"But to this evanescent One of the mystic ocean, this station is the first gate of the heart’s citadel ..."

"These journeys have no visible ending in the world of time, but the severed wayfarer—if invisible confirmation descend upon him and the Guardian of the Cause assist him—may cross these seven stages in seven steps, nay rather in seven breaths, nay rather in a single breath, if God will and desire it. And this is of “His grace on such of His servants as He pleaseth.” 12

They who soar in the heaven of singleness and reach to the sea of the Absolute, reckon this city —which is the station of life in God— as the furthermost state of mystic knowers, and the farthest homeland of the lovers. But to this evanescent One of the mystic ocean, this station is the first gate of the heart’s citadel, that is, man’s first entrance to the city of the heart; and the heart is endowed with four stages, which would be recounted should a kindred soul be found.

When the pen set to picturing this station,
It broke in pieces and the page was torn. 13

Salám!"


-Bahá'u'lláh, The Seven Valleys And the Four Valleys, 40-41, The Valley of True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness





12. Qur’án 2:84.
13. Persian mystic poem.
14. “Peace.” This word is used in concluding a thesis.