The first Taráz and the first effulgence which hath dawned from the horizon of the Mother Book is that man should know his own self and recognize that which leadeth unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or abasement, wealth or poverty. (Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 34-35)
Many times when reading this quote, the thing that stood out for me was simply the importance of knowing myself, particularly so important for calling myself to account, but I never stopped to actually consider the words I didn’t really understand.
First, I needed to know the meaning of the words “Taraz” (ornamentation or decoration) and effulgence (great brightness, radiance and brilliance), so now I see that the first thing I need to decorate myself with in the morning is to know myself.
I often pray for the ability to glow. I see people who exude brilliance and I find it very attractive and I want to be that “brilliant light” so people can be attracted to the Faith, through me. Knowledge of self seems to be the key.
Secondly, I used to call myself to account with only the negative things I’d done every day, but here Bahá’u’lláh is telling me I need to find just as many positives as negatives, as each quality is balanced by it’s opposite.
Decorating myself by knowing my good and bad qualities will help me glow, and I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Getting to Know Your Lower Nature
This is a lovely guide for how to bring myself to account each day! Thank you!
I’m so glad you found it useful, Emily! Thanks for the encouragement!
I really love the idea of including our positive acts during ‘calling ourselves to account each day’. Now I can think of the ‘ornament of great brightness’ acts of each day which in turn will help me to increase those. This is a great concept to teach the children in our children’s classes.
Yes, in this Faith we move from strength to strength, don’t we, Bertha? Thanks for joining in the conversation!