Thursday, April 3, 2025

Bahai symboler

SJEL OG ÅND:

Det finnes fem typer ånd: For det første, den vegetabilske ånd, som er kraften som forårsaker vekst; for det andre, den animalske ånd, som er kraften som gir sanselighet; for det tredje, den menneskelige ånd, som er den rasjonelle sjelen; for det fjerde, troens ånd, som er kraften av Guds nåde; og for det femte, Den Hellige Ånd, som er kraften som gjør Guds manifestasjoner distinkte fra andre vesener.”  

Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, s. 143

"Sjelen og ånden er det samme. Sjelen er menneskets essens, ånden er det som beveger sjelen. Sjelen har sin begynnelse i denne verden, og i den neste fortsetter den sin reise." 

Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, s. 213

Menneskets ånd, som er den rasjonelle sjelen, er lyset som opplyser kroppen og gjør den i stand til å forstå og tilegne seg kunnskap. Det er gjennom ånden at mennesket kan forstå universets mysterier og realiteten av sin egen sjel. 

Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, s. 207

For ånden er det naturlig å orienterer seg mot det guddommelig kunnskaps lys. Sjelen er imidlertid mottakeren av åndens lys, og det er gjennom sjelens forbindelse til ånden at man blir bevisst på sannheten."  Bahá’u’lláh, De syv daler

Vi er alle avhengige av livets ånd, for åndens pust opprettholder sjelen. Det er ånden som gir liv til kroppen og bringer lys til menneskets hjerte.  

Bahá’u’lláh, De skjulte ord, arabisk nr. 22

Sjelen er som solen, og ånden er som strålene som utgår fra den. Akkurat som strålene er uatskillelige fra solen, er ånden uatskillelig fra sjelen.

Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, s. 208

Gjennom åndens kraft er mennesket i stand til å oppdage tingenes realitet. Ånden gir liv til kroppen, og til gjengjeld får ånden sin næring fra Den Hellige Ånds pust.

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, s. 126

Menneskets ånd og sjel fortsetter å eksistere etter at de forlater kroppen. De utvikler seg i fullkommenhet og oppnår større krefter, større forståelse og større glede.

Some Answered Questions, s. 233

LAMPE OG LYS:

Ånden er lampen; sinnet er lyset som skinner fra lampen. Sinnet er den menneskelige ånds kraft. Sinnet er åndens fullkommenhet og dens essensielle kvalitet, slik solens stråler er solens essensielle nødvendighet.

LYS: Kunnskap, visdom, guddommelig nærvær, sannhet.

ILD OG LYS:

Lyset av ild: På noen måter kan symbolikken av ild være knyttet til lys, hvor lyset representerer Guds kunnskap og veiledning. Akkurat som ild gir lys i mørket, hjelper det guddommelige lyset til å opplyse menneskehetens vei.

Lys som et åndelig symbol: Lys brukes ofte som et symbol på guddommelig veiledning, kunnskap og sjelens opplysning. Åndelig lys representerer sannheten i Guds lære, "hjertets lys", og den åndelige oppvåkningen som skjer når en person vender seg mot Gud og søker opplysning.

Denne forskjellen mellom ild og lys samsvarer med den bredere dualiteten i mange religiøse tradisjoner, hvor materielle og åndelige krefter ofte representeres som motsetninger. Ild (det jordiske, materielle) er noe som kan fortære og ødelegge, mens lys (det åndelige) er noe som nærer og opplyser.

Dette er en påminnelse om at i den åndelige reisen må man overskride de jordiske "ildene" av materiell tilknytning og begjær for å omfavne "lyset" av guddommelig kunnskap og veiledning. Det er en kraftfull metafor for den transformative prosessen som Bahá'íer tror fører til sann indre fred og opplysning. Faste er opplysning, bønn er lys.

ILD:

Renselse, guddommelig kjærlighet, dom, prøvelser.

Ild av kjærlighet og hengivenhet: "Kjærlighetens ild" er et sterkt symbol i Bahá'í-skriftene og representerer en dyp, brennende kjærlighet til Gud, som fører til åndelig transformasjon. Den sees ofte som en kraft som renser og foredler sjelen, akkurat som ild foredler gull. Denne ilden kan brenne bort egoet og selviske ønsker, slik at en person kan komme nærmere Gud.

Ild av uvitenhet: På den motsatte siden brukes "uvitenhetens ild" for å symbolisere uvitenhetens destruktive og fortærende natur, spesielt uvitenhet om åndelige sannheter. Denne ilden fører mennesker til lidelse og kan forvrenge deres forståelse, på samme måte som ild kan brenne og ødelegge hvis den ikke kontrolleres.

Begjær: I noen av Bahá'u'lláhs skrifter brukes ild som et symbol på de intense materielle ønskene og lidenskapene som binder mennesker til den jordiske tilværelsen. Disse fysiske begjær, drevet av egoet og selvet, kan sees på som en "ild" som brenner sjelen, og holder den tilknyttet den materielle verden og langt fra den åndelige sannheten.

Renselse: Ild brukes også symbolsk i forhold til renselse. Akkurat som ild renser fysiske stoffer, symboliserer det den åndelige renselsen av sjelen. Det kan sees på som en transformasjonskraft, som brenner bort urenheter og avslører åndens essensielle renhet.

Guds vrede: Det finnes også ideen om en "ild av Guds vrede," men dette er ikke i den hevngjerrige betydningen som ofte blir fremstilt i eldre religiøse tekster. I Bahá'í-troen handler Guds vrede mer om konsekvensene av å vende seg bort fra det Guddommelige, noe som fører til den brennende angsten av åndelig adskillelse.

SOL; MÅNE OG STJERNER:

Sol: Guddommelig opplysning, Guds veiledning, sannhet, Guds Manifestasjon.

Begrepene "sol", "måne" og "stjerner" symboliserer primært Guds Profeter, de hellige og deres følgesvenner, de lysvesener hvis kunnskaps lys har opplyst de synlige og usynlige verdenene. Disse vesenene har en opphøyd posisjon.

I en annen betydning representerer disse begrepene de lover og lærdommer som er etablert og proklamert i hver dispensasjon, som for eksempel lovene om bønn og faste. Ettersom faste øker kroppens varme, har den derfor blitt sammenlignet med solens lys, og ettersom nattens bønn forfrisker mennesket, har den blitt sammenlignet med månens stråleglans.

