FREEDOM

Freedom means that the spirit does not restrict itself to anything but sublime feelings and

thoughts, and is a slave to no principles other than goodness and virtue.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Many an individual actually imprisoned or in chains, is free in conscience and never feels

captivity. Many another, despite the grand spaces of palaces and gardens, does not taste

the true meaning of freedom.

* * * * * * * * * * *

True freedom is civilized freedom. It wears the diamond chain of religion and morals and

the golden collar of sound thinking.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Without being indifferent or careless, freedom is the freedom of the human mind from

shackles which hinder it from material and spiritual progress.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Freedom is to declare to man that he is free to do whatever he wants, provided that he

does others no harm, and is wholly devoted to the truth.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Freedom that does not acknowledge religious ideas and feelings, and is not the ground for

virtues and morality is like the desire to itch. Communities afflicted with it sooner or later

become restless and will inevitably wander off the common road of humanity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those who regard freedom as absolute liberty confuse human freedom with animal

freedom, whether they do so knowingly or not. Animals have no moral questions asked of

them: they are free of moral constraints. Some souls are too fond of just such freedom

and, if they can, use it to indulge the darkest desires of the flesh. This kind of freedom is

worse than bestial. True freedom, however, the freedom of moral responsibility is the

distinguishing mark of being human; it motivates and enlivens the conscience, and moves

aside impediments to the spirit.

CHILDREN

The child has the same meaning for the continuation of the human race as the seed of a

tree has for the continued growth and multiplication of that tree. Any people who neglect

their children are subject to decay, and those who abandon them to foreign culture risk

losing their identity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Children form the most active and productive part of a community after every thirty or forty

years. Those who have little children and pay no attention to them should consider how

important an element of a people's life they are disregarding and shudder.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The reasons for the vices observed in today's generation and the incompetence of some

administrators and other nation-wide troubles, lie in the conditions prevailing, and the ruling

elite, of thirty years ago. Likewise, those who are charged with the education of today's

young generations will be responsible for both the vices and virtues that will be apparent

thirty years from now.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Any people who would like to secure their future, should apply as much energy to the

upbringing of children as they devote to other problems. The energy devoted to many other

things may go in vain, but whatever is spent for the upbringing of young generations to

elevate them to the rank of humanity will be like an inexhaustible source of income.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Miserable, evil ones in a community the anarchists, the drug or wine addicts, and the

dissolute, etc. - were once children whom we neglected to educate properly. I do not know

whether we are giving enough consideration to what kind of people will be walking about in

our streets tomorrow.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The peoples who attach due importance to the institution of the family and the education of

their young generations - not those who are more advanced in sciences and technology

than others -will get the upper hand in the world of the future. The peoples who neglect the

institution of the family and the education of their young generations, are destined to be

crushed by pitiless wheels of time.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Parents should feed the minds of other children with knowledge and science before they

are engaged in useless things. For souls that are empty of truth and devoid of knowledge

are fields in which all kinds of evil thought are cultivated and grown.

THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

Man was created with his mate and hardly lived at all without a mate. That he and his mate

were created together at the very beginning of human existence indicates that marriage is

natural. Reproduction is the most important purpose of this natural state. A marriage made

for reasons other than bringing up children is no more than an entertainment. The offspring

who come into the world through a marriage dedicated to pleasure are the unfortunate

product of a transient emotion.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The permanence of a nation depends upon the education of its people, upon their lives

being guided to spiritual perfection. If nations have not been able to bring up perfect

generations to whom they can entrust their future, then their future will be dark. There is no

doubt that the duty of bringing up children properly devolves upon mothers and fathers.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Human generations go from age to age, and human beings worthy of the name are those

who have risen to high levels of spiritual attainment. Who do not develop their spiritual

faculties because they have been ill-educated scarcely merit being called human. They are

nothing more than strange creatures, even though they too are descended from Adam, and

those who are burdened with being their parents are unfortunate to have nurtured them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

When trees are correctly pruned, they give fruit and their growth improves, otherwise they

shrivel and become stunted. If this is true, should not a human being with so many talents

and abilities be given at least as much care as a tree?

* * * * * * * * * * *

O man, it is you who bring the child forth into the world, so it is your responsibility to raise

that child to the realms beyond the heavens. Just as you take care of its bodily health, so

too you must take care of its spiritual life. For God's sake, have pity and save the helpless

innocent - do not let its life go to waste.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If parents encourage their children to develop their abilities and be useful both to

themselves and the community, then they have given the nation a strong new pillar. If, on

the contrary, they neglect to cultivate human feelings in their children, they will have

released scorpions into the community.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Parents have the right to claim parentage of their children as long as they educate and

equip them with virtues. They cannot make such a claim if they neglect them. And, what

shall we call the parents who show their children the ways to wickedness and indecency,

and cause them to break with humanity?

THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS

Respect of parents is a primary and sacred obligation. If you fail to respect your parents,

you have disobeyed God Almighty. And those who treat their parents badly will sooner or

later fall into ill-treatment of others.

* * * * * * * * * * *

From the very moment of conception, the child, as it grows and develops, is a care and

responsibility for its parents. It is impossible to estimate the depth of attachment and

compassion parents feel for their children, nor is it possible to calculate the troubles and

hardships they go through as parents. For this reason, respecting them is a debt of human

gratitude as well as a religious obligation.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those who can judge the value of their parents rightly and regard them as a means to

obtain the mercy of God, are the most prosperous in both worlds. Those who, by contrast,

regard their parents' existence as a burden to themselves or who become wearied of them

are unfortunate ones who will inevitably suffer the most severe of hardships in life.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The more respectful you are to your parents, the greater the respect and awe you feel

before your Creator. Those who do not feel and show respect to their parents, feel no fear,

awe and respect towards God. Yet, it is a curious thing today that not only those who are

disrespectful to God but also those who claim that they love God, do not defend

themselves from disobedience to their parents.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Children should be respectful and obedient to their parents to the greatest degree possible,

and parents should give as much importance to their children's moral and spiritual

education as to their physical growth and health, and submit them to the care of the most

honorable teachers and guides. How ignorant and careless are the parents who neglect

the moral and spiritual training of their children, and how unfortunate are the children who

are the victims of such neglect.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Children who are inconsiderate of the rights of their parents and disobedient to them are

brutes those parents too are brutes who do not labor to secure the moral and spiritual

welfare of their children. Most brutish and pitiless of all are those parents who paralyze the

moral and spiritual development of their children after they have found a way to revive

themselves spiritually.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Families form the foundation of a society. Where there is reciprocal respect of rights and

obligations within a family, the society is healthy and strong. It is vain to look for

compassion and respect in the society once these have been lost from the relationships

within the family.

YOUTH

Those who wish to predict a nation's future can be sure of getting it right if they take full

account of the education and upbringing given to the young of that nation.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Although education is undeniably important for the development of a country, it is

impossible to achieve the expected results unless the education of the young is based

upon the traditional values.

* * * * * * * * * * *

When desires are presented as sweet foods and virtues as salty and bitter ones, which are

the young likely to prefer? Yet it remains an obligation us to bring them up to be friends of

virtue and enemies of indecency and immorality.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Until we help them through education, the young are captives of their environment. They

wander aimlessly, intensely moved by their passions, but far from knowledge and reason.

They will become truly valiant young representatives of the national thought and feeling

provided their education integrates them with their past, and prepares them intelligently for

the future.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Think of society as like a glass vessel, and of youth as the liquid poured into it which takes

its shape and color from the vessel. The evil-minded champions of regimentation invite the

young to obedience to themselves rather than to the truth. Do such people never question

themselves? And should they not also be obedient to the truth?

* * * * * * * * * * *

The progress or decline of a nation depends on the spirit and consciousness, the

upbringing and education, given to its young. So, while nations that have brought their

young up well are always ready for progress, it is impossible for those who have neglected

their young to take even a single forward step.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A young man is like a young tree in power and strength. He has the potential to be a

Heraclitus, overcoming obstacles with a mind keen to enlighten the souls of others. He

carries to the world the promise of harmonious order, provided that he is himself properly

trained and educated.

UPBRINGING

The future of every individual is closely related to the impressions and influences

experienced during childhood and youth. If children and young people are brought up in a

climate where their enthusiasm is stimulated with higher feelings, they will be vigorous in

mind and display good morals and virtue.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Little attention and importance is given to the teaching of cultural values, although it is most

necessary to education. If one day we are able to ensure that it is given importance, then

we shall have reached a major objective.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Improvement of a community is possible by elevating the coming generations to the rank of

humanity, not by obliterating the bad ones. Unless the seeds of religion, traditions and

historical consciousness germinate throughout the country in the place of every bad

element that has been eradicated, new bad elements will inevitably grow up. Books to be

read by children, no matter whether they are in prose or verse, must give resolution to the

spirit, soundness to the mind, and strength to hopes, so that we may raise generations

with strong wills and sound ideas.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Such educators as not have been apprenticed to a master and have not received an

education from a sound source are like blind persons trying to light the way of others with

lanterns. Mischief and impudence observed in a child are due to the atmosphere in which

he or she has been brought up. The discord in family life increasingly reflects upon the

spirit of the child, and therefore upon the society.

