.
.
.
In
the physical world, the spring is followed by summer, autumn, and winter.
In
the spiritual life of mankind on this earth, too, a cycle commences with
the coming of a
divine
Manifestation, slowly gathers momentum as it moves forward until the mission
of that particular
,
,.
Dispensation
is fulfilled and its fairest fruits given to the world; Then its power
gradually diminishes and decay sets in.
,
,
The
cohesive force which held people together is finally spent, and the spirit
which the Messenger of God
infused into His followers grows cold and dies. His beautiful teachings
which
had once united them are interpreted in hundreds of different ways; sects
and
divisions
are formed, each preaching a different message;
,
,
the
letter of the word becomes more important than the spirit; and intolerance,
even hatred, replaces love between people who had once worshipped together.
Many people, disillusioned by the superstitions and
irrational arguments presented in the name
of religion, and disheartened by the fanaticism and intolerance
they see among various sects, turn
away
from religion altogether. Materialism, followed by selfishness
and greed,
creeps
into every section of a diseased society; and men sink
down
to the level of beasts.
,
,
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