It is evident that if we attempt to conceive the reality of
the Divinity, that conception would be encompassed and our mind would be that
which encompasses it -- and assuredly that which encompasses is greater than
that which is encompassed! Thus it follows that any reality that we might
conceive for the Divinity besides that of the holy Manifestations would be mere
delusion, as there is no means of approach to that divine Reality which is
entirely beyond the reach of the mind. And all that we might conceive is pure
imagination.
Consider then how the peoples of the world are circling
round their own vain imaginings and worshipping the idols of their own thoughts
and fancies, without the least awareness of doing so. They regard these vain
imaginings as that Reality which is sanctified above all understanding and exalted
beyond every allusion. They consider themselves to be the proponents of the
Divine Unity and all others as worshippers of idols, even though idols at least
enjoy a mineral existence, whereas the idols of human thoughts and imaginations
are sheer illusion and have not even the existence of stones. "Take ye
good heed, O people of insight!"
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka,
authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised
translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