* * * * * * * * * * *

In schools, at least as much stress must be laid on good manners as upon other subjects

if children are to grow up with sound characters. Education is different from teaching; most

human beings can be teachers, but the number of educators is severely limited. Good

manners are a virtue and greatly appreciated in whomever they are found. The one with

good manners is liked, even though he or she may be uneducated. Communities devoid of

culture and education are like rude individuals, in whom it is not possible to find either

loyalty in friendship or consistency in enmity. Those who put their trust in such people are

always disappointed, and those who depend upon them are sooner or later left without

support.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Although it is fundamental that girls should be brought up to be delicate like flowers and

mild and affectionate educators of their children, due attention must also be given to

making them inflexible as defenders of truth. Otherwise we shall have transformed them

into poor, impotent beings for the sake of delicacy and mildness. We must never forget that

a female lion should nevertheless keep the attributes of a lion.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The humanity of a human being is directly proportional to the purity of his or her emotions.

Although those who are full of bad feelings and whose souls are influenced by egoism look

like human beings, whether they really are or not human is doubtful. Almost everyone can

be successful in physical training, but there are few who are able to educate their minds

and feelings. The former training is the means of producing men of muscle, while the latter

produces men of spirituality.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The first school for children, whose souls are as bright as mirrors and as quick to record

as cameras, are their homes. Their first educators are their mothers, thus it is fundamental

for the existence and stability of a nation that mothers should be brought up as good

educators.

MAN

Man is a being endowed with noble sentiments, capable of acquiring virtue and drawn to

eternity. Even in an apparently most wretched person, there is some intimation of eternity,

some love of beauty and impulses to virtue. If man can develop these most basic elements

of his being, inherent in him, he can rise to the highest ranks of humanity and attain to

eternity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A man is a true human being not in the mortal, material aspect of his existence but in the

attraction of his spirit to eternity and in his efforts to find it. For this reason, in disregard of

his spiritual aspect, no man, considered only in terms of his physical existence, can ever

find true peace and contentment.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The happiest and most fortunate of human beings are those who are always intoxicated

with ardent desire for the worlds beyond. Those who have confined themselves within the

narrow and suffocating limits of their bodily existence, are really in prison, even though they

may be living in palaces.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It is the first and foremost duty of a man that he should discover himself and then turn

towards his Lord through the illuminated prism of his nature. The unfortunate ones who are

unaware of their true nature and therefore unable to get in contact with their Most High

Creator, spend their lives like load-carrying porters unaware of the worth of the treasures

on their backs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Essentially, man is a helpless being, but he discovers an extraordinary competence by

depending on the Infinitely Powerful One. As he depends. on that Infinitely Powerful One, he

grows from being a drop into a waterfall, from being a particle into a sun, and from being a

beggar into a king.

* * * * * * * * * * *

To the degree of being familiar with the 'book' of existence and events and establishing a

unity between himself and that book, a man feels sparks of wisdom to appear in his heart.

He comes to recognize his essential nature and obtains knowledge of God through the light

of those sparks and, finally, reaches God. Nevertheless, in order to attain this goal, his

mental journeying must not be a blind following in the footsteps of heresy and denial.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A truly human being carries his relations with other living beings in the consciousness of

his duty to them and within the limits of need. One who is abandoned to his bodily desires

and pleasures infringes the limits and therefore cannot maintain the proper distance or

balance between duties and desires.

HUMANITY

In treatment of others and in conduct towards them, a person should always regard

whatever pleases and displeases himself as the measure. He should wish for others those

things that are most pleasing to him, and never forget that whatever conduct displeases

him will also displease others. If he does this, he will keep himself safe, not only from

misconduct and bad behavior, but also from hurting others.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Considering that favors received make you feel a liking, affection and attachment for those

who did the favor, you know how to make others like you, and feel affection and attachment

for you. It is said: 'Men are slaves of the favors done to them.' Therefore, doing others a

favor, being good to them, is a reliable defense against any harm that may come from

them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Maturity and perfection of spirit is being just in your treatment of others - even, or

especially, those who have done you an injustice, thus answering their evil with good. A

person should never give up doing good, even for those who have done him harm, and

treat them with humanity and nobility. For, to do someone harm is brutish behavior.

Whereas returning evil with evil implies deficiency in character, returning good for evil is

nobility.

