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The Reality of the Exterior World

Bahai Writings | Oct 29, 2012

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Bahai Writings | Oct 29, 2012

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith.

Sand Dune, desert

Certain sophists think that existence is an illusion, that each being is an absolute illusion which has no existence—in other words, that the existence of beings is like a mirage, or like the reflection of an image in water or in a mirror, which is only an appearance having in itself no principle, foundation or reality.

This theory is erroneous; for though the existence of beings in relation to the existence of God is an illusion, nevertheless, in the condition of being it has a real and certain existence. It is futile to deny this. For example, the existence of the mineral in comparison with that of man is nonexistence, for when man is apparently annihilated, his body becomes mineral; but the mineral has existence in the mineral world. Therefore, it is evident that earth, in relation to the existence of man, is nonexistent, and its existence is illusory; but in relation to the mineral it exists.

In the same manner the existence of beings in comparison with the existence of God is but illusion and nothingness; it is an appearance, like the image reflected in a mirror. But though an image which is seen in a mirror is an illusion, the source and the reality of that illusory image is the person reflected, whose face appears in the mirror. Briefly, the reflection in relation to the person reflected is an illusion.

Then it is evident that although beings in relation to the existence of God have no existence, but are like the mirage or the reflections in the mirror, yet in their own degree they exist.

That is why those who were heedless and denied God were said by Christ to be dead, although they were apparently living; in relation to the people of faith they were dead, blind, deaf and dumb. This is what Christ meant when He said, “Let the dead bury their dead.” 1

1. Matt. 8:22.

Abdu’l-Baha (Some Answered Questions, pp 278-279)

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Comments

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  • Srie
    Feb 25, 2013
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    Margaret Mohamed / Love these, but surely the cars in the last one are from a much laettr date than 1911? They seem more 1930sI am enjoying this web site to think about where was The Master 100 years ago. Thanks for doing thisMargaret
  • Ahmed
    Feb 23, 2013
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    Hey Patricia,Thank you so much for the kind words and helping get the word out. That is the most clgnlehaing part of starting any new endeavor. Thank you for lending your support please drop another comment once you have a chance to listen to the whole book.. I would love to hear your feedback.
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