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Ascension of Baha'u'llah

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
May 28th is the Baha'i Holy day to commemorate the passing of Baha'u'llah in 1892. It closed a 40 years period of Revelation.

This is a short reflection of what that meant for humanity.

Reflections on the Ascension of Baha’u’llah

Regards Tony
Excuse me if I don't follow everything and may jump in the middle of something, but can you tell me if anyone saw Bahaullah's ascension? Which I suppose means that he went to heaven, or a higher place than the earth (since the word ascension is used, even though one side goes up and the other side such as the South Pole would have people 'ascend' in the opposite direction). thank you.
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
Excuse me if I don't follow everything and may jump in the middle of something, but can you tell me if anyone saw Bahaullah's ascension? Which I suppose means that he went to heaven, or a higher place than the earth (since the word ascension is used, even though one side goes up and the other side such as the South Pole would have people 'ascend' in the opposite direction). thank you.

The ascension of Baha'u'llah is the same for all Messengers. They leave the physical body behind and return to the spiritual realms.

There is an eyewitness story given by two believers that followed Baha'u'llah from Akka one night to Bajhi, it shows that this world and the next world are part of each other.

The Story
The Holy Land was part of the Turkish Empire in September 1878 when Bahá'u'lláh, its noble and illustrious prisoner, took up residence in the Mansion of Bahjí for the remainder of His days on this earthly plane. He was buried there upon His passing in 1892. Bahá'u'lláh stated that Bahjí is the most sublime vision for all mankind. Today Bahjí, its magnificent gardens and Bahá'u'lláh's Shrine, adjacent the Mansion, is the point of adoration and pilgrimage for all Bahá’ís.

Bahá'u'lláh had been living in another Mansion called Mazareh about 10 kilometres north of Akko. His beloved son and successor, Abdu’l-Bahá was living in Akko. Abdu’l-Bahá rented, and then later purchased the Mansion of Bahjí which is closer and more convenient to Akko. Also, the Mansion’s scale and dimensions were more befitting of Bahá'u'lláh's station.

As September in the Holy Land is hot and humid any travel movement is best in the early morning or evening. So it was 2 hours after sunset that Bahá'u'lláh and His secretary rode their donkeys through Akko's streets through the land gate of the ancient fortress and on to the Mansion of Bahjí about 4 kilometres away to take up residence.

The story of the events described in the song are to be found in Adib Taherzadeh's 4th volume of his books titled The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh. The two Followers, the poet, Nabil-Azam and the historian Haji Muhammad-Tahir-i-Malmiri (who is Adib Taherzadeh's father) were two people enraptured by the sight and presence of Bahá'u'lláh, typical of his followers they were the planets to His sun, captivated in His orbit. They waited by their window overlooking the street near the Akko Land Gate to see him ride by, on the spur of the moment, and without His permission they followed Bahá'u'lláh from Akko to Bahjí keeping a respectful distance.

When he arrived in the Holy Land, Haji Muhammad-Tahir and a fellow pilgrim had delivered a gift from devoted Bahá’ís. It was a special oil lantern with 3 wicks which was placed in the Mansion’s window as a beacon to follow that night. Upon arrival Bahá'u'lláh entered the mansion, so Haji Muhammad-Tahir and Nabil decided to prayerfully circumambulate the mansion. As they proceeded, they realised that “the walls of the Mansion were packed with people” devoted prayerful souls had assembled against the four walls of the Mansion of Bahjí. They heard their murmuring so they moved about 30 paces away and continued to circumambulate in prayer. Since they knew no others would be in their position they concluded that the souls they saw that night were the souls of all the previous Prophets of the past and the Concourse on High whom were also circumambulating the Throne of their Lord.

They returned home spiritually ablaze, unable to sleep, keeping vigil through the night. Nabil writing poems about the sights they had witnessed that night and about other events in the life of Bahá'u'lláh. Muhammad-Tahir spent the night in discussion with Nabil about what they had witnessed and making tea to keep them awake. In the morning they sent the poetry and a gift of cones of sugar to Bahá'u'lláh and a message describing the mysterious events they’d witnessed.

When Bahá'u'lláh received the note, poems, and the sugar cones, He revealed a Tablet in their honor and conferred the title of Bulbul (Nightingale) on Nabil and Bahhaj (Blissful) on Muhammad-Tahir. He graciously accepted their Pilgrimage to the mansion.