* * * * * * * * * * *

There is no limit to doing others good. One who has dedicated himself to the good of

humanity, can be so altruistic as to sacrifice even his life for others. However, such

altruism can be a great virtue only so long as it originates in sincerity and purity of intention

and the 'others' are not defined by racial preferences.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A person's humanity and nobility are directly proportional to his closeness to his friends and

maintenance of friendship. Talking of nobility and kindness without expressing warmth and

intimacy in relationships is mere assertion; and doing good in return only for the good done

to oneself, or sometimes ceasing to do good to others in order to punish them, implies

moral imperfection and immaturity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It is a high form of doing good to others to ignore some of their faults or improprieties or

bad manners, to tolerate their imperfections. Prying or spying into others' affairs and finding

fault is rudeness and incivility, publicizing such affairs here and there is an unforgivable

fault, and declaring them to the others' face is a severe blow to the bonds of unity between

people, a blow from which, sadly, it is almost impossible for friendship to recover fully.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those who regard as insignificant even the greatest good they have done for others while

greatly appreciating even the least of the favors done to themselves, are perfected ones

who have acquired the Divine standards of behavior and found peace in their conscience.

Such individuals never remind others of the good they have done for them nor ever

complain about indifference to themselves.

MORALS

Morals are a set of noble principles governing human conduct, and originate in high

spirituality. For this reason, people who neglect spirituality and are therefore lacking in

spiritual values cannot sustain conduct in accordance with these principles.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Preferring the interests of others over one's own is high spirituality and liberality. Those

who always do good without expecting any return will one day bow before God in wonder

and admiration when, unexpectedly, they meet the accumulated results of their

considerateness and all the good they have done.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A learned man is freed from carrying the burden of superfluous information, and attains

greatness, to the extent that he puts himself in the service of humanity and sets a good

example to others through his high morals and virtues. Otherwise, he is no more than an

individual in the public eye who has wasted his life. A man with high morals and virtues,

even if he lacks learning and is thereby hard as iron is, may sometimes prove to be as

useful and valuable, as good, as gold.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Never deceive anyone even if they deceive you. Fidelity and uprightness are two of the

highest virtues. Even if it usually brings you loss, always be faithful and upright.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Morals were once thought of as virtues. Today, morals are regarded as a collection of rules

of social behavior. I wish people behaved in accordance with those rules, even though they

are not virtuous!

* * * * * * * * * * *

In the past, they would say: 'The principles of good conduct are no longer practiced; we

only see them written down in books.' Today, they say: 'The principles of good conduct are

out of date; whatever remains of them is written in old books.' Whatever they say, those

principles are worth sacrificing many new things for, even though people try to present

them as outdated.

RELIGION

Mankind, since the beginning of time, has found true peace and happiness in religion. As it

is impossible to talk of morality and virtue where people do not practice the true religion, it

is also difficult to imagine real happiness. For morality and virtue originate in good, clear

conscience; and what makes conscience good and clear is religion, which is a connection

between man and God.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion is the best school, a most blessed institution founded to inculcate in people good

moral qualities. It is open to everyone from the youngest to the oldest; only those who

attend it attain peace, satisfaction and freedom. The others, by contrast, cannot save

themselves from losing everything, including their true identity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion is the collection of Divine principles which guide people to good, not by force but

by appealing to their free will. All the principles that secure man's spiritual and material

progress, and thereby his happiness in both worlds, are found in religion.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion means to recognize God is His absolute and transcendental Oneness, and to

acquire spiritual purity through acting according to His way. It also requires that a man

should organize his relations with other people in His name and according to His

commandments, and that he should also feel, on account of him, a deep love for and

relationship with the whole of creation.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those do not recognize religion will, sooner or later, come to despise such high values as

chastity, patriotism and love of humanity.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Immorality is a filth caused by lack of religion, and anarchy is a product of the same lack.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Do the ateists, who have devoted their life to hostility towards religion, not have some

obligation to demonstrate the benefits, if there are any, and the good consequences, if

there are any, of atheism?

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion and science are, in fact, two faces of a single truth. Religion guides man to the

true path leading to happiness. As for science, when understood and used properly, it is

like a torch which provides man with a light to follow on that very same path.

* * * * * * * * * * *

All the beautiful 'flowers' of laudable virtues are grown in the 'gardens' of religion, as are the

most illustrious 'fruits' of the tree of creation, like the Prophets, the saints and the scholars

of high achievement. Although the atheists deliberately ignore them, they will be unable,

however hard they try, to remove them from the hearts of people and the pages of books.

