Behold how the sun shines upon all creation, but only
surfaces that are pure and polished can reflect its glory and light. The
darkened soul has no portion of the revelation of the glorious effulgence of
reality; and the soil of self, unable to take advantage of that light, does not
produce growth. The eyes of the blind cannot behold the rays of the sun; only
pure eyes with sound and perfect sight can receive them. Green and living trees
can absorb the bounty of the sun; dead roots and withered branches are
destroyed by it. Therefore, man must seek capacity and develop readiness. As
long as he lacks susceptibility to divine influences, he is incapable of
reflecting the light and assimilating its benefits. Sterile soil will produce
nothing, even if the cloud of mercy pours rain upon it a thousand years. We
must make the soil of our hearts receptive and fertile by tilling in order that
the rain of divine mercy may refresh them and bring forth roses and hyacinths
of heavenly planting.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 26 May 1912, New York; ‘The
Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His
Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