Med ordene «solen skal formørkes, og månen skal ikke gi sitt lys, og stjernene skal falle fra himmelen» menes de lærdes avvik fra den rette vei og opphevelsen av lover som er fast etablert gjennom guddommelig åpenbaring.

Når himmelen skal kløves i to.»: Med «himmel» menes himmelen for guddommelig åpenbaring, som blir opphøyd med hver Manifestasjon og revet i stykker med hver påfølgende. Med «kløves i to» menes at den tidligere tidsalderen blir erstattet og annullert.

Hans Sol gir stadig lys, og hans nådes skyer er fylt med medlidenhetens vann, som han vanner hjertene til alle som setter sin lit til ham med. Hans forfriskende bris bærer alltid helbredelse i sine vinger til menneskenes tørste sjeler!

«Og da skal tegnet på Menneskesønnen vise seg på himmelen.» Med disse ordene menes at når solen av de himmelske lærdommene er blitt formørket, stjernene av de guddommelig fastsatte lover har falt, og månen av sann kunnskap – menneskehetens oppdrager – er blitt tilslørt; når rettledningens og lykksalighetens faner er blitt snudd på hodet, og sannhetens og rettferdighetens morgen har sunket i nattens mørke, da skal tegnet på Menneskesønnen vise seg på himmelen.

Med «himmel» menes den synlige himmelen, ettersom når timen nærmer seg hvor rettferdighetens himmelske dagstjerne skal åpenbares, og den guddommelige ledelsens Ark skal seile på herlighetens hav, vil en stjerne vise seg på himmelen og forkynne for folket ankomsten av dette mest strålende lys.

På samme måte skal en stjerne vise seg i den usynlige himmel, som for jordens folk vil opptre som en forløper for frembruddet av den sanne og opphøyde Morgen. Disse to tegnene, i den synlige og den usynlige himmel, har kunngjort åpenbaringen av hver av Guds Profeter, slik det vanligvis er blitt trodd.

«Gud kunngjør for deg Yaḥyá, som skal bære vitnesbyrd om Guds Ord, og være en stor og ren en.» Med begrepet «Ord» menes Jesus, hvis komme Yaḥyá forutsa. Videre står det skrevet i de himmelske skrifter: «Johannes Døperen forkynte i Judeas ørken og sa: Omvend dere, for himmelriket er nær!» Med Johannes menes Yaḥyá.

«Og da skal alle jordens stammer sørge, og de skal se Menneskesønnen komme på himmelens skyer med kraft og stor herlighet.» Disse ordene betyr at i de dager vil menneskene sørge over tapet av den guddommelige skjønnhetens Sol, kunnskapens Måne og den guddommelige visdommens Stjerner. Deretter vil de skue ansiktet til den lovede, den elskede Skjønnhet, som stiger ned fra himmelen og rir på skyene.

Med dette menes at den guddommelige Skjønnhet vil åpenbares fra himmelen av Guds vilje og tre frem i den menneskelige skikkelses form. Begrepet «himmel» betegner høyhet og opphøyelse, ettersom det er setet for åpenbaringen av disse Hellige Manifestasjoner, de gamle herlighetens Morgengry. Disse urgamle Vesener, selv om de blir født fra sine mødres liv, har i virkeligheten steget ned fra himmelen av Guds vilje. Selv om de bor på denne jorden, er deres sanne tilholdssted herlighetens tilfluktssteder i de høyere riker. Mens de vandrer blant mennesker, svever de i himmelen av den guddommelige nærhet. Uten føtter går de åndens vei, og uten vinger stiger de til de opphøyde høyder av guddommelig enhet. Med hvert flyktige åndedrag krysser de rommets uendelighet, og i hvert øyeblikk gjennomvandrer de de synlige og usynlige riker.

På deres troner er det skrevet: «Intet hindrer Ham fra å være opptatt med noe annet»; og på deres seter er det inngravert: «Sannelig, Hans veier er forskjellige hver dag.» De blir sendt ut gjennom den overstrålende kraften til Den Eviggamle, og blir oppreist ved den opphøyde viljen til Gud, den mektigste Konge.
Dette er hva som menes med ordene: «komme på himmelens skyer.»

SOLENS STRÅLER:

Sinnet er åndens fullkommenhet og dens essensielle egenskap, slik solens stråler er solens nødvendige essens.

Akkurat som solstrålene bringer lys og varme til verden, bringer den guddommelige åpenbaringen fra Guds Sendebud åndelig opplysning til menneskeheten. Strålene symboliserer hvordan Guds veiledning når og nærer sjelene.

Selv om solen har mange stråler, kommer de alle fra samme kilde. Dette illustrerer den guddommelige sannhets enhet og alle religioners enhet.

Akkurat som sollyset gir liv til planter og lar dem vokse, når Guds egenskaper (kjærlighet, barmhjertighet, visdom) menneskeheten og hjelper sjelen med å utvikle seg.

Strålene kan symbolisere hvordan mennesker reflekterer Guds lys i henhold til sin kapasitet. Akkurat som noen objekter absorberer eller reflekterer mer lys, mottar og utstråler sjeler som vender seg mot Gud mer åndelig innsikt.

TRE OG FRUKT:

Ånden er treet, og sinnet er frukten. Også gjerninger, guddommelig åpenbaring og dyp forståelse er frukter av ånden.

Adam er Adams ånd, og Eva er Hans sjel; treet er den menneskelige verden, og slangen er den tilknytningen til denne verden som utgjør synd.

Guds Manifestasjoner (profetene) er som "Livets tre", hvis frukter er guddommelige lære.

Alle mennesker er som grener og blader på ett tre, noe som understreker menneskehetens enhet.

Hjertet sammenlignes med et tre som må dyrkes med åndelige dyder for å bære gode frukter.

Gjerninger er som frø, som vokser til trær som bærer enten søte eller bitre frukter, avhengig av deres natur – konsekvensene av handlinger.

I kristendommen er treet ofte symbolsk for liv, kunnskap og åndelig vekst. "Livets tre" er et sentralt bibelsk symbol som representerer evig liv. I hinduismen representerer treet livets syklus og gjenfødelse. Treet er nevnt i Koranen som et symbol på liv, visdom og renhet. I buddhismen er treet et symbol på oppvåkning, visdom og potensialet for åndelig vekst.

VIN:

Åndelig glede, guddommelig kunnskap, åpenbaring.