* * * * * * * * * * *

There is nothing in the true religion to sound thinking or reasoning or established scientific

facts. So, it cannot, by any means, be criticized from any rational point of view. Those who

do not accept religion, therefore, have very few, if any, sound arguments or reasons for it,

or they have a misconception of science.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion is an inexhaustible and blessed source laying the foundation of a true civilization. It

is by means of religion that a man is elevated in spirit and feelings so high that he makes

contact with the metaphysical worlds, from where he is 'fed' to full satisfaction with all kinds

of beauties, virtues and goodness.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Virtues are to be sought in the practice of religion. It rarely happens that an atheist has

laudable virtues while a religious man is devoid of them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A man attains true humanity by means of religion, and is thereby distinguished from

animals. For an atheist, there is no difference between human beings and animals.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Religion is the way established by God while atheism is the way of Satan. It is for this

reason that the struggle between religion and atheism has existed since the time of Adam

and will continue until the Last Day.

FRIENDSHIP

One who holds his friends in good esteem and treats them with respect has gained many

defenders and supporters against his enemies.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The need for faithful friends is no less than need for the vital necessities of life. Being

among a secure and peaceful circle of friends means finding safety against many sorts of

hazard and danger.

* * * * * * * * * * *

He is wise who, if a friendship is damaged, immediately removes the cause of

discontentment and restores good relations. But even wiser is the one who is careful

enough to avoid or prevent disagreement with his friends in the first place.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Love and good relations between friends continue so long as they understand each other,

show self-denial and make sacrifices within permissible limits. The friendship between

those who cannot renounce their interests and preferences for the sake of their friends

cannot be enduring.

* * * * * * * * * * *

One is loyal and faithful to one's friends to the extent one shares in their troubles as well as

in their joys. The one who cannot weep when his friends weep and rejoice when they

rejoice cannot be regarded as a faithful friend.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If we cannot accept the criticism made of us by those we love and who love us, we may

lose our friends and remain unaware of our defects.

* * * * * * * * * * *

One who maintains a friendship with a friend who has fallen on hard times is a true, loyal

friend. Whoever does not support his friends against their misfortunes has nothing to do

with friendship.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those who tend to disagree and struggle with their friends have few friends. One who

desires to have friends both faithful and in great number should avoid disagreement with

them on trivial matters.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Friendship is something pertaining to the heart and its sincerity. Those who think they can

gain others' friendship through deception and hypocrisy are themselves in a manifest

deception. Even if there are around them some simple-minded people who have been

taken in by their hypocrisy and flattery, it is inconceivable that they will long be able to

sustain friendship with them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Do not remember the promises that others have failed to keep; instead, consider the

undertakings you yourself have failed to carry out. Do not blame others because they have

not done good to you; instead, remember the chances you have missed of doing

something good to someone else.

KEEPING SECRETS

Guarding a secret can be likened to guarding one's chastity. One who keeps a secret,

whether his own or another's, has kept himself chaste. Conversely, one who spreads

secrets about has slighted his honor and reputation and left them unguarded.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The person to whom you entrust a secret should be someone you would trust with your

honor. He must be as meticulous about keeping your secret as he would be about his own

honor. An unreliable person, one who is ignorant of the value of chastity, should not be

charged with keeping your secret.

* * * * * * * * * * *

To keep a secret and to respect the secrets of others - not pry after them - is a virtue

related to self-discipline and sensitivity. It cannot be expected of one who lacks the

understanding to guard a secret. Someone who shows disregard of the consequences of

his words and actions cannot be judged discreet.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It is usually wiser not to spread the details of one's private concerns around, especially if

they are unattractive or offensive or lacking in any merit. To do so can embarrass loved

ones and delight enemies besides other unpleasant consequences.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Hearts are created as safes for keeping secrets; intelligence is their lock; will power is their

key. It is impossible for anyone to break through to the valuables of the safe as long as

neither lock nor keys are faulty.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Bear in mind that the people who carry others' secrets to you, could also take yours to

others, so do not give such tactless people any opportunity to learn even the least

important details of your private concerns.

* * * * * * * * * * *

For a person to again entrust a secret to someone who previously disclosed one, is a sign

of lack of perception and poor judgment in choosing a confidant. One whose own heart is

firm on this matter and who is vigilant cannot be repeatedly deceived and seduced in this

way.

* * * * * * * * * * *

There are secrets related to the person, the family, or the whole nation. By disclosing a

personal secret, personal honor is interfered with, by disclosing a family secret, family

honor is interfered with, and by disclosing a national secret, the honor of the nation is

interfered with. Because of this, a secret is a power a long as it stays in the keeping of its

owner, but is a weapon that may be used against its owner, if it passes into the hands of

others. That is the meaning of one of our traditional sayings: 'The secret is your slave, but if

you disclose it, you will be its slave.'

