[Footnote
4: The technical term is 'association.'] God in Himself, says the
Ba?„b, cannot be known, though a reflected image of Him is attainable
by taking heed to His manifestations or perfect portraitures.
Some variety of S??ufism, however, sweetly and strongly permeates the
teaching of the Ba?„b. It is a S??ufism which consists, not in
affiliation to any S??ufi order, but in the knowledge and love of the
Source of the Eternal Ideals. Through detachment from this perishable
world and earnest seeking for the Eternal, a glimpse of the unseen
Reality can be attained. The form of this only true knowledge is
subject to change; fresh 'mirrors' or 'portraits' are provided at the
end of each recurring cosmic cycle or aeon. But the substance is
unchanged and unchangeable. As Prof. Browne remarks, 'the prophet of a
cycle is naught but a reflexion of the Primal Will,--the same sun with
a new horizon.' [Footnote: _NH_, p. 335.]
THE BA?„B
Such a prophet was the Ba?„b; we call him 'prophet' for want of a
better name; 'yea, I say unto you, a prophet and more than a prophet.'
His combination of mildness and power is so rare that we have to place
him in a line with super-normal men. But he was also a great mystic
and an eminent theosophic speculator. We learn that, at great points
in his career, after he had been in an ecstasy, such radiance of might
and majesty streamed from his countenance that none could bear to look
upon the effulgence of his glory and beauty.
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