Today, more and more people recognize that we are spiritual beings, that we can only obtain the ultimate happiness if we learn how to live an inner life. How can we achieve that? What type of knowledge do we need to possess?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Baha\u2019i<\/a> teachings, Abdu\u2019l-Baha, the son of Baha\u2019u\u2019llah<\/a>, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha\u2019i Faith wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowledge is of two kinds: existential knowledge and formal knowledge, that is, intuitive knowledge and conceptual knowledge. The knowledge that people generally have of things consists in conceptualization and observation; that is, either the object is conceived through the rational faculty, or through its observation a form is produced in the mirror of the heart. ……The other kind of knowledge, however, which is existential or intuitive knowledge, is like man\u2019s knowledge and awareness of his own self. \u2013 Abdu\u2019l-Baha<\/a>, Some Answered Questions<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This tells us we may acquire knowledge through intuition and awareness of self. This type of knowledge is within us, and the reality can only be recognized by observing ourselves inwardly. By gaining this type of knowledge \u2014 the reality of ourselves \u2014 we learn to live well as a spiritual being, just as material knowledge can help us live well with our physical body. What do we need to observe inwardly to gain this type of knowledge already within us? Abdu\u2019l-Baha wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the mind and the spirit of man are aware of all his states and conditions, of all the parts and members of his body, and of all his physical sensations, as well as of his spiritual powers, perceptions, and conditions. This is an existential knowledge through which man realizes his own condition. He both senses and comprehends it, for the spirit encompasses the body and is aware of its sensations and powers. This knowledge is not the result of effort and acquisition: It is an existential matter; it is pure bounty. \u2013\u00a0Abdu\u2019l-Baha, Some Answered Questions<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This tells us our mind and soul have the power to be aware of our inner states and inner conditions. So, we can ask the questions ourselves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Abdu\u2019l-Baha explained, this kind of existential knowledge is within us. We can realize it through observing our inner condition and the interconnectedness between our body, mind, and spirit. God bestows the power of both senses and comprehension in our soul for us to recognize and know what is within ourselves. This self-knowledge is not the result of effort and acquisition \u2014 it is through self-awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This awareness is the fundamental observation skill we must exercise in our spiritual living, which is inner life living. Abdu\u2019l-Baha explained in Some Answered Questions that “human spirit has two aspects: one divine and one satanic \u2014 that is, it is capable of both the greatest perfection and the greatest deficiency. Should it acquire virtues, it is the noblest of all things; and should it acquire vices, it becomes the most vile.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The knowledge of our inner being is an existential knowledge, which is the knowledge of our spiritual reality. The condition of our inner being is related to the choices we make and which spiritual powers we chose to use, either divine or evil. It also relates to the virtues we have developed, or not. If we can recognize that what is in our mind is related to the powers we draw from \u2014 and to what virtues we have developed \u2014 then we might learn to be the master of our mind and be more skillful in using the spiritual power within us for the betterment of the world. This is awakening, through the awareness and recognition of our inner condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spiritual living is not necessarily mystical. Two hearts can share the experience of what they observe within themselves \u2014 both the physical and spiritual condition. We share scientific knowledge from what we observe in the physical world. In the same way, we share existential knowledge through what we observe (recognize) by learning about our inner selves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Existential Knowledge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Divine Knowledge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n