“When the True Seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy…Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being. At that hour will the mystic Herald, bearing the joyful tidings of the Spirit, shine forth from the City of God resplendent as the morn, and, through the trumpet-blast of knowledge, will awaken the heart, the soul, and the spirit from the slumber of negligence. Then will the manifold favours and outpouring grace of the holy and everlasting Spirit confer such new life upon the seeker that he will find himself endowed with a new eye, a new ear, a new heart, and a new mind. He will contemplate the manifest signs of the universe, and will penetrate the hidden mysteries of the soul. Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute certitude. He will discover in all things the mysteries of divine Revelation and the evidences of an everlasting manifestation.” (Baha’u’llah, Book of Certitude, p. 195-6)
This is the new life that brings rebirth from the world of humanity to the awareness of the Kingdom of God, or the City of God as this passage puts it. In that City, everything speaks of God and His mysteries. He says:
“Shouldst thou rend asunder the grievous veil that blindeth thy vision, thou wouldst behold such a bounty as naught, from the beginning that hath no beginning til the end that hath no end, can either resemble or equal.
It is clear that we are tasked with removing the blinding veils that obscure the awareness of Love’s presence. How should this be done?
“ God the Eternal Truth beareth me witness. The Celestial Youth hath, in this Day, raised above the heads of men the glorious Chalice of Immortality, and is standing expectant upon His seat, wondering what eye will recognize His glory, and what arm will, unhesitatingly, be stretched forth to seize the Cup from His snow-white Hand and drain it. “
We all have ideas about what these passages might mean. I posit that these point to an experience that we can have at any moment that we realize the availability of that Light that will shine away the darkened corners of our minds.
Be still a moment. And know that I am God. Standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-substisting. Contact that light within you, and, without any expectation, humbly ask for a drought from this “Chalice of Immortality”.
Then say, “Thank you.”