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Some thoughts on the Characteristics or Attributes of the "Ocean" metaphor
| Action 1. It seems to give birth to and to swallow up the sun each day at sunrise or at sunset. 2. In a state of calm, it can be a perfect mirror reflecting the sun, the clouds, the stars. 3. It can be surging, stormy, wavy, unsettled, or sending forth a tsunami, but all the time it is calm with its mighty depths. 4. It has enormous and colossal size. It shelters the underwater world. 5. Being water based, it is always changing states, to vapor or ice and back to liquid again. 6. It lays low yet receives all the small and mighty rivers that run into it. 7. Life began in the ocean. 8. It can be broken down to mere humble droplets of water, nothing in comparison to the whole. 9. Noah's story. Whole world becomes immersed under water. 10. It is full of hidden desirables, such as pearls and "man-made" chests of lost treasures, jewels and gold from sunken ships. | Symbol 1. Life, death, resurrection. The beginning and the end, creation and destruction, the source and the goal. 2. It reflects God's Light like the Manifestation of God, like man and woman who are made in the image of God. It reflects the purest and loftiest aspects of man, his spiritual being, his unconscious states, his reality, his thoughts and dreams. 3. Its tremendous motion is symbolic of dynamic forces within, of progression and struggle, to be able to make a difference. It is at peace within its soul. 4. Power, protection, haven, sanctuary for a myriad plant and animal species, large and small. It is ever-present. 5. It has transforming power. It can turn into life-giving rain (bounty). It gives and receives reciprocally. 6. It has attributes of lowliness, humility, yet attracts all to its greatness. 7. It is the preserver of life, and it brings regeneration of life. 8. It is infinitely big, all-encompassing, universal. 9. It cleanses, purifies and brings rejuvenation. 10. It is full of hidden secrets and mysteries abounding. (wisdoms and knowledge) |
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In Baha'u'llah's Writings