…human conditions may be likened to the matrix of the mother
from which a child is to be born into the spacious outer world. At first the
infant finds it very difficult to reconcile itself to its new existence. It
cries as if not wishing to be separated from its narrow abode and imagining
that life is restricted to that limited space. It is reluctant to leave its
home, but nature forces it into this world. Having come into its new
conditions, it finds that it has passed from darkness into a sphere of
radiance; from gloomy and restricted surroundings it has been transferred to a
spacious and delightful environment. Its nourishment was the blood of the
mother; now it finds delicious food to enjoy. Its new life is filled with
brightness and beauty; it looks with wonder and delight upon the mountains,
meadows and fields of green, the rivers and fountains, the wonderful stars; it
breathes the life-quickening atmosphere; and then it praises God for its
release from the confinement of its former condition and attainment to the
freedom of a new realm. This analogy expresses the relation of the temporal world
to the life hereafter—the transition of the soul of man from darkness and
uncertainty to the light and reality of the eternal Kingdom. At first it is
very difficult to welcome death, but after attaining its new condition the soul
is grateful, for it has been released from the bondage of the limited to enjoy
the liberties of the unlimited. It has been freed from a world of sorrow, grief
and trials to live in a world of unending bliss and joy. The phenomenal and
physical have been abandoned in order that it may attain the opportunities of
the ideal and spiritual.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 23 April 1912, at Home of
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons, Washington D.C.; ‘The Promulgation of Universal
Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States
and Canada in 1912’)