I Bahá'í-troen brukes vin ofte metaforisk for å symbolisere guddommelig kunnskap, åndelig beruselse og gleden av å oppleve Guds nærvær. Dette ligner noen kristne tolkninger hvor vin representerer Den Hellige Ånd eller guddommelig kjærlighet, slik som i nattverden.

Baha'u'lláh åpenbaring er ikke er en enkel samling av lover eller regler, men en kraftfull åndelig drikk som kan gi en intens og høyverdig åndelig opplevelse som kan transformere mennesker, gi styrke og visdom, og lede dem mot en dypere forståelse av Gud og av deres eget åndelige potensial. Denne vinen kan også representere den åndelige "styrken" og "makten" som Baha'u'lláh bringer med sin lære, og hvordan denne kraften kan ryste det gamle og åpne for noe nytt, akkurat som å bryte et segl og åpne en flaske vin. 

Baha'u'lláhs åpenbaring er en livgivende kraft som ikke bare handler om lovgivning eller regler, men om å gi menneskene en dypere, mer essensiell åndelig opplevelse som kan føre til transformasjon og vekst. I mange religiøse tradisjoner, inkludert i Bahá'í-tradisjonen, er vin et symbol på åndelig erkjennelse og åpenbaring. På samme måte som vin kan være noe som er gjæret og modnet over tid for å få sin fulle smak, kan "vin" i denne sammenhengen referere til de dype åndelige innsiktene og sannhetene som Baha'u'lláh har åpenbart for menneskeheten.

SKYER:

"Menneskesønnen skal komme i himmelens skyer." "På den dag skal himmelen kløyves av skyene."

Skyer symboliserer, i én betydning, de tingene som er i strid med menneskers vante veier og ønsker. De betegner opphevelsen av lover, avskaffelsen av tidligere dispensasjoner, opphevelsen av ritualer og skikker, samt opphøyelsen av de trofaste og ulærde over de lærde motstanderne av troen.

Skyer kan også bety tvil og usanne forestillinger som hindrer sjelene i å gjenkjenne lyset fra den guddommelige Lysbærer. Skjult visdom, tilsløring av guddommelig sannhet, Manifestasjoner som kommer uventet.

ENGLER:

"Og Han skal sende sine engler…" Med "engler" menes de som, styrket av åndens kraft, har brent bort med kjærlighetens ild alt som hindrer dem fra Gud.

Sannelig, Guds nådes engler stiger ned over dem som står faste i Hans Pakt, og de himmelske hærskarer kommer dem til hjelp.

Englene i den opphøyde forsamling lovpriser deg, de priser deg og sier:

"O Herre, vår Gud! Vi opphøyer Deg og velsigner Deg for det Du har skjenket Dine elskede."

I islam er englene skapninger som utfører Guds befalinger. De har ikke fri vilje og er budbringere av Allahs vilje. Jibril (Gabriel) er den mest fremtredende engelen i islam.

MANNA:

Bahá’u’lláh og ‘Abdu’l-Bahá omtaler manna som guddommelig visdom og åndelig kunnskap gitt av Gud gjennom Hans Manifestasjoner. Akkurat som fysisk manna næret israelittene, er den åndelige "mannaen" den veiledning og åpenbaring som nærer sjelen.

For eksempel sammenligner Bahá’u’lláh i Visshetens Bok læren til hvert nytt Sendebud fra Gud med fersk manna – en himmelsk føde som opprettholder dem som tar imot den.

Johannes 6:48-51:
"Jeg er livets brød. Deres fedre spiste manna i ørkenen og døde. Dette er det brød som kommer ned fra himmelen, for at et menneske skal spise av det og ikke dø. Jeg er det levende brød som er kommet ned fra himmelen. Om noen spiser av dette brødet, skal han leve i all evighet. Og det brødet som jeg vil gi, er mitt kjød, som jeg vil gi for verdens liv."

HAV: 

Havet blir ofte brukt som en metafor for guddommelig kunnskap og visdom. Bahá'u'lláh, grunnleggeren av Bahá'í-troen, inviterer troende til å dykke ned i Hans ord for å avdekke skjult visdom:

"Dykk ned i havet av Mine ord, så dere kan avsløre dets hemmeligheter, og oppdage alle visdommens perler som ligger skjult i dets dyp."

"Stol på Guds nåde. Se ikke på deres egne evner, for den guddommelige gaven kan forvandle en dråpe til et hav; den kan gjøre et lite frø til et høyt tre. Sannelig, de guddommelige gavene er som havet, og vi er fiskene i det havet."

VANN: Vann symboliserer liv, renselse og guddommelig nåde. Abdu'l-Bahá forklarer at vann representerer årsaken til evig liv, og han likestiller det med kunnskap og Den Hellige Ånd:

"Vann symboliserer livets vann, som er kunnskap, og ild er Guds kjærlighets ild; derfor må mennesket døpes med livets vann, Den Hellige Ånd og ild fra Riket."

Troende blir oppfordret til å se seg selv som dråper fra samme hav, som understreker menneskehetens enhet.

Vann er et symbol på Allahs barmhjertighet og nåde i islam, og det er essensielt for renselse før bønn. Det symboliserer også livet, da Allah er den ultimate kilden til alt næring.

TERSKEL:

Representerer overgangen, endringen eller grensen mellom de materielle og åndelige rikene. Det betyr øyeblikket eller stedet hvor et individ går inn i et nytt stadium av forståelse, åndelig oppvåkning eller transformasjon. Terskelen kan også representere overgangen til en ny åpenbaring, en ny tidsepoke for guddommelig åpenbaring, eller en dypere forståelse av Guds vilje.

For eksempel, når man går inn i et hus eller et hellig rom, kan det symbolisere en persons overgang til åndelig opplysning eller en nærmere forbindelse med Gud. Terskelen representerer øyeblikket når man beveger seg bort fra verdslige bekymringer og er forberedt på å tre inn i et dypere, mer meningsfullt forhold til det guddommelige. Det er overgangen fra uvitenhet eller separasjon til åndelig bevissthet og enhet med Gud og andre. Det kan bety øyeblikket for forpliktelse til et høyere formål eller en åndelig reise. Overgangen fra materialisme til spiritualitet, fra mørke til lys, og fra ego-drevet selv til et mer uselvisk, tjenende liv.

