Among these teachings was the independent investigation of reality, so that the world of humanity may be saved from the darkness of imitation and attain to the truth; may tear off and cast away this ragged and outgrown garment of a thousand years ago, and may put on the robe woven in the utmost purity and holiness in the loom of reality. —'Abdu'l-Bahá

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This is an unofficial resource for the exploration of selected topics in the Bahá'í writings. It contains over 6,000 quotations, each of which has been assigned to one or more of nearly 1,000 subject categories, organized in outline form in the right-hand panel (if the outline form is not helpful it can be changed to alphabetical view). Most quotations are linked to the Bahá'í Reference Library--the sole authorized online repository of Bahá'í texts--or to a secondary source, so that the context can be seen. Links to original Persian or Arabic texts at the Bahá'í Reference Library are also provided in many cases.

Quotations within each category are shown in no particular order. A few quotations from authors in former philosophical and spiritual traditions, as well as a small number of contemporary authors, have been included where they highlight a striking parallel or clarify an obscure concept. Some Bahá'í-related sources of lesser authority--provisional translations and pilgrim notes--have been included as interesting material to be taken for what it is worth. Such material has been clearly identified, but the evaluation and weighting of sources is ultimately left to the good judgement of the reader.

Suggestions for improvements and errata notes are welcome (email loom.of.reality@gmail.com). Occasional updates are planned, to incorporate feedback and corrections as well as to add further quotations from the Bahá'í writings and beyond.

Click on a category at right to begin browsing. To see the same material organized along different lines, see the Appendix to the "Inventory".

First release: November 2012

Last update: 02/02/2020