THE PATH TO PARADISE

in all circumstances; and for whom eternity is more significant than temporary worldly gain. They value truth over pride, even when accepting the truth wounds their ego. They find greater satisfaction in tears shed for God’s sake than in heedless laughter. Forgiveness gives them more joy than revenge, fairness pleases them more than the usurpation of rights, and humility is dearer to them than selfassertion. Such people strive to restrain negative emotions before they turn into action. They suppress envy and contempt when these feelings arise, preferring inner discipline over emotional release. They do not rush to form bad opinions about others, but choose to think well of people. Their concern is not self-justification, but self-purification. God requires people of excellence to inhabit Paradise. To guide human beings toward this excellence, He has placed signs throughout the universe. The cosmos itself serves as a moral classroom. Iron teaches firmness and resolve. Water flowing from hard rocks exemplifies gentleness and compassion. The unchanging laws of nature show the importance of keeping one’s promises. The fragrance, beauty, and harmony of the material world inspire fairness and balance in human dealings. Billions of stars move in precise orbits without colliding; man, too, is required to function within his own limits, avoiding unnecessary conflict. Trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide and return life-giving oxygen; in the same way, human beings are expected to return good for evil. Mountains and upright forms cast their shadows on the ground as if in prostration, reminding man that humility is the posture befitting greatness. Pride and domination have no place in the character of one who seeks God’s pleasure. Whoever wishes to partake in God’s eternal blessings must learn to live in harmony with the divine order. He should be pleased only with what pleases God and obey Him as the cosmos obeys Him. Paradise is prepared for those whose inner world already reflects its light. 