The “Gate” of Attainment – a refined ore and gem of truth!

Selections from the Writings of the Báb – 3, Excerpts from the Persian Bayán

“Purification is regarded as the most acceptable means for attaining nearness unto God and as the most meritorious of all deeds. Thus purge thou thine ear that thou mayest hear no mention besides God, and purge thine eye that it behold naught except God, and thy conscience that it perceive naught other than God, and thy tongue that it proclaim nothing but God, and thy hand to write naught but the words of God, and thy knowledge that it comprehend naught except God, and thy heart that it entertain no wish save God, and in like manner purge all thine acts and thy pursuits that thou mayest be nurtured in the paradise of pure love, and perchance mayest attain the presence of Him Whom God shall make manifest, adorned with a purity which He highly cherisheth, and be sanctified from whosoever hath turned away from Him and doth not support Him. Thus shalt thou manifest a purity that shall profit thee.”

– The Báb

The quoted passage from the Báb speaks profoundly of purification as the pathway to nearness to God. This process of cleansing one’s senses, thoughts, and actions from distractions echoes the universal principle of refinement and focus, which is central both to spirituality and to the natural sciences, particularly geology.

In geology, purification can be likened to the process of mineral refinement. Precious metals, such as gold, often begin their journey embedded within ore—mixed with impurities that obscure their true value. Through a series of meticulous processes, such as crushing, washing, and chemical treatments, these impurities are removed, revealing the pure metal within. This transformation mirrors the spiritual journey the Báb describes, where purification of one’s inner life enables the light of divine proximity to shine through.

From a scientific perspective, the discipline required in the pursuit of knowledge also aligns with the call to purification. A geologist, for instance, must remove personal bias and distractions to analyze data objectively. This intellectual “cleansing” allows for clarity and truth to emerge, much like the refinement of minerals or the spiritual process of turning one’s heart and actions toward God.

On a personal level, we can see purification as a deliberate act of alignment—choosing to remove habits, influences, or pursuits that detract from one’s higher goals. Whether it is the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, scientific discovery, or even professional and creative excellence, this process demands introspection, discipline, and commitment.

For myself, this concept resonates deeply not only in my geologic work—where I separate valuable insights from noise—but also in my personal reflections and writings. Just as ore is purified to reveal the treasure within, the act of purification in thought and deed polishes one’s character, enabling a more profound contribution to the world around us.

What do you think about this connection between spiritual principles and geological processes? It feels like such a natural blend of my passions.