the house of Un-universal justice? (I call it un-universal because it is not universal).

 

[arthra]

And since you cannot be partisan (any position taken politically is partisan) you cannot write laws in such a world. How would bahai go about enforcing laws? They cannot since that requires force. If a person who owns one hundred million dollars refuses to give up his wealth for the sake of people, you would have to send men in to take it by force. Are bahai willing to do this themselves? If not you cannot hope to govern or run the new world order you hope to be in control of. Since you cannot vote you cannot have representation, thus ensuring the everlasting reign of Bureaucrats and politicians who cannot be challenged or voted out by the people. When you want to redistribute the wealth (which is communism and necessitated by the limiting of wealth in this scheme) you are effectively stealing from the legitimate profit made by many business people.

…

Thanks for your post!..

Our position is non-partisan… we don’t support any political party and a Baha’i cannot belong to a party…nor hold a partisan office. We do vote in elections and exercise our right to vote… We can participate in non-partisan commissions say on issues of concern to a community… We do not redistribute wealth …

We are concerned about issues such as the disparity between those controlling wealth and those are poverty stricken… drawing attention to the issue.

A compilation is available for your searching here:

bahai-library.com/compilation_redistribution_wealth#s2.1.4

 

[arthra]

Dear Baha’i people, what I think everyone on here is simply trying to say is, how can you create one huge Hybrid Religion without running into problems. it just defies all logic.Look at the conflicts that there is with just one Religion… Catholicism, how much more so would it be for all the world Religions.

Thanks Techno!

I don’t think we Baha’is see the Faith as “one huge hybrid religion”… We don’t incorporate other religions. We view other religions as coming from the same Source at the particular times and circumstances they appear…They have unique social and historical identities.

They are spiritually one…and to see this or appreciate it I’d suggest attending some inter-faith gatherings in your community.

We had a Thanksgiving service at a synagogue a few weeks ago where the members of various churches and non-Christian religions participated…Our community has been blessed by quite a lot of cooperative interfaith activities that draw us closer together.

 

[GuyNextDoor]

I don’t think we Baha’is see the Faith as “one huge hybrid religion”… We don’t incorporate other religions. We view other religions as coming from the same Source at the particular times and circumstances they appear…They have unique social and historical identities.

No offense arthra but what you stated defies logic.

So you are saying that the Buddha refuted the existence of a Creator God at that particular time & circumstances was due to the fact that he does not know the Creator exist?

Or are you saying that the Buddha insulted the Creator because he does not recognize the Creator God?

Or are you saying that the Creator saw no need to reveal Himself to the Buddha in Nepal?

Or are you implying that the Buddha knowingly lied about the existence of the Creator, because he thought the people in Nepal and India do not need to know about the Creator God?

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

Thanks for your post!..

Our position is non-partisan… we don’t support any political party and a Baha’i cannot belong to a party…nor hold a partisan office. We do vote in elections and exercise our right to vote… We can participate in non-partisan commissions say on issues of concern to a community… We do not redistribute wealth …

We are concerned about issues such as the disparity between those controlling wealth and those are poverty stricken… drawing attention to the issue.

A compilation is available for your searching here:

bahai-library.com/compilation_redistribution_wealth#s2.1.4

Those issues are the most partisan. We all agree it is a problem but how do we fix it? Do we redistribute the wealth or allow freedom in the market? Politics and government is the definition of partisan. But you cannot tell me you want to limit wealth if you are not going to enforce it. Would you be willing In this hypothetical government, with force (ie at the barrel of a gun or imprisonment) to take wealth from the mega rich? They might naturally be unwilling to give it up, so are you willing to take it? But that is useless if you do not allow different views, in which case you have no government or dictatoral regime.

Which is more Immoral? Taking wealth you didn’t earn or collecting wealth you did earn with a product and service people obviously need and or like?

 

[Nick44]

Those issues are the most partisan. We all agree it is a problem but how do we fix it? Do we redistribute the wealth or allow freedom in the market? Politics and government is the definition of partisan. But you cannot tell me you want to limit wealth if you are not going to enforce it. Would you be willing In this hypothetical government, with force (ie at the barrel of a gun or imprisonment) to take wealth from the mega rich? They might naturally be unwilling to give it up, so are you willing to take it? But that is useless if you do not allow different views, in which case you have no government or dictatoral regime.
Which is more Immoral? Taking wealth you didn’t earn or collecting wealth you did earn with a product and service people obviously need and or like?