STJERNE:

NI-PUNKTS STJERNE: Et symbol på vår tro. Ni år etter kunngjøringen av Báb i Shiraz, mottok Bahá'u'lláh sin kall til misjon i fengselet i Teheran. Ni, som det høyeste enkelt-sifrede tallet, symboliserer fullstendighet. Siden Bahá'í-troen hevder å være oppfyllelsen av forventningene til alle tidligere religioner, gjenspeiler dette symbolet, som for eksempel i ni-sidede Bahá'í-templer, den følelsen av oppfyllelse og fullstendighet.

De to fem-punkts stjernene representerer Báb og Bahá'u'lláh, de to Guds Sendebud for denne tiden.

SLANGE: Bedrag, materiell tilknytning, ondskap (i visse sammenhenger).
I hinduismen: Slanger blir æret og har guddommelig betydning i mange myter. Slanger symboliserer også kundalini, eller åndelig energi.

SÅKORN: Tro, åndelig potensial, Guds Ord.

VINGÅRD: De troendes fellesskap, religionens verden.

KLIPPE: Styrke, fasthet i troen, Kristus (i kristendommen).

FJELL: Guddommelig åpenbaring, nærhet til Gud, åndelig opphøyelse.

REGN: Åpenbaring, barmhjertighet, åndelig fornyelse.

VIND: Den Hellige Ånd, forandring, guddommelig inngripen.

HONNING: Guddommelig sødme, visdom, belønning.

LAM: Uskyld, Kristus (i kristendommen), offer.

LØVE: Makt, guddommelig autoritet, mot.

GJETER: Veileder, profet, Kristus, guddommelig lederskap.

SVERD: Guds rettferdighet og sannhetens makt til å skille falskhet fra virkelighet.

TEMPEL: Kroppen, hjertet, Guds bolig.

GRAV: Åndelig død, likegyldighet, uvitenhet.

OPPSTANDELSE: Åndelig oppvåkning, fornyelse av troen.

BRUD: Pakt med Gud, forening mellom menneskeheten og det guddommelige.

KLEDNING: Åndelige egenskaper og aura.

DE HØYESTE TINDER: De høyeste åndelige nivåer.

SATAN: Det lavere selv.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Bahai symbols and their meaning

SOUL AND SPIRIT:

There are five kinds of spirit: first, the vegetable spirit, which is the power that causes growth; second, the animal spirit, which is the power that bestows sensibility; third, the human spirit, which is the rational soul; fourth, the spirit of faith, which is the power of the grace of God; and fifth, the Holy Spirit, which is the power that makes the manifestations of God distinct from other beings.”

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 143

"The soul and the spirit are the same thing. The soul is that which is the essence of human beings, the spirit that which moves the soul. The soul has its beginning in this world, and in the next world, it continues its journey."
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 213

"The spirit of man, which is the rational soul, is the light which illuminates the body and makes it capable of understanding and acquiring knowledge. It is through the spirit that man can come to understand the mysteries of the universe and the reality of his own soul."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 207

The spirit, by its very nature, is inclined toward the light of divine knowledge. The soul, however, is the receptacle of the spirit’s light, and it is through the soul’s connection to the spirit that one becomes aware of truth."

Bahá’u’lláh, The Seven Valleys

"We are all in need of the spirit of life, for the breath of the spirit sustains the soul. It is the spirit which gives life to the body and brings light to the heart of man."
— Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic No. 22

“The soul is as the sun, and the spirit is as the rays which emanate from it. Just as the rays are inseparable from the sun, so too is the spirit inseparable from the soul.”
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 208

“Through the power of the spirit, man is able to discover the realities of things. The spirit gives life to the body, and in turn, the spirit receives its sustenance from the breath of the Holy Spirit.”

— Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 126

“The spirit and the soul of man continue to exist after departing from the body… It progresses in perfections and attains to greater powers, greater understanding, and greater joy.”

— Some Answered Questions, p. 233

LAMP AND LIGHT:

Spirit is the lamp; mind is the light which shines from the lamp. The mind is the power of the human spirit. Mind is the perfection of the spirit and is its essential quality, as the sun’s rays are the essential necessity of the sun.

LIGHT: Knowledge, wisdom, divine presence, truth.

FIRE VERSUS LIGHT

Light of Fire: In some ways, the symbolism of fire can be connected to light, where the light represents the knowledge and guidance of God. Just as fire provides light in the darkness, the divine light helps illuminate the path for humanity.

Light as a Spiritual Symbol: Light, on the other hand, is often used as a symbol of divine guidance, knowledge, and the illumination of the soul. Spiritual light represents the truth of God's teachings, the "light of the heart," and the spiritual awakening that comes when a person turns toward God and seeks enlightenment. Bahá'u'lláh often speaks of the "light of His Revelation" as something that brings clarity and understanding to those who seek it.

This distinction between fire and light aligns with the broader duality in many religious traditions where material and spiritual forces are often represented by opposites. Fire (the earthly, material) is something that can consume and destroy, whereas light (the spiritual) is something that nourishes and enlightens.

This distinction is a reminder that in the spiritual journey, one must transcend the earthly "fires" of material attachment and desire to embrace the "light" of divine knowledge and guidance. It's a powerful metaphor for the transformative process that Bahá'ís believe leads to true inner peace and enlightenment. Fasting is illumination, prayer is light.

FIRE 

Purification, divine love, judgment, trials.

Fire of Love and Devotion: The "fire of love" is a powerful symbol in Bahá'í writings, representing a deep, burning love for God, which leads to spiritual transformation. It is often seen as a force that purifies and refines the soul, just as fire refines gold. This fire can burn away the ego and selfish desires, allowing a person to grow closer to God.

Fire of Ignorance: On the opposite end, the "fire of ignorance" is used to symbolise the destructive and consuming nature of ignorance, particularly ignorance of spiritual truths. This fire leads people to suffer and can distort their understanding, much like how fire can burn and destroy if not controlled. 

Desire: In some of Bahá'u'lláh's writings, fire is used to symbolise the intense material desires and passions that bind humans to the earthly plane. These physical desires, driven by the ego and the self, can be seen as a "fire" that burns the soul, keeping it in a state of attachment to the material world and far from spiritual truth.

Purification and Transformation: In the Bahá'í context, fire is also used symbolically in relation to purification. Just as fire purifies physical substances, it symbolises the spiritual purification of the soul. It can be seen as a transformative force, burning away impurities and revealing the essential purity of the spirit.

