The Purpose of Our Quest: The Valley of Search

The first of the Seven Valleys is the Valley of Search. This is quite fitting for the first and the beginning point, because the wayfarer, us, is looking for how to begin his journey. The stead of this Valley is patience. Many of us strive day and night to reach a certain goal, but if we give up, then the goal will not be attained. This is why patience is crucial for our search. If we give up in the beginning, if we give up at all, then the journey is over. It may take eternity, but we still need to move forward. Bahá'u'lláh writes, "No bond shall hold them back, and no counsel shall deter them." If anything holds us back, then we will not be able to move forward. Recall the first sentence of the Kitab-i-Iqan where we need to be detached from all of our previous bias and knowledge and experience in order to gain true knowledge and understanding. The same idea applies here.

The major problem is that this is a limited realm. Thus, it is easy to be encumbered by those around us who are not searching. We need to be vigilante and watch for those who may hold us back. The true seeker, as Bahá'u'lláh mentions, will not be deterred by the world, but will constantly search for his ultimate possession-whatever this is to be.

Like for any form of search, we need to put work into it and until the end. Everyday we need to find the object of our quest. We will learn that we are actually encumbered by the things of this world, thus we will begin to cast them aside.

In the Arabic Hidden Word #30 it is Written, "...Deny not My servant should he ask anything from thee, for his face is My face..." Thus, in every face, we need to see the face of God and we begin to realize that this is the purpose of our quest; to find God, the Friend.

From here we move to the Valley of Love.
If you have anything to add, please do so! I always wish to learn more and gain a better understanding of what I am reading.



I would like to make a final note on the idea of detachment. By detachment it does not mean to get rid of everything we own and possess. Rather, it means we need to simply not worry about the material aspects of life (and as we progress, even life itself). This will only hold us back from progressing further. It is important to enjoy life, and if one does have the chance, it is perfectly acceptable to even drink from a gold cup-but it does not mean that our life depends on having it and that we would not give it up if necessary.