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24th
July 2010
The reality
of the exterior world
 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.
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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-Bahá, Some
Answered Questions, p. 278)or further information
contact:North: 452-0335Central: 452-4346-South:
459-3131
Discuss
Story
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