The Fire of God's Wrath: There is also the idea of a "fire of God's wrath," but this is not in the vengeful sense often depicted in older religious texts. In the Bahá'í Faith, God's wrath is more about the consequences of turning away from the Divine, leading to the burning anguish of spiritual separation.

SUN, MOON AND STARS:

Sun: Divine illumination, God’s guidance, truth, Manifestation of God.

The terms “sun,” “moon,” and “stars” primarily signify the Prophets of God, the saints, and their companions, those Luminaries, the light of Whose knowledge hath shed illumination upon the worlds of the visible and the invisible. These beings have a lofty position. In another sense, by the terms “sun,” “moon,” and “stars” are meant such laws and teachings as have been established and proclaimed in every Dispensation, such as the laws of prayer and fasting. Inasmuch as fasting cause the heat of the body to increase, it hath therefore been likened unto the light of the sun; and as the prayer of the night-season refresh man, it hath been compared unto the radiance of the moon. By the words “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven” is intended the waywardness of the divines, and the annulment of laws firmly established by divine Revelation.                

"When the heaven shall be cloven asunder.”:By “heaven” is meant the heaven of divine Revelation, which is elevated with every Manifestation, and rent asunder with every subsequent one. By “cloven asunder” is meant that the former Dispensation is superseded and annulled. 

His Sun giveth Light continually, and the Clouds of His Mercy are full of the Waters of Compassion with which He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him. His refreshing Breeze ever carries healing in its wings to the parched souls of men!

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. By these words it is meant that when the sun of the heavenly teachings hath been eclipsed, the stars of the divinely established laws have fallen, and the moon of true knowledge—the educator of mankind—hath been obscured; when the standards of guidance and felicity have been reversed, and the morn of truth and righteousness hath sunk in night, then shall the sign of the Son of man appear in heaven. By “heaven” is meant the visible heaven, inasmuch as when the hour draweth nigh on which the Daystar of the heaven of justice shall be made manifest, and the Ark of divine guidance shall sail upon the sea of glory, a star will appear in the heaven, heralding unto its people the advent of that most great light. In like manner, in the invisible heaven a star shall be made manifest who, unto the peoples of the earth, shall act as a harbinger of the break of that true and exalted Morn. These twofold signs, in the visible and the invisible heaven, have announced the Revelation of each of the Prophets of God, as is commonly believed.

“God announceth Yaḥyá to thee, who shall bear witness unto the Word from God, and a great one and chaste.” By the term “Word” is meant Jesus, Whose coming Yaḥyá foretold. Moreover, in the heavenly Scriptures it is written: “John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” By John is meant Yaḥyá.

“And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” These words signify that in those days men will lament the loss of the Sun of the divine beauty, of the Moon of knowledge, and of the Stars of divine wisdom. Thereupon, they will behold the countenance of the promised One, the adored Beauty, descending from heaven and riding upon the clouds. By this is meant that the divine Beauty will be made manifest from the heaven of the will of God, and will appear in the form of the human temple. The term “heaven” denoteth loftiness and exaltation, inasmuch as it is the seat of the revelation of those Manifestations of Holiness, the Daysprings of ancient glory. These ancient Beings, though delivered from the womb of their mother, have in reality descended from the heaven of the will of God. Though they be dwelling on this earth, yet their true habitations are the retreats of glory in the realms above. Whilst walking amongst mortals, they soar in the heaven of the divine presence. Without feet they tread the path of the spirit, and without wings they rise unto the exalted heights of divine unity. With every fleeting breath they cover the immensity of space, and at every moment traverse the kingdoms of the visible and the invisible. Upon their thrones is written: “Nothing whatsoever keepeth Him from being occupied with any other thing”; and on their seats is inscribed: “Verily, His ways differ every day.” They are sent forth through the transcendent power of the Ancient of Days, and are raised up by the exalted will of God, the most mighty King. This is what is meant by the words: “coming in the clouds of heaven.”

RAYS OF THE SUN:

Mind is the perfection of the spirit and is its essential quality, as the sun’s rays are the essential necessity of the sun.

Just as the rays of the sun bring light and warmth to the world, divine revelation from God’s Messengers brings spiritual illumination to humanity. The rays symbolize how God's guidance reaches and nourishes souls.

While the sun has many rays, they all come from the same source. This illustrates the unity of divine truth and the oneness of all religions.

Just as sunlight gives life to plants and allows them to grow, God’s attributes (love, mercy, wisdom) reach humanity and help the soul develop.

The rays can symbolise how humans reflect God’s light according to their capacity. Just as some objects absorb or reflect more light, souls that turn toward God receive and radiate more spiritual insight.

TREE AND FRUITS

Spirit is the tree, and the mind is the fruit. 
Also deeds, divine revelation and deep understanding are fruits of the spirit.

Adam is the spirit of Adam, and Eve is His soul; the tree is the human world, and the serpent is that attachment to this world which constitutes sin.

The Manifestations of God (prophets) as the "Tree of Life," whose fruits are divine teachings. All people are like branches and leaves of one tree, emphasising the oneness of humanity. The heart is compared to a tree that must be cultivated with spiritual virtues to bear good fruit. Deeds are like seeds, growing into trees that bear either sweet or bitter fruit, depending on their nature. Consequences of actions. 

In Christianity the tree is often symbolic of life, knowledge, and spiritual growth. The "Tree of Life" is a key biblical symbol representing eternal life. In Hinduism the tree represents the cycle of life and rebirth. The tree is mentioned in the Qur'an as a symbol of life, wisdom, and purity. In Buddhism the tree is a symbol of awakening, wisdom, and the potential for spiritual growth.

WINE: Spiritual joy, divine knowledge, revelation.

In the Bahá'í Faith, wine is often used metaphorically to symbolize divine knowledge, spiritual intoxication, and the joy of experiencing God's presence. This is similar to some Christian interpretations where wine represents the Holy Spirit or divine love, such as in the Eucharist. 

Baha'u'lláh's revelation is not a simple collection of laws or rules, but a powerful spiritual drink that can provide an intense and high-quality spiritual experience capable of transforming people, giving them strength and wisdom, and leading them toward a deeper understanding of God and their own spiritual potential. This wine can also represent the spiritual "strength" and "power" that Baha'u'lláh brings with His teachings, and how this power can shake the old and open the way for something new, just like breaking a seal and opening a bottle of wine.

