Healing and the origin of good deeds..

arthra · 01-21-2012, 02:27 AM

From the Pilgrim Notes of Ali Kuli Khan:

On the impermanence of healing physical illness and the origin of good deeds from the Prophets:

Florence Khanum spoke concerning a certain sect which is interested in healing physical ailments and devoted to what is called a better life than that of the usual sects. She then asked, "Are these people who claim to surpass the other Christian sects in charity and good deeds to be considered possessors of a special excellence or are they one of the new sects of Christianity?"

'Abdu'l-Bahá answered in words to the following effect: "Whatever good deeds man performs in this world have originally inculcated by the Prophets and Manifestations of God. Were it not for the Prophets' teachings, man would remain ignorant and heedless like unto the brute beasts. For instance, if out of one thousand sheep nine hundred and ninety-nine be slaughtered before the eyes of each other, the last sheep would remain unmindful and continue heedless, diligently engaged in grazing. Material Philosophers say that they perform good deeds and therefore need no religion; not knowing that the very 'Good Deeds' they claim to perform have originally been taught by Divine Prophets. Hence true excellence consists in acknowledging the Manifestations of God and living up to their teachings. (For they set the standard of a truly good life and enable men to perform Good Deeds.)"

"As to healing the ills of the body and caring for the sick and the poor. This is very good, but its effect or result is not a permanent one. For when man is healed of one physical pain, another will sooner or later affect him; and finally as a result, bodily death will overtake him. But the healing performed by the Manifestation of God is of the Soul and is permanent, and the Life conferred by them is spiritual and therefore keeps man alive forever."

Sen McGlinn · 01-21-2012, 09:51 PM

in Secret of Divine Civilisation:

Quote:

There are some who imagine that an innate sense of human dignity can forbid the commission of evil actions and command the achievement of inward and outward perfections. That is, that an individual who is characterized with natural understanding, and inborn determination and will-power, will have nothing to do with harming others, and will be sedulous in doing good, and this without considering the severe punishments associated with wicked deeds, or the great rewards for good deeds. However, in the first place, if we examine the universal histories it is clear and indubitable that this innate sense of human dignity is one of the bounties from the teachings of the Prophets. We also observe in children that the signs of cruelty and excess are evident from a young age and, if a child remains without the training of an educator, his unseemly qualities will steadily increase. It is therefore clear that the innate sense of human dignity is also the result of teaching. Secondly, even if we suppose that natural understanding and an innate sense of dignity could forbid wrongdoing and incline one to good deeds, it is clear and indubitable that such individuals would excel the Elixir itself. Such a claim is not to be made in words, it must be supported by deeds. What power is it in the world that impels and compels society to praiseworthy aims and good deeds? Aside from this, an individual who is the embodiment of this innate sense of dignity would, if he also became an embodiment of the fear of God, will certainly be more steadfast and devoted in the path of benevolence.

Prodaytrader · 01-22-2012, 07:41 PM

very enlightening quote Sen.

01-21-2012, 02:27 AM	#1
arthra Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: California Posts: 3,062	Healing and the origin of good deeds.. From the Pilgrim Notes of Ali Kuli Khan: On the impermanence of healing physical illness and the origin of good deeds from the Prophets: Florence Khanum spoke concerning a certain sect which is interested in healing physical ailments and devoted to what is called a better life than that of the usual sects. She then asked, "Are these people who claim to surpass the other Christian sects in charity and good deeds to be considered possessors of a special excellence or are they one of the new sects of Christianity?" 'Abdu'l-Bahá answered in words to the following effect: "Whatever good deeds man performs in this world have originally inculcated by the Prophets and Manifestations of God. Were it not for the Prophets' teachings, man would remain ignorant and heedless like unto the brute beasts. For instance, if out of one thousand sheep nine hundred and ninety-nine be slaughtered before the eyes of each other, the last sheep would remain unmindful and continue heedless, diligently engaged in grazing. Material Philosophers say that they perform good deeds and therefore need no religion; not knowing that the very 'Good Deeds' they claim to perform have originally been taught by Divine Prophets. Hence true excellence consists in acknowledging the Manifestations of God and living up to their teachings. (For they set the standard of a truly good life and enable men to perform Good Deeds.)" "As to healing the ills of the body and caring for the sick and the poor. This is very good, but its effect or result is not a permanent one. For when man is healed of one physical pain, another will sooner or later affect him; and finally as a result, bodily death will overtake him. But the healing performed by the Manifestation of God is of the Soul and is permanent, and the Life conferred by them is spiritual and therefore keeps man alive forever."

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01-22-2012, 07:41 PM	#3
Prodaytrader Member Joined: Nov 2011 From: Dallas Posts: 31	very enlightening quote Sen.