Bajhi.jpg


Regards Tony
 

Sirona

Hindu Wannabe
Since the ascension of Baha'ullah was such an singular and outstanding event that it was given its own holiday, what awaits the many other souls after death when most of them arguably are not in the same category as Baha'ullah when it comes to being regarded as a saint?
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Since the ascension of Baha'ullah was such an singular and outstanding event that it was given its own holiday, what awaits the many other souls after death when most of them arguably are not in the same category as Baha'ullah when it comes to being regarded as a saint?
Good question. I wonder if any of the better-educated of the Bahai followers here might have the answer.
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Thank you for the post.

Baha'u'llah says that all the Messengers came Like Jesus did. The virgin birth signifies they are born of the Holy Spirit, even though they are born from the womb of their mother. All the Messengers are likewise Resurrected as Jesus was, they are all 'Christ' (Anointed Ones). Anointed of the holy spirit. We are all born of the Human Spirit.

Big topic, but it opens the door for all Faiths to be seen as emanating from the same source.

Regards Tony
It is written that Mary herself said to the angel who told her she would be pregnant that she was not have relations with any man. Luke 1:34. What do you know about Bahalullah's mother? Was she unmarried and a virgin when she was impregnated by what you say is the holy spirit? Thank you.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
Since the ascension of Baha'ullah was such an singular and outstanding event that it was given its own holiday, what awaits the many other souls after death when most of them arguably are not in the same category as Baha'ullah when it comes to being regarded as a saint?

Please keep in mind that in the DIR section of this forum those who do not identify with a particular religion may only ask respectful questions. Debating is not permitted. If you wish to debate this topic you are welcome to start an OP in the debates section and tag me or any other Baha’i for a response.

Baha’is believe we all have a soul that progresses through the worlds of God beyond this mortal life. The physical body returns to dust.

The world beyond, writes Bahá’u’lláh, “is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother.” Just as the womb provides the environment for a person’s initial physical development, the phenomenal world is the arena within which we develop the spiritual characteristics and capacitiesthat we need for our onward journey. Both here and in the next life, we advance with the assistance of God’s bounty and grace.

Life and Death | What Bahá’ís Believe
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
It is written that Mary herself said to the angel who told her she would be pregnant that she was not have relations with any man. Luke 1:34. What do you know about Bahalullah's mother? Was she unmarried and a virgin when she was impregnated by what you say is the holy spirit? Thank you.

Bahá’u’lláh was born in 1817 to Khadíjih Khánum and Mírzá Buzurg of Nur (in the province of Mazandaran), a Persian nobleman. Bahá’u’lláh’s parents were married and Khadíjih was not a virgin when she gave birth.
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
Since the ascension of Baha'ullah was such an singular and outstanding event that it was given its own holiday, what awaits the many other souls after death when most of them arguably are not in the same category as Baha'ullah when it comes to being regarded as a saint?

From my perspective from what I understand about God and Faith, is that one's life lived in virtue, is what is remembered and what we do leave as good for all humanity. No man strives for sainthood, it is usually given to those that were most humble but most loving towards all mankind.

The Manifestation of God is different, to us they are the self of God and the bringinger of the virtues, they are who inspire us to work towards a saintly life. We are inspired by them, even if we do not know they are the source of all Good.

Regards Tony
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
It is written that Mary herself said to the angel who told her she would be pregnant that she was not have relations with any man. Luke 1:34. What do you know about Bahalullah's mother? Was she unmarried and a virgin when she was impregnated by what you say is the holy spirit? Thank you.

Adrian answered the question.

I will add a spiritual aspect to the answer, as to me, it aids in the understanding of the Ascension as well.

To answer the virgin aspect of Mary, the Mother of Jesus,. The Spirit which Jesus was born with, I see is the same Spirit that Mirza Husayn-‘Ali Nuri was born with. In that way, it is God that does as God so Wills. It is God that gives us the signs that come with each Messenger.

Baha'u'llah has shown us that the Messengers are all 'Christ'. As you would know Christ means 'Annointed One'. That is how Christ is the First and the Last.

Thank you for the questions.

Regards Tony
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Bahá’u’lláh was born in 1817 to Khadíjih Khánum and Mírzá Buzurg of Nur (in the province of Mazandaran), a Persian nobleman. Bahá’u’lláh’s parents were married and Khadíjih was not a virgin when she gave birth.
Do you happen to know what his parents' religion was?
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Adrian answered the question.

I will add a spiritual aspect to the answer, as to me, it aids in the understanding of the Ascension as well.