Baha'u'lláh's revelation is a life-giving force that is not just about legislation or rules but about offering people a deeper, more essential spiritual experience that can lead to transformation and growth. In many religious traditions, including the Bahá'í tradition, wine is a symbol of spiritual recognition and revelation. Just as wine can be something that has fermented and matured over time to reach its full flavor, "wine" in this context can refer to the deep spiritual insights and truths that Baha'u'lláh has revealed to humanity.

VEIL: 

“Knowledge is the most grievous veil between man and his Creator.” Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. One welleth out from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God Himself; the motive-force of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire.

CLOUDS:

Hidden wisdom, veiling of divine truth, Manifestations appearing unexpectedly.

"The Son of man shall come in the clouds of heaven. Clouds: Those things that are contrary to the ways and desires of men. They signify, in one sense, the annulment of laws, the abrogation of former Dispensations, the repeal of rituals and customs current amongst men, the exalting of the illiterate faithful above the learned opposers of the Faith. In another sense, they mean the appearance of that immortal Beauty in the image of mortal man, with such human limitations as eating and drinking, poverty and riches, glory and abasement, sleeping and waking, and such other things as cast doubt in the minds of men, and cause them to turn away. All such veils are symbolically referred to as “clouds.”

"On that day shall the heaven be cloven by the clouds.” Even as the clouds prevent the eyes of men from beholding the sun, so do these things hinder the souls of men from recognising the light of the divine Luminary. 

ANGELS:

“And He shall send His angels.…” By “angels” is meant those who, reinforced by the power of the spirit, have consumed, with the fire of the love of God, all human traits and limitations, and have clothed themselves with the attributes of the most exalted Beings and of the Cherubim. 

Indeed the angels of Gods grace descend upon those who are firm in His Covenant, and the heavenly hosts come to their aid.

The angels of the concourse of high magnify thee, praising thee and saying: O Lord our God! We extol Thee and bless Thee, for that which Thou hast bestowed upon Thy loved ones.

In Islam: Angels are created beings who carry out God’s commands. They do not have free will and are messengers of Allah’s will. Jibril (Gabriel) is the most prominent angel in Islam.

MANNA:

Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refer to manna as divine wisdom and spiritual knowledge given by God through His Manifestations. Just as physical manna nourished the Israelites, spiritual "manna" is the guidance and revelation that nourishes the soul.

For example, in The Book of Certitude, Bahá’u’lláh compares the teachings of each new Messenger of God to fresh manna—heavenly food that sustains those who accept it. 

John 6:48 I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.

OCEAN:

The ocean is frequently used as a metaphor for divine knowledge and wisdom. "Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths." 

"Trust in the favor of God. Look not at your own capacities, for the divine bestowal can transform a drop into an ocean; it can make a tiny seed a lofty tree. Verily, divine bestowals are like the sea, and we are the fishes of that sea." 

Water symbolizes life, purification, the holy spirit and divine grace. 
"Water symbolizes the water of life, which is knowledge, and fire is the fire of the love of God; therefore, man must be baptised with the water of life, the Holy Spirit and the fire of the love of the Kingdom."

The sea is often mentioned in Bahá'í writings as a symbol of unity and the vastness of divine wisdom.

"Wherefore, O ye beloved of the Lord, bestir yourselves, do all in your power to be as one, to live in peace, each with the others: for ye are all the drops from but one ocean."

Water is a symbol of Allah’s mercy and grace in Islam and it is essential for purification before prayers. It also symbolises life, as Allah is the ultimate source of all sustenance.

RAIN: Revelation, mercy, spiritual renewal.

THRESHOLD:

Represent the point of transition, change, or the boundary between the material and spiritual realms. It signifies the moment or place where an individual enters into a new stage of understanding, spiritual awakening, or transformation. The threshold can also represent the crossing into a new dispensation, a new era of divine revelation, or a deeper understanding of God's will.

For instance, entering a house or a sacred space may symbolise a person’s passage into spiritual enlightenment or a closer connection to God. The threshold represents the moment when one moves beyond worldly concerns and is prepared to step into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the divine. To move from the state of ignorance or separation to the realm of spiritual awareness and unity with God and others. It can signify the moment of commitment to a higher purpose or spiritual journey.The transition from materialism to spirituality, from darkness to light, and from the ego-driven self to a more selfless, service-oriented life.

STAR:

NINE POINTED STAR: A simple nine-pointed star is generally used by Bahá'ís as a symbol of their Faith. Nine years after the announcement of the Báb in Shiraz, Bahá'u'lláh received the intimation of His mission in the dungeon in Teheran. Nine, as the highest single-digit number, symbolizes completeness. Since the Bahá'í Faith claims to be the fulfillment of the expectations of all prior religions, this symbol, as used for example in nine-sided Bahá'í temples, reflects that sense of fulfillment and completeness."

The twin five-pointed stars represent the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, the twin Messengers of God for this age.

THE GREATEST NAME: "Ya Bahá'u'l-Abhá" : O Glory of the all Glorious. Glory means Baha.

ALLA'H-U-ABHA'  : God the All-Glorious.

SERPANT: Deception, material attachment, evil (in some contexts). 

In Hinduism: Snakes (Nagas) are revered and have divine significance in many myths, such as the serpent king Vasuki, who helped churn the ocean for nectar. Snakes also symbolise the kundalini, or spiritual energy.

SEED: Faith, spiritual potential, the Word of God.

VINEYARD: The community of believers, the world of religion.

ROCK: Strength, firmness in faith, Christ (in Christianity).

MOUNTAIN: Divine revelation, closeness to God, spiritual elevation.

WIND: Holy Spirit, change, divine intervention.

HONEY: Divine sweetness, wisdom, reward.

CLOTHING: Spiritual qualities and aura.

THE HIGHEST PEAK: The highest spiritual levels.

SATAN: The lower self in us all.

LAMB: Innocence, Christ (in Christianity), sacrifice.

LION: Power, divine authority, courage.

SHEPARD: Guide, prophet, Christ, divine leadership.

SWORD: Divine judgment and justice, truth dividing falsehood, power of the Word.

TEMPLE: The body, the heart, the dwelling place of God’s presence.

GRAVE: Spiritual death, heedlessness, ignorance.

RESURRECTION: Spiritual awakening, renewal of faith.

BRIDE: Covenant with God, union between humanity and divinity.


Tuesday, January 21, 2025

What is the point with pain?