* * * * * * * * * * *

There are many important affairs regarding which secrets have to be protected. Often

enough, when the representatives in such an affair do not keep certain matters secret, no

progress is achieved and it produces serious risks for those involved, particularly if the

affair relates to the delicate issues of national life and its continuation.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If a state cannot protect its secrets from its enemies; if an army reveals its strategy to its

antagonists; if a key worker is discovered by his competitors; the state cannot develop, the

army cannot attain victory and the workman cannot succeed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A person may explain as much as his demands, but must never give away all the secrets

of his own job. It must never be forgotten that who freely publicize the secrets of their

hearts drag themselves and their nation to an unavoidable downfall.

LOVE OF POSITION

Man possesses within himself the seeds of virtue as well as having the potential for every

evil. Some undesirable characteristics such as passion and the desire to show off exist in

him alongside the good qualities of sincerity, altruism, and self-sufficiency. Thus we should

take all these qualities into account when considering human nature and not be

disappointed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It is natural for every man to entertain love of status and fame to some degree. If these

desires are not satisfied in acceptable ways, then those who cannot be rid of them may do

many harms both to themselves and to their community. There may be some people

whose ambitions have to be diverted into harmless channels; otherwise frustrations built

up because of those unsatisfied desires will cause harm.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Although it may be harmful for some unrefined souls to satisfy their desires for prominence

by seeking status, nevertheless their pursuit of this may be a good thing since they are

thereby prevented from doing greater evils. Thus, for example, it is preferable for a singer

who wishes to make use of his God-given ability, to sing hymns rather than obscene

songs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Sincerity or purity of intention is the quality of the deed and of him who performs it. Thus

sincerity or purity of intention determines whether any act will be accepted by God.

However, it is not easy for everybody to serve the faith with complete sincerity, so

consideration should be given to whether the good in them exceeds the evil. Many deeds

which are performed rather for show than out of sincerity should not be judged as

absolutely harmful. People sometimes may contaminate their deeds by their egos and their

desires; they may not always be seeking God's approval and showing repentance for their

mistakes, but we have no right to claim that those people are not on the side of the truth.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If each individual in a group tries to impose himself as the only authority in his field and

some others imitate him, then this will destroy discipline, cause anarchy, and produce

divisions within the community. Ultimately, this destroys order as a result of a confusion of

authority and interference between the rulers and the ruled.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If the successful members of a government or efficient executives of a state or institution

demand the lion's share of benefits in consideration of their abilities, then that government

will become paralyzed, that state will collapse, that institution will descend into chaos. A

government subsists on discipline particular to itself, a state is maintained by its principles,

and an army is founded upon structures of command and obedience. Anything contrary to

this will mean neglect of the vital elements which traditionally have ensured the cohesion of

human societies.

* * * * * * * * * * *

If only the hearts of people were content with what the Sublime Creator had bestowed upon

them, and would seek His Divine pleasure! Some self-seeking souls have turned their

backs on the light of the sun and are content with the dim light of the lanterns in their hands

- with these they will never find the door to eternal light.

DREAMS

Dreams usually comprise images, related in some way to past or future circumstances

seen either in their true identities or symbolically, through windows opening onto the world

of truth. So long as the mind is free from certain impressions and preconceptions, every

dream, like a light or a signpost from the worlds beyond, may remove darkness and

indicate a direction.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Since in dreams there is no need for eyes or light or other means or materials, and what is

'seen' is perceived by the insight and spirit, dreams can sometimes tell a man things as

beautiful as he could not consciously imagine. It is not rare that through a single dream a

man can gain so much knowledge about the past, present and future as whole libraries do

not contain.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Almost everyone has dreams, which are the visions of the spirit. As a man can experience

through these vision dimensions outside the material or physical existence, so too he can

penetrate some way into many of the mysteries of Destiny.

* * * * * * * * * * *

There are so many dreams whose meanings have proven to be true in actual life that, if

everyone were to record such true dreams, the records would make up huge volumes.

* * * * * * * * * * *

There are dreams which bring to purified souls scenes from the other world. A soul

refreshes itself in such dreams, and entering the 'flower gardens' of that world, drinks from

the pure waters therein to taste deliverance. 'Seeing' through openings onto eternity, the

soul is enraptured by scenes which it is impossible neither to see with the eyes, nor hear

with the ears, nor imagine with the conscious mind.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It is by means of dreams that we become aware of our two important faculties, namely the

heart and the power of insight, and are freed from the three-dimensional prison of our

bodies. However, souls that have been united with the truth do not need dreams to 'see' the

worlds beyond; they live enraptured by the vision of beauties in both this and other worlds

at the same time. But, as this door does not open except after strenuous and serious

spiritual training and self-discipline, it is not open to everybody.

