Knowledge Map:

Knowledge Map of the Four Valleys

by Nina Bailey

[note from webmaster: I've prepared two different versions
of this artistic piece to provide two different sizes. -J.W.]

Click on either image to enlarge or download

small image (437x360 pixels, 43K)

large high-resolution image (729x601 pixels, 91K)

1. Type of artistic presentation: Colored ink and pencil drawing

2. Please describe briefly how you were inspired to produce this work

The imageries created in the Four Valleys were vivid and moving. I particularly loved what I saw in my mind's eye in the Third Valley: "The denizens of this plane speak no words --but they gallop their chargers. They see but the inner reality of the Beloved" I see a herd of wild beautiful horses thundering across the valley blinded by the light of the Blessed Beauty.

3. What steps did you go through in completing this work?

I reviewed The Four Valleys and noted all imageries that came to mind. I sketched a drawing and decided to use pen and ink. I purchased colored pens and pencils and a sketch pad. I haven't drawn much since high school so this was a fun project and different! Afterwards, I had a friend scanned the picture into a JPEG file. I was pleased with the results of the scanner. The gold is glistening!

4. If you presented the work, please complete the following:

I haven't presented the work yet. Just completed it today.

5. What obstacles or problems did you overcome in the course of creating this work?

My biggest obstacle was finding the time to sit down and draw. I wanted an entire afternoon to immerse myself in the writings and create an pictorial representation of The Four Valleys. Creativity takes time and I wanted all the time necessary to put my vision on paper.

6. Please attach to this form a 1-2 page description of how the artistic work expresses ideas studied in this course.

THE FIRST VALLEY

Baha'u'llah described how at the shore of the Sea of Grandeur "The knower straightway flung himself into the waves, but the grammarian stood lost in his reasonings, which were as words that are written on water." pg. 51. The grammarian's thoughts were an obstacle to his ability to let go and surrender to new knowledge and wisdom.

This illustration of the First Valley represents how one must forget oneself and let go of learned knowledge in order to surrender to God. "Be nothing, then, and walk upon the waves." pg. 52.

I drew a large wave glistening in the sunlight that is posed to engulf a book that is about to be swept away. The book represents all prior knowledge and thinking. The wave is adorned with divine wisdom and knowledge that will surpass all prior learning.

THE SECOND VALLEY

One is taught to love, respect and fear God through tests and difficulties. I drew a heart with a spider web inside. The heart represent one's love and longing for God. The spider web represents life's tribulations, intertwined into one's history, that draw us to God. The golden bird descending from the sun represents God's will to send divine knowledge to His chosen ones. Life experiences, as represented by the web, prepares one's heart to receive the light of God.

"How can feeble reason encompass the Quran,
Or the spider snare a phoenix in her web?
Would thou that the mind should not entrap thee?
Teach it the science of the love of God!" pg. 52

"Fear God, and God will instruct thee." And again: "Knowledge is a light which God casteth into the heart of whomsoever He willeth." pg. 54

THE THIRD VALLEY

Here, one forgets oneself and uses no reasoning, only love, to reach God. I drew horses running in a circle indicating no direction, only galloping senselessly. The horses are trusting and surrendering to God's will. The blindfolds of gold represent only having eyes for God.

"The denizens of this plane speak no words --but they gallop their chargers. They see but the inner reality of the Beloved. To them all words of sense are meaningless, and senseless words are full of meaning. . . to them the mirage is the real river; to them going away is returning" pg. 55.

Although the horses are galloping in a circle, going apparently nowhere ( "The Cyclic Scheme, to them, is but to Him a stair." pg. 56) they are, nevertheless, being guided towards God.

THE FOURTH VALLEY

In the final valley, which is "the apex of consciousness and the secret of divine guidance." pg. 57, the self is completely eradicated and detached from worldly attributes. Here, even love and longing is a veil. One must obey and surrender one's life to God. The heart must be equally open to receive blessings as well as difficulties, joyfully.

"See, our hearts come open like shells, when He raineth grace like pearls, And our lives are ready targets, when agony's arrows He hurls." pg., 59

My Servant! Obey Me and I shall make thee like unto Myself. I say 'Be,' and it is, and thou shalt say 'Be,' and it shall be." Pg. 63