I often ask myself what the point of having so much pain is and why God won't remove it when I pray to him to do so. I accept that I get it, but can still cry sometimes because it is tough and I feel so worthless while pacified by the pain. Weird thing is that when someone else prayed for me while I was in pain the pain went away. For the day anyway. When in pain we are forced to look at our lives, how we treat ourselves, we may be pacified so much we only have our thoughts to deal with. I have had some spiritual insights while lying in bed with pain. If I had been busy doing other things I would not have had them. I also get inspired to write poetry while lying in bed almost asleep. This culture value activity and effectivity, not contemplation, but both are equally important. We need rest and activity and rest comes first. Pain makes us humble, patient and to have more sympathy with others who suffer too.

The hardest part for me has been to accept that it stands in the way of what I want to do, so then I have had to think about what is the most important? Is it to be able to work a lot or is quality more important, is to exercise a lot important or to do enough to be healthy? Is it important to go to a lot of events and meet a lot of people or is it most important to be good to the ones you love the most? A competitive perfectionist like me will suffer mentally from the pain, but then her values will be challenged. She will be forced to prioritise better. She will understand it is not what we do that matters, but the love force we share through are actions and words.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

The importance of forgiveness

When there is someone you still have not forgiven you close yourself off. You may think you just close yourself off from the person you have not forgiven, but the opposite is true and you are actually closing yourself off from the source of energy. By doing so you also limit the spaciousness of your consciousness. You are not suppose to have any enemies, nor anyone to discriminate or reject. By not forgiving we close the person we can not forgive into a mental prison cell.

You are suppose to accept reality and to be in the now. You have to do both to be able to do one, but often people run away from the now and from reality, thinking instead – how things should be and could be better.

To forgive you use empathy and discover that people who seem to act mean towards others are just protecting themselves. It was nothing to take personally. Nothing disrespectful. When we say someone don't love us or disrespect us we analyse a behaviour from a self occupied and (therefor) limited perception. 

Friday, May 31, 2024

Two powerful revelations/visions

Suddenly out of nowhere, without being in meditation, I got a vision of what I believe was the essence of purity. Unlike other visions I have had this one had a very strong feeling attached to it. Maybe it was not a vision at all, but rather a revelation because I could peek and feel into a spiritual realm. The white light was so near I could feel how sharp and bright it was. It reminded me of a landscape in perfect weather; Clear blue sky, sun and pure white snow. The sharpness of the purity reminded me of the hard crust on snow. What I actually saw was humble nuns living in this pure atmosphere. The feeling attracted me so much I later thought I would sacrifice anything to be allowed to live in it. I sometimes think about it and get a bit desperate and impatient to get pure enough to fit in. What I felt was incredibly strong. Here at earth the light we see has no feeling, it feels flat. This white light from heaven was completely filled with purity. The purity was not flat either, but incredibly sharp. I have tried my best to describe it. As you know the spiritual realm does not really fit into words. 

I have another even more powerful experience that also can not be described as a vision since I yet again was allowed to see into another realm. This time I had meditated for 2 hours or so while watching a documentary about the prophet Muhammad at a Bahai friends house before it happened. I suddenly felt uneasy and needed some air so I went outside by myself. First I felt the energy in and outside my body rushing hard and fast and I could not avoid crying. It felt like my body was dissolving and all I could feel was these rushing energies. A portal opened up. It was very dark inside it, but in the opening stood a man. When I looked at him I felt such a power coming from him I dissolved even more and felt utterly weak. I bended down to the floor because I felt so softened by the strength he expressed and cried hard. I understood he was Muhammed and that he came to answer the question I had formulated while I had meditated. By the power he expressed he answered my question. The energy he expressed was neutral. It was pure power. Power so strong it literally blew and melted away my body and the personality attached to it.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Fill in the blanks.

Don't put the blame on your parents
or yourself for their shortcomings.
Fill in the blanks for the next generation.

Forgive their trespasses 
and make sure you know better
so you don't repeat their mistakes

and when you have offended someone
ask how you should act differently 
or you will just repeat your behaviour.


Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Quotes from my son

Here is a collection of quotes from my son, born 21.03.2006, from he was 3 years old:

When he was 3 he only wanted to use shirts with buttons and they should all be pink. 
He said: In this I become brave! I asked why pink? Him: Pink is joy!

¤

Suddenly he said: I'm an angel! While he radiated happiness and freedom.

¤

There was a time he sat with me when I recited a prayer about gratitude. 
When I was finished he said: You are welcome!

¤

When he visited his grandmother he exclaimed: I love everything!

¤

Every time I told him about something bad that might happen to me he said:
But then I will come on my bike!

¤

A time when he got sausages for dinner I told him I also loved sausages when I was small.
Him: Yes, I was an adult then and gave you sausages.

¤

Once when I told him my stomach hurt he said: I don't like it when someone is in pain.
Do you want me to hold my hand on your stomach?

23.09.2010

Him: I spoke to Mary! Me: What Mary? Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Him: Yes. She said if you die she will take care of me and we will be together forever!
Me: That's marvellous! Him: Yes and she said she would take care of my girl as well! (He wanted a girlfriend very much at that time) She (Mary) has so much love. She is so kind.

24.09.2010

We hugged and he laid his head on my chest. When he lifted his head again he said:
Mum, you have a crown in your heart.

28.09.2010

Do you know what God told me next night? That I will give energy over the whole town!
And then everything will be fine and sparkling. He looked like a God when he said it. Radiated
a lot of light and he was so happy he was jumping.

31.10.2010 (4,5 years)

Mum, if someone doesn't love someone they will be sad. I love you, mum!
Some minutes later: Mum I have lost a very special power/energy and it will never come back!
I had it when I was small, but lost it when I grew. It comes out of the hands as rays that has light inside of them. It can make everyone loving. I have another power/energy now that can kill bad people. It comes when I am angry.

03.10.2010

One morning when he had the common cold I said: If you have quite a lot of energy you can go to the childrens garden. Him: No, I don't have much energy. I only have a lot of the energy that comes from God. That one can not disappear. Only the other one can.

23.11.2010

When we were talking about the children in the childrens garden he had left for another he asked with a flicker of despair in his voice: Do you think they have forgot about me? I send them energy! 
Me: Do you send me energy too? He places his hand tenderly on my cheek and looks me in the eyes with love. It feels like a blessing from Jesus to a child.