To answer the virgin aspect of Mary, the Mother of Jesus,. The Spirit which Jesus was born with, I see is the same Spirit that Mirza Husayn-‘Ali Nuri was born with. In that way, it is God that does as God so Wills. It is God that gives us the signs that come with each Messenger.

Baha'u'llah has shown us that the Messengers are all 'Christ'. As you would know Christ means 'Annointed One'. That is how Christ is the First and the Last.

Thank you for the questions.

Regards Tony
So from what I've learned, Mary was a virgin when impregnated with the one who grew in her womb to be Jesus. That is very clear now to me from what Mary told the angel, so I'm glad the subject came up. Just wondering if anyone saw Baha'u'lla ascend to heaven or wherever you might think he (his soul) went to. Thanks for your response.
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
From my perspective from what I understand about God and Faith, is that one's life lived in virtue, is what is remembered and what we do leave as good for all humanity. No man strives for sainthood, it is usually given to those that were most humble but most loving towards all mankind.

The Manifestation of God is different, to us they are the self of God and the bringinger of the virtues, they are who inspire us to work towards a saintly life. We are inspired by them, even if we do not know they are the source of all Good.

Regards Tony
Since you speak of a saintly life, how would you define it?
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Please keep in mind that in the DIR section of this forum those who do not identify with a particular religion may only ask respectful questions. Debating is not permitted. If you wish to debate this topic you are welcome to start an OP in the debates section and tag me or any other Baha’i for a response.

Baha’is believe we all have a soul that progresses through the worlds of God beyond this mortal life. The physical body returns to dust.

The world beyond, writes Bahá’u’lláh, “is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother.” Just as the womb provides the environment for a person’s initial physical development, the phenomenal world is the arena within which we develop the spiritual characteristics and capacitiesthat we need for our onward journey. Both here and in the next life, we advance with the assistance of God’s bounty and grace.

Life and Death | What Bahá’ís Believe
May I ask upon what writing or eye-witness affirmation do you have that the soul progresses through the worlds of God beyond this mortal life? How many mortal lives do Bahai's believe we have?
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
May 28th is the Baha'i Holy day to commemorate the passing of Baha'u'llah in 1892. It closed a 40 years period of Revelation.

This is a short reflection of what that meant for humanity.

Reflections on the Ascension of Baha’u’llah

Regards Tony
So I mean, upon reflection, to where did Bahullah ascend? I'm not sure if anyone answered if anyone saw him ascend (or to where), but that is an interesting question, since Jesus must have been different in his ascension. In actuality, how and where did he die? Very interesting...
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
So from what I've learned, Mary was a virgin when impregnated with the one who grew in her womb to be Jesus. That is very clear now to me from what Mary told the angel, so I'm glad the subject came up. Just wondering if anyone saw Baha'u'llah ascend to heaven or wherever you might think he (his soul) went to. Thanks for your response.

Thank you for the Question. From my understanding of the Baha'i Writings, the Soul/Spirit that was Jesus the Christ and Baha'u'llah are to be considered as per Acts 7:55 "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God".

That passage to me can be read a few ways. It could be a prophecy saying that Stephen saw Baha'u'llah and Jesus standing on the right Hand of God, or it could say that Stephen saw Baha'u'llah and Jesus standing to the Right of Baha'u'llah,the Father, as we know the Bible has said no one has seen God. John 1:18 "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."

It is not a world of time or place, it is a spiritual existence. "You have asked concerning eternal life and entrance into the Kingdom. The Kingdom is outwardly referred to as “heaven”, but this is an expression and likeness and not a factual statement or reality. For the Kingdom is not a material location but is sanctified above time and place. It is a spiritual realm, a divine world, and it is the seat of the sovereignty of the almighty Lord. It is exalted above bodies and all that is corporeal, and it is freed and sanctified from the idle conjectures of men. For to be confined to place is a characteristic of bodies and not of spirits: Time and place encompass the body, not the mind and the soul." Abdul'baha (Some Answered Questions) www.bahai.org/r/552379286

I am unable to tell you as to what form the Manifestations, or we take in the next world, if I could tell you that, I would most likely not be here. :)

As to what we may see in our next reality, "Those who have passed on through death, have a sphere of their own. It is not removed from ours; their work… is ours; but it is sanctified from what we call “time and place.” – Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 96.

Regards Tony
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
Since you speak of a saintly life, how would you define it?

I would define a saintly life as living by the Words that God has given us In the Messenger and by the Messenger to live by, in the age that message is given. In this age that would include turning the other cheek by beating swords into plowshares in the service to all humanity, prejudiced free as one humanity and all for the Love of God.

Regards Tony
 
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