11. Part One — 10
1In like manner through these clear, firm, wellfounded and direct explanations understadji the "cleaving of Heaven" which is one of the sigh's of the Hour of Resurrection: As it is said: When the Heaven shall be cloven asunder" (K. S. 82). By this is meant the Heaven of Religions elevated during every Dispensation and cloven asunder in every subsequent Manifestation, that is, abolished and annulled. I swear by God that to one who carefully considers, the cleaving asunder of this Heaven is greater than the cleaving of the phenomenal heaven. Reflect a little; a long-established religion, under which all have grown and developed; by the shining ordinances of which they have been trained for long periods; hearing nothing from their fathers and ancestors except its mention, so that the eyes see only the effectiveness of its commands and ears hear only its ordinances; then afterward one appearing, severing and separating all these through Divine power and strength, nay rather, abolishing them. Consider whether this is of greater importance than that which these worthless creatures have imagined concerning the cleaving of heaven. Moreover, consider the difficulties and afflictions of these Countenances in executing the laws of God in face of all in the earth, without a worldly helper or assister. Notwithstanding the persecutions inflicted upon these pure, high and blessed Beings, they endure with the utmost power and suffer with infinite strength.
2In like manner understand the meaning of the "changing of the earth." Upon whatever hearts the clouds of mercy of that Heaven poured down the shower of beneficence, the earth of those hearts was changed into the earth of Knowledge and Wisdom. What Myrtles of Unity have grown in the gardens of these hearts and what Anemones of Realities of Knowledge and Wisdom bloom from these shining breasts! If the earth of these hearts is not changed, how is it that men not instructed in one letter, without seeing a teacher or entering a school, speak words and knowledges which no one can apprehend? They seem to have been moulded from the clay of Eternal Knowledge and kneaded with the water of Intuitive Wisdom. Therefore it is said, "Knowledge is a light which God sheds in whatsoever heart He willeth." It is this kind of Knowledge which is praiseworthy; not the limited learnings produced by veiled and obscured imaginations, which men often steal from each other, then glory over their fellow-creatures.
3O that the breasts of the servants might be purified and sanctified from the traces of these limitations and dark words, that they may perchance attain to the splendor of the lights of the Sun of Knowledge and Significances and to the essences of the mysteries of Intuitive Wisdom!
4Consider, if these barren soils of being had not been transformed, how could the mysteries of Unity and the essences of Divinity have appeared and become visible in them? Therefore it is said in the Koran: "In that day, the earth shall be changed into another earth" (K. S. 14).
5Even the material earth is also changed through the breezes of the generosity of that King of Existence, were ye to reflect upon the mysteries of Manifestation!
6Comprehend the meaning of the verse: "Since the whole earth shall be but His handful in the Day of Resurrection and the Heavens (shall be) rolled together in His right Hand. Praise be unto Him and far may He be exalted above the (idols) which they associate (with Him)" (K. S. 39). The purport of this verse is that the whole earth is grasped in His Hand in the Day of Judgment and the Heaven is enfolded in His Right Hand.
7Now justice is needed! If the purpose be that which the people understand, what good will result from it? Moreover it is certain that a hand visible to the material sight, accomplishing these things, could not be ascribed to The Essence; nay rather, to acknowledge such a thing is pure infidelity and sheer falsehood. If it be said that it is His Manifestations who are employed in this matter in the Day of Judgment, this is also very improbable and useless. Nay, by the "earth" is meant the earth of knowledge and wisdom; and by "heavens," the Heavens of Religions. Consider how He hath controlled the formerly expanded earth of knowledge and wisdom by the grasp of Power and Authority, and hath spread a new and incomparable earth in the hearts of the servants, causing new myrtles, wonderful flowers and lofty trees to spring up within their shining breasts.
8In like manner consider how the Heavens of the formerly established Religions are rolled together in the Right Hand of Power, the Heaven of the Beyan is hoisted aloft by the command of God and adorned with the sun, moon and stars of wonderful and new commandments!
9These are the mysteries of the words which are clearly unfolded and unveiled that thou mayest comprehend the Morn of Significances and extinguish the lamp of superstition, fancy, doubt and suspicion through the power of reliance and severance, and light the new lamp of Knowledge and Assurance in the recess of mind and heart.
10The purpose of these allegorical words and enigmatic references which emanate from the CommandSources is to test the servants as mentioned, so that the soil of excellent and shining hearts may be distinguished from barren and mortal soils. This has always been the Divine Law among the servants, as revealed in the Books.