28.02.2011

We took an evening walk when he says:
I always have the energy from God, but when I was a baby I also had another energy. Now I only have that one when I am dreaming. Do you know what colour it has? 
No, I replied. 
It is red just like your jacket. (My jacket was light red) I can do anything with that energy. 
Me: Interesting that babies has access to that power. 
Him: Yes, babies has that energy. 
Me: Do you feel the energy from God now? 
Him: Yes. It is in my throat. You see I am a bit ill there and it is there to repair. 
Both energies meets there.

01.03.2011

Today he complained saying the red energy was almost completely gone and the reason was the fear of me being annoyed by him. Then he had got an idea, he told me. He would ask God while dreaming to get it back. Later he came back saying he had got the red energy back. He had received the ability to see invisible things so he could see that the red energy consisted of red energy balls of fire. In the energy balls it was even smaller energy balls. He asked me if I had pain somewhere because the energy was a healing energy.

19.06.2011

I exaggerated by breathing heavily when I tried to walk at his slow speed when he asked: Are you kidding? Me: Not completely. It is hard for me to walk slower than I want to. Him: Why don't you calm yourself down then? Me: How? Him: You can just sing a song. So I tried that and it actually worked.

26.06.2011

In reality everyone is love!

06.12.2011

Him: I am drawing to God. 
Me: How will you deliver it?
Him: I will ask angels to give it to him tonight.
I think they will do it because they know I love him.
Me: What will you show him?
Him: A flower, a kind ghost, two kind pirate badges, 
a sun, three yellow hearts and a pirate badge with top hat.

11.02.2012

Me: Isn't it great that we live in two different worlds? The dream world and this physical world?
Him: We live in 5 different worlds actually. First it is the one where we are just an egg. That is a resting world. The second one is inside our mother, then the one we are in now, the forth is the dream world and the fifth is the one in the clouds.

18.02.2012 (Almost 6 years old)

Me: I was so impressed by how confident you looked when you walked into the circle of lights in the childrens garden yesterday. 
Him: It is because you give me love I feel safe, mum.

15.03.2012

Him: If I need the angels I can just think about a question mark and then the question mark will tell me:
The angels are coming to assist you now. Then the angels come.
Me: Don't you have to say what you are asking for first?
Him: No, the question mark tells them what I'm asking about because what I am thinking about is inside of it. Also the angels knows what I am thinking.

30.04.2012

Him: I hope dad will drive me to you so you don't have to walk so far to come and get me,
because when you are tired you don't give me enough attention.

¤

Him: I can see dead children in heaven. They dance and are happy.
Me: Do you see something else?
Him: Yes, I see clouds and God and angels around God. They are talking about taking care of all the people at earth.

24.06.2012

Him: Tonight God told me that my real name is xxxx and not what others believe. It is because I am so sweet. God is so soft. He is so nice to cuddle with.

02.07.2012

When I was reading a Bahai prayer that said: "Crown my head with the diadem of eternal life" I told him I once received a crown on my head from God. (Bahaullah to be exact) Then he said he had got one too when he was a baby. It was written angel on it. Do you know why I said "ga-ga" then? Because I wanted to ask if it was from Jesus or God. I am not from this world. I am from the angel-love-world. I can speak angel language because I am from that world. 
Me: How is that language?
Him: It is to talk and give love at the same time. I have invisible tails too. I have one when I am at grandmas', one at my dads', one night tail and so on. I have them all in my pocket. In there they are small, but when I want to use one I hold it in front of my heart and it becomes big.

13.09.2012

We are in bed. I have read for him and we are cuddling when he says: My lamb. My little lamb. I felt that I was the one that was given a hug because I was more ill from infection in the throat than him. I felt I could be small in his presence and it was a new experience for me and in contrast to the meditation I had on Jesus recently where I wanted not to receive love from Jesus, but find the inner source of love so I could give instead. 

I told my son I had longed for a child when I was 22 and what I imagined then was exactly how he is.
I had waited 10 years to have him because I didn't have a boyfriend during those years. 
Him: I enjoyed being in your belly. Were you ill while I was there?
Me: No, I was at the gym every second day until you came out.
Him: I healed you with my energy when I was in there.

11.12.2012

I love God so much! More than I love you, mum!

21.04.2013

Do you think the moon is important? It is helping us live.

23.05.2013

Must is an evil word because if you think you have to win a race you forget to think about God.

27.11.2013

Love is the key to the evil power.

05.12.2013

I want to die.

07.12.2013

If you die before me i will take suicide so we can be together.

¤

Wow! Is my birthday the same day as I was born? That is fantastic!
Me: Yes, what did you think we were celebrating?
Him: I thought it was a day for others to be kind and to celebrate that God is the best and kindest.

30.07.2013

He wanted to draw God and Jesus. He explained that God shines on Jesus so Jesus can emit light and do a lot of good. Then he drew himself and me receiving the light from Jesus. We received so much that a heart of light was created around us.

12.11.2013

Me: Since God created me by love it must mean that all His creation is an expression of His love and the point of creating us all must be for us to learn how to love by practising on each other.
Him: Yes he created us to make friends.

09.12.2013

I am in the shower when he says: Mum, you have a heart around you!
I open the door of the shower cabinet and ask: What?
Him: You have a heart around you!
Me: Have you put it there?
Him: I am just saying it!

22.12.2013

Me. What is it about Christmas you look forward to?
Him: The love.

10.06.2014

Poem he wrote to me:

I love you from day and morning
to night and evening.
You are the light in my heart.
You are just as incredible as God.
You will be very kind
when you come to heaven
because you are so kind on this day.

You are the ray of light in my heart.
I feel the warmth in my heart
when you shine your beam at me.
You are so beautiful 
when you smile when you are happy.

03.12.2014

Mum it wasn't nice of you to refer to x as a moron
and justify it by saying everyone is one 
when I criticised you for it.
It is not nice to call anyone a moron
even though they can't hear it.

12.01.2015

Him: It smells tea, mummy and love.
Me: How does love smell?
Him: Good.
And you are love because God created us
to show love at earth.

Later that day when he had given me a massage
and I had told him how much it costs to get a professional one he said:
It would have costed just 25 NOK in my world.

27.04.2015

Me: Should I put on my headphones while I watch TV?
Him: Yes then I can love you while I am reading.

12.10.2015 (9,5 years old)

Him: You are the kindest!
Me: That I can't agree with.
Him: But I mean the inmost you.
That's the one I listen to. Not the outer one.

11.01.2016

Him. I splashed water on the cat by accident.
Me: Why are you so wet in the face then?
Him: I gave myself karma.