* * * * * * * * * * *

For those who regard the human mind as a sort of rubbish dump, a container of the most

abased things, who pursue their investigations into it (and draw conclusions) as if it were a

swamp of animal impulses, dreams are a device by means of which the sub-conscious

expresses itself. However, in dreams thousands of inspiration flow to the heart. As almost

everyone from the time of Adam has got in dreams messages pertaining to future,

thousands of inventors and saintly people have also received their earlier inspirations in

them and felt indebted ever after to this radiant and blessed world of symbols or ideal

forms.

MAN OF SERVICE

Man of service must, for the sake of the cause he has given his heart to, be resolved to

cross over seas of filth. When he has attained his object, he must be so mature that he will

attribute everything to its Rightful Owner, and be respectful and thankful to Him. His voice

and each breath are spent in the glorification and magnifying of God, the Sublime Creator.

He holds everyone in high regard and esteem. He is so balanced and faithful to God's will

that he will not turn into idols those whom he praises for their services. He knows himself

first of all to be responsible and answerable for work left undone. He has to be considerate

and fair-minded to everyone who comes to his aid and support the truth. He is

extraordinarily resolved and hopeful even when his institutions have been destroyed, his

plans upset and his forces put to rout. He is moderate and tolerant when he has taken wing

anew and soared to the summits. So rational and sagacious that he admits in advance that

this path is very steep. So zealous, persevering and confident that he can pass through all

the pits of, hell that he may encounter on his way. So faithful to the cause, to which he has

devoted his life that, deeply in love with it, he can sacrifice his life and all that he loves for its

sake. So sincere and humble that he will never bring to mind all that he has accomplished.

* * * * * * * * * * *

THE ESSENTIALS OF THE WAY

Preference of the sacred cause over all worldly and animal desires; steadfastness in truth,

once it has been discovered, to the degree that one sacrifices al mundane attachments for

its sake; endurance in the face of all hardships to open the ways to the happiness of future

generations; seeking happiness, not in material or even spiritual pleasures, but in the

happiness and well-being of others; never aiming to obtain any posts or positions,

preferring oneself to others in taking on work but preferring others to oneself in receiving

wages these are the essentials of this sacred way of serving the truth.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Those who lead a way must set a good example for their followers. Just as they are

imitated in their virtues and good morals, so too, their bad and improper actions and

attitudes leave indelible marks upon those who follow them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

One who represents the truth in any stage must try to embody it himself, with honesty

trustworthiness, consciousness of duty, high degree of perception, awareness of

circumstances and far sightedness, and absolute chastity. It is a serious defect for anyone

who holds office to be lacking in any of these virtues and bad luck for those who follow him.

ADDICTION TO COMFORT

Every noble cause and truth will gain constancy and a universal identity by its adherents'

determination and devotion and endeavor to protect it. If that cause and truth is deprived of

perceptive adherents, faithful, persevering followers, it is sooner or later wiped from all

memories by the hostility of its determined enemies.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Just as stagnant water which has lost the fluidity which is its life stinks and putrefies, so too

the lazy ones abandoned to comfort and ease, will inevitably rot and be losers. Desire for

comfort is the first warning alarm and sign of death. However, a person whose sensitivity

has been paralyzed will neither hear the alarm nor understand anything from this sign, nor

will he heed warnings and advice of friends.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Laziness and attachment to an easy life are among the major reasons behind all types of

deprivation and humiliation. There is no doubt that inactive souls who have abandoned

themselves to (indolent) comfort, will one day fall so low as to expect even their basic

necessities to be supplied by others.

Once the extreme addiction to staying at home is added to the addiction to indolent

comfort, it is certain that the 'front lines' will be abandoned and the person will become

cowardly. If this decline is not perceived and the situation is handled in terms of manliness,

it is fully a deviation and something horrid.

* * * * * * * * * * *

For a human being change and decay are usually slow and silent. Sometimes, even a little

heedlessness, a slight straying from the 'caravan' can be a cause of falling altogether, of

being in loss. However, because those who have fallen see themselves, as still on the

same line, in the same situation, they do not even realize that they have plunged to the

bottom of a deep well from a tower.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Some of those who have left the line of exertion and struggle, with some sentiment of guilt -

which every fugitive and truant is bound to feel - are likely to start to defend themselves and

criticize their friends who go on serving their cause. It is barely possible for them to escape

from their deviation and return to their original line. The Prophet Adam recovered his

previous rank with a single deed, namely his confession of fault, after he had fallen into

forgetfulness. By contrast, Satan, despite the gravity of his sin, took the route of defending

himself and fell into eternal frustration.

