The end of May signalizes the beginning of a series of academic graduations ranging from preschool to post graduate status. Oddly enough a similar scenario occurs in life that is a series of graduations in itself.
In its embryonic stage in the womb of the mother the infant develops all of its physical faculties–eyes, ears, arms, legs hands, feet, etc., none of which are needed in that world. All are preparation for its next realm of existence. When this physical development reaches a certain stage in that world, it’s time for graduation– to a different level–in a different world!
Among the various definitions of graduation we find: “to pass by degree; to change gradually.” As the infant begins to gradually discover its ability to control its movements, itself and eventually others and becomes more comfortable with the familiar faces, sounds and places associated with its new environment, its time to graduate-–to less familiar, more advanced stages.
Also while in physical infancy the child is totally controlled by physical urges and impulses that with maturity it learns to control (with option). The same situation exists in one’s spiritual infancy during which period one is controlled by the physical impulses and urges of our animal nature–that derives from the stomach down, as opposed to our spiritual nature which emanates from the heart up. The gradual development of these physical, mental and psychological changes during the most formative period of a child’s life is what primarily shapes the attitudes and subsequent actions of that individual for the rest of its life. Particularly affected is its interaction with others (especially those of opposite sex) contingent upon or greatly affected by treatment received from those within its immediate early childhood environment-–during which spiritual development is likewise extremely critical.
Upon reaching the highest and usually most admirable stage of each level of development, however, whether at home, school, in sports, on the job or other levels of perceived comfort, it’s time to graduate! Having worked throughout one’s entire life to accumulate perceived wealth or assets that make them feel comfortable and secure, through retirement or by other means, it’s usually time to graduate–into an unknown realm which, according to the Baha’i Holy Writings for this more advanced stage of mankind’s maturity, is as vast in contrast as this world is to the womb of the mother!
Therefore, most critical in this world matrix is development of that part of us that will upon graduation from this world-, the human soul, whose development, like that of the embryo in the physical womb of the mother, is totally dependent upon the Will of God and the volition of its mother.
I was so touched as a child by a poem read in a magazine that I insisted upon memorizing it that I would never lose it. Although I do not remember its title (if it had one with the mystic picture in its background, the poem read:
“A child looked up with earnest eyes, ‘where does the light of a candle go
When you blow it out?’ and not being wise; I could only answer, I do not know.
“It was so little and bright,” he said. “And now its so little and lost,” and I,
Turning and tucking him into bed, as puzzled as I, could not reply.
So little and bright, so little and lost; over and over the brief words came.
A moment ago a candle tossed, here in this room its vital flame!
Where is it now, and where are we when life is blown out by the ceaseless wind?
Nothing is lost, it cannot be. Our souls will be flames, released and thinned,
Passing their swift way through the air, climbing chasms, cleaving the night,
To be cupped by the Hand of God somewhere, and steadied by Him for eternal light!”
As we graduate to ever higher levels of development in knowledge, science and technology, may we strive likewise to increase our understanding of the dire necessity of increasing our spiritual development that our eternal souls might be “cupped by the Hand of God somewhere and steadied by Him for eternal light”…through all of His worlds–upon graduation from this one. (Investigate – 1-800-22-UNITE)