“The fourth principle or teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the readjustment and equalization of the economic standards of mankind. This deals with the question of human livelihood. It is evident that under present systems and conditions of government the poor are subject to the greatest need and distress while others more fortunate live in luxury and plenty far beyond their actual necessities. This inequality of portion and privilege is one of the deep and vital problems of human society. That there is need of an equalization and apportionment by which all may possess the comforts and privileges of life is evident. The remedy must be legislative readjustment of conditions. The rich too must be merciful to the poor, contributing from willing hearts to their needs without being forced or compelled to do so. The composure of the world will he assured by the establishment of this principle in the religious life of mankind.”
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912”)

“The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of tyranny.”

“The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, pp 249-250

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

“The fourth principle or teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the readjustment and equalization of the economic standards of mankind. This deals with the question of human livelihood. It is evident that under present systems and conditions of government the poor are subject to the greatest need and distress while others more fortunate live in luxury and plenty far beyond their actual necessities. This inequality of portion and privilege is one of the deep and vital problems of human society. That there is need of an equalization and apportionment by which all may possess the comforts and privileges of life is evident. The remedy must be legislative readjustment of conditions. The rich too must be merciful to the poor, contributing from willing hearts to their needs without being forced or compelled to do so. The composure of the world will he assured by the establishment of this principle in the religious life of mankind.”
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912”)

“The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of tyranny.”

“The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, pp 249-250

Doesn’t answer my question. How will you stop the rich from amassing such fortune? Cap them? Then they shut down their factories as soon as they have made enough money. What will happen to the rich who refuse to give all that they have earned? Will it be taken from them with force? Thats the only way such a system can operate. Answer these yourself, about how such policies would be implemented. A government must use force in order to maintain order, will the bahai government use such force against people?

For instrance is everyone going to earn the same for the type of job they do, regardless of occupation? Are we going to force doctors to receive the same amount of money as say myself, a gas station service member? How are wars going to be prevented in the absence of some great change in human nature? Oh please Mr Islamic radical, don’t blow up the orphanage!

The topic of the thread is about his saint hood, your prophet’s. If I were to guess your prophet read a lot on Marx.

 

[Nick44]

Doesn’t answer my question. How will you stop the rich from amassing such fortune? Cap them? Then they shut down their factories as soon as they have made enough money. What will happen to the rich who refuse to give all that they have earned? Will it be taken from them with force? Thats the only way such a system can operate. Answer these yourself, about how such policies would be implemented. A government must use force in order to maintain order, will the bahai government use such force against people?

For instrance is everyone going to earn the same for the type of job they do, regardless of occupation? Are we going to force doctors to receive the same amount of money as say myself, a gas station service member? How are wars going to be prevented in the absence of some great change in human nature? Oh please Mr Islamic radical, don’t blow up the orphanage!

The topic of the thread is about his saint hood, your prophet’s. If I were to guess your prophet read a lot on Marx.

The things you wonder about are valid concerns, but I can assure you that the Baha’i Writings denounce communism severely and advocate nothing of its principles. Who could have imagined centuries ago the existence of a Republic of 50 separate states, each with local and state government, each with their own foods, cultures and dialects, yet all willingly subservient to an ultimate federal authority? Change ‘states’ to ‘countries’ in the above. Could we not then envision a similar structure extended to the whole world?

The economic issues and inequalities in the world will never be solved by force or coercion. The Baha’i Writings call for a spiritual solution to economic problems. Exactly how this will come about and how long it will take is unknown.

Baha’u’llah outlined a two-step process leading to world unity. The first He called 'The Lesser Peace", a unity called for by all the people of the world as a means of survival (religion may have nothing to do with it) because conditions will become so intolerable because of war and other calamities that the people of the world will say “STOP”…“We can’t continue like this, it will kill us all…make changes”. This step will eliminate war.

reference.bahai.org/en/t/c/CP/cp-75.html

From this ‘Lesser Peace’ will slowly evolve into what Baha’u’llah called ‘The Most Great
Peace’, which is a material, social and religious unity. How long for this to happen? No one knows, only that it is inevitable, that it will evolve slowly, with willing participation and not by force.

peninsulabahai.org/H2Hhtml/slide393.html

Just as people in prior times couldn’t imagine the unity of the United States, I don’t think we have any way of imagining a unified world; it’s never existed before. Humanity has undergone successive steps of unity… from family, to tribe, to city-state, to nationhood. The next inevitable step is unity of the planet.