* * * * * * * * * * *

People, who have lost their resolve will power and endeavor, affect the courage and

devotional strength of the ones around them. Sometimes it has even been observed that

only a little hesitation and a bit of reluctance displayed by one such irresolute individual has

caused a shock and loss of hope as great as the death of a hundred people. And this only

encourages the enemies of the nation to attack us.

SPEECH

Creation began with a syllable of speech made up of two letters, namely "Be". The roads

leading from unity to multiplicity, from single to plural, appeared with speech and were

illuminated with words, which are parts of speech. Before speech resounded in their

hearts, man was in no way different from animals and animals were not different from

rocks or earth.

When Pen was created, it could not know what it would write. In this bewilderment, speech

whispered its mystery and ink began to shed tears. Since then, when pen arrives at

speech, it laments and ink weeps.

Had it not been for speech, we would never have been able to hear anything of eternity or

understand anything of the mysteries pertaining to the All-Exalted Creator, which satisfy our

insight and inmost hearts.

It is by means of speech that the universe has become a place of exhibition and the books

coming from the Truth serve as heralds. When speech was placed on the head of the ruler

of the earth like a crown inlaid with beryl, the meaning of existence was manifested and we,

human beings, became as if made of speech only. It is speech, which connects the earth

with the heavens and unites the world with the Hereafter. Although its innate beauty and

exalted being are not apparent of themselves, we may say that everything is indebted to

speech and has its source therein.

Speech is such a standard demolishing fortress towers and such a flag conquering

castles, that commanders, who have not been supported by it, have not been able to

conquer even a single village. Even the greatest commanders have not been able to

capture the places that speech has captured, kings have not been able to obtain as much

glory as it has obtained, and no mortal has been able to live as long as it. Those who have

come have gone, and those who have gone have gone also from memories, whereas

speech has remained ever fresh and lively, losing nothing of its value.

Those who can use speech effectively or who can write and speak effectively and

eloquently are celestial nightingales. Their tongues exhilarate their friends and alarm and

dispirit their enemies. The bayonets of speech they produce are sharper than the swords

of warriors and more awe-inspiring than their lances. Physicians are able to heal the

wounds of swords and arrows but have never been witnessed to heal the wounds opened

up by words. It is the Prophets who wielded the most effective and penetrating of words

and, after them, those with sincere hearts open to inspiration. Over the passage of time

they have torn up the veils of darkness with their arrows of word; at times they have lit fires

in hearts with the sparks of the words they have put in them; at other times they have

sometimes sprinkled words like showers of mercy, changing their surrounding into

gardens of Paradise.

When those birds of inspiration have taken wing, even angels have hastened to

them in order to collect the pearls that have scattered from their mouths.

Those who write and speak eloquently in the way of truth are like the sun: at the cost of

burning inwardly, they light up their surroundings. They may also be likened to oceans,

which hold the world's vastest treasures yet are not made haughty by their wealth. They

are perfectly humble among people and profoundly devoted to God and most careful of all

in their relationship with Him. They scatter jewels around without needing to make any

show thereby. And while they continue to produce new jewels, they do not think of

themselves as having made anything worthy of praise.

They enliven minds and hearts with their precious words and enchant men and jinn,

attracting those both in mosques and taverns to their jewels. Today, imprisoned within the

thick walls of matter and shut off to the realms of inspiration, it seems impossible to

produce the same jewels as those produced by our predecessors. Even the words of

those who have some fame for their rhetoric and eloquence are feeble and lacking in the

depth to hold hearts and minds. The wings of inspiration are broken and in the hearts

needy of inspiration the witches of imitation have settled. For this reason we are left with

nothing to do but pray to the Creator of speech to help us.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

What is righteousness is likable and esteemed even if it is defeated. The unjust is

loathsome and unlikable even if it is victorious.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The righteousness is beautiful in its character and the one who is right is sweet. Even if the

righteousness falls into the mud, it is pure and upright. If the unjust is washed with musk, it

is still impure and disgusting.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Even if color and shape change, the essence doesn’t. If name and title change the

character doesn’t. Changes in color/shape and name/title have fooled man the most.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The won who oppresses the weak is the defeated even if he is the victor, and the one who

is right is victorious even if he is the loser.

PHILOSOPHY

Opposition to the nation is a mistake. However, if the people are a nation this rule

is true; otherwise, consenting is a mistake. Just as opposition to the views of some

engineers regarding a patient is not considered being a mistake, neither is it

considered a mistake to get the views of some doctors regarding construction

figures.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Helplessness doesn’t mean only a lack of strength and power. There are many strong and

talented people w