The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys
Introduction
theology of many peoples. The bird, a solitary creature, was said to have a flute-like beak with a hundred holes, each opening sounding a mystic tone. As death approaches, the
Pheonix prepares its funeral pyre, pours forth its tragic song, and kindles the fire with its feathers. As the embers die down to a single spark, a new Phoenix miraculously arises from the ashes. In response to an enquiry, the
Guardian of the
Bahá’í Faith has explained that the Phoenix “does not have any connection with the
Manifestation but is used poetically to convey the thought of something that is immortal, or that rises from destruction...”
Although the content of the Seven Valleys may appear to be esoteric and somewhat removed from daily living in the real world, there is a broad general application of a practical nature. The guiding principle is that the truly God-intoxicated person will in his behaviour spontaneously demonstrate his devotion to justice, truth, integrity, mercy, and the other holy characteristics inculcated by the Manifestation of the Beloved.
Too often has society suffered from outwardly pious men, pillars of churches and ornaments of communities, who were convinced that they were “saved” and that they could with impunity disregard the basic rules of decent conduct. The “saved” ones thus introduced a double standard of
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