Again, exactly how these things will unfold in the future is unknown, and again, the time frame is also unknown. I don’t even think we could live in that world…we, at present, are far too uncivilized compared to that race of men destined to live in the future.

Baha’u’llah said that His main purpose was to reveal the teachings from God that will bring about the unity of the planet; not pious smoke-blowing, but actual instructions and blueprints as to how to bring it about…‘and the government shall be upon His shoulders’.

 

[Techno2000]

The things you wonder about are valid concerns, but I can assure you that the Baha’i Writings denounce communism severely and advocate nothing of its principles. Who could have imagined centuries ago the existence of a Republic of 50 separate states, each with local and state government, each with their own foods, cultures and dialects, yet all willingly subservient to an ultimate federal authority? Change ‘states’ to ‘countries’ in the above. Could we not then envision a similar structure extended to the whole world?

The economic issues and inequalities in the world will never be solved by force or coercion. The Baha’i Writings call for a spiritual solution to economic problems. Exactly how this will come about and how long it will take is unknown.

Baha’u’llah outlined a two-step process leading to world unity. The first He called 'The Lesser Peace", a unity called for by all the people of the world as a means of survival (religion may have nothing to do with it) because conditions will become so intolerable because of war and other calamities that the people of the world will say “STOP”…“We can’t continue like this, it will kill us all…make changes”. This step will eliminate war.

reference.bahai.org/en/t/c/CP/cp-75.html

From this ‘Lesser Peace’ will slowly evolve into what Baha’u’llah called ‘The Most Great
Peace’, which is a material, social and religious unity. How long for this to happen? No one knows, only that it is inevitable, that it will evolve slowly, with willing participation and not by force.

peninsulabahai.org/H2Hhtml/slide393.html

Just as people in prior times couldn’t imagine the unity of the United States, I don’t think we have any way of imagining a unified world; it’s never existed before.

Again, exactly how these things will unfold in the future is unknown, and again, the time frame is also unknown. I don’t even think we could live in that world…we, at present, are far too uncivilized compared to that race of men destined to live in the future.

Baha’u’llah said that His main purpose was to reveal the teachings from God that will bring about the unity of the planet; not pious smoke-blowing, but actual instructions and blueprints as to how to bring it about…‘and the government shall be upon His shoulders’.

Look like this Religion is only concerned about this world. Lets see something from your Religion about eternal life which is much more important than this short little Life.It looks like your Religion just wants to be another United Nations.

 

[Nick44]

Look like this Religion is only concerned about this world. Lets see something from your Religion about eternal life which is much more important than this short little Life.It looks like your Religion just wants to be another United Nations.

Techno, I think you would agree that while we are alive on earth, how we live our physical life is important for our spiritual development…it’s our opportunity to live by God’s rules and do right by our fellow man. Baha’u’llah wrote extensively about the purpose of life, and revealed more about the next stage of existence after physical death (spiritual) than was ever revealed before. For example:

“And now concerning thy question regarding the soul of man and its survival after death. Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure. It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving kindness and bounty.”

“The movement of My Pen is stilled when it attempteth to befittingly describe the loftiness and glory of so exalted a station. The honor with which the Hand of Mercy will invest the soul is such as no tongue can adequately reveal, nor any other earthly agency describe. Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship.”

“With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. If any man be told that which hath been ordained for such a soul in the worlds of God, the Lord of the throne on high and of earth below, his whole being will instantly blaze out in his great longing to attain that most exalted, that sanctified and resplendent station…. The nature of the soul after death can never be described, nor is it meet and permissible to reveal its whole character to the eyes of men. The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying Their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High. The light which these souls radiate is responsible for the progress of the world and the advancement of its peoples. They are like unto leaven which leaveneth the world of being, and constitute the animating force through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest. Through them the clouds rain their bounty upon men, and the earth bringeth forth its fruits.”

