A Study of the Pen Motif in the Baha'i Writings

Abstract

This article is an introductory survey of the frequently encountered pen motif in Bahá’í writings. The theological usage of the “pen” is explored along with the Islamic theological and theosophical background of the term. The pen is a metaphor for the preexistent and creative force presented by the Manifestation of God. The pen-tablet relationship is then examined with the pen as a creative metaphor. The pen-tablet (active-recipient) motif is then used lo explore the possible correlation between two theosophical topics—the ‘‘five divine presences” and the seven stages of “coming into being.” The creative forces of the pen, undergoing emanation, create five distinct realms of existence. These five realms are generated as the pen creates in descending emanation. The pen undergoes the natural order of generation, the seven stages of “coming into being,” as each of the divine presences are created.