“All things must needs have a cause, a motive power, an animating principle. These souls and symbols of detachment have provided, and will continue to provide, the supreme moving impulse in the world of being. The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother. When the soul attaineth the Presence of God, it will assume the form that best befitteth its immortality and is worthy of its celestial habitation. Such an existence is a contingent and not an absolute existence, inasmuch as the former is preceded by a cause, whilst the latter is independent thereof. Absolute existence is strictly confined to God, exalted be His glory. Well is it with them that apprehend this truth.”

“Wert thou to ponder in thine heart the behavior of the Prophets of God thou wouldst assuredly and readily testify that there must needs be other worlds besides this world. Even the materialists have testified in their writings to the wisdom of these divinely-appointed Messengers, and have regarded the references made by the Prophets to Paradise, to hell fire, to future reward and punishment, to have been actuated by a desire to educate and uplift the souls of men.”

“Consider, therefore, how the generality of mankind, whatever their beliefs or theories, have recognized the excellence, and admitted the superiority, of these Prophets of God. These Gems of Detachment are acclaimed by some as the embodiments of wisdom, while others believe them to be the mouthpiece of God Himself. How could such Souls have consented to surrender themselves unto their enemies if they believed all the worlds of God to have been reduced to this earthly life? Would they have willingly suffered such afflictions and torments as no man hath ever experienced or witnessed?” --Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, pp 155-158

 

[Techno2000]

Techno, I think you would agree that while we are alive on earth, how we live our physical life is important for our spiritual development…it’s our opportunity to live by God’s rules and do right by our fellow man. Baha’u’llah wrote extensively about the purpose of life, and revealed more about the next stage of existence after physical death (spiritual) than was ever revealed before. For example:

“And now concerning thy question regarding the soul of man and its survival after death. Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure. It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving kindness and bounty.”

“The movement of My Pen is stilled when it attempteth to befittingly describe the loftiness and glory of so exalted a station. The honor with which the Hand of Mercy will invest the soul is such as no tongue can adequately reveal, nor any other earthly agency describe. Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship.”

“With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. If any man be told that which hath been ordained for such a soul in the worlds of God, the Lord of the throne on high and of earth below, his whole being will instantly blaze out in his great longing to attain that most exalted, that sanctified and resplendent station…. The nature of the soul after death can never be described, nor is it meet and permissible to reveal its whole character to the eyes of men. The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying Their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High. The light which these souls radiate is responsible for the progress of the world and the advancement of its peoples. They are like unto leaven which leaveneth the world of being, and constitute the animating force through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest. Through them the clouds rain their bounty upon men, and the earth bringeth forth its fruits.”

“All things must needs have a cause, a motive power, an animating principle. These souls and symbols of detachment have provided, and will continue to provide, the supreme moving impulse in the world of being. The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother. When the soul attaineth the Presence of God, it will assume the form that best befitteth its immortality and is worthy of its celestial habitation. Such an existence is a contingent and not an absolute existence, inasmuch as the former is preceded by a cause, whilst the latter is independent thereof. Absolute existence is strictly confined to God, exalted be His glory. Well is it with them that apprehend this truth.”

“Wert thou to ponder in thine heart the behavior of the Prophets of God thou wouldst assuredly and readily testify that there must needs be other worlds besides this world. Even the materialists have testified in their writings to the wisdom of these divinely-appointed Messengers, and have regarded the references made by the Prophets to Paradise, to hell fire, to future reward and punishment, to have been actuated by a desire to educate and uplift the souls of men.”

“Consider, therefore, how the generality of mankind, whatever their beliefs or theories, have recognized the excellence, and admitted the superiority, of these Prophets of God. These Gems of Detachment are acclaimed by some as the embodiments of wisdom, while others believe them to be the mouthpiece of God Himself. How could such Souls have consented to surrender themselves unto their enemies if they believed all the worlds of God to have been reduced to this earthly life? Would they have willingly suffered such afflictions and torments as no man hath ever experienced or witnessed?” --Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, pp 155-158

So this means that everyone who has ever lived and died is in Heaven,and all who are to die in the future will automatically go to Heaven ?