Seeking Layli in the Bush

Seeking Layli Like Fishes

2012-01-31T22:20:00.002+11:00

"Ye are all as fishes, moving in the waters of the sea, veiling yourselves therefrom, and yet asking what it is on which ye depend." (Baha'u'llah)

Some of us will surely act like fishes on our next trip, moving in the waters of the sea. We're going to take advantage of that period of Tasmanian weather which is called summer and go for a walk and a swim on Bell Buoy Beach.

Most of the references you will find on the web to Bell Buoy Beach refer to the new real estate development in its hinterland but you that doesn't really intrude on the beach which is usually sparsely populated if at all. You'll find a description of the beach itself at
http://beachsafe.org.au/beach/tas1190

and some video footage of some people at the beach here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG4orxmdoK4
It is hard to say if any of these people are Layli - its shot from too far away to be certain.

We meet at noon, Saturday the 11th of February at the beach car park. The directions are simple. Go to Georgetown, keep going towards Low Head and somewhere between the two you will see a well signposted road on the right for Bell Buoy beach (its also signposted to an aerodrome). Just follow the signs until the road stops and there is some parking there. Then its a couple of hundred metres walk down to the beach.

Bring food, love, swimming gear and any water toys you may have. If you prefer to walk, the beaches curve round for miles around that bit of coast. There will of course be devotions and friendship.

See you there.

Walking on the Earth

2012-01-31T20:09:00.001+11:00

but did the light of sanctity shine from our faces? If the 'light of sanctity' cannot be distinguished from a Blues Brothers impersonation perhaps yes.
We did our best to fulfil our mission from God and in doing so found a nice spot as indeed did many other folks from Latrobe that day.

"I am, O my God, but a tiny seed which Thou hast sown in the soil of Thy love, and caused to spring forth by the hand of Thy bounty." (Baha'u'llah)

"Yea, the sun beam falls alike upon the dust and the mirror, yet differ they in reflection even as doth the star from the earth: nay, immeasurable is the difference!" (Baha'u'llah)

"And how many those who subsist on the coarsest bread, who take for their only seat the grass of the field,"
(Actually we had very good bread and the grass was very comfortable but then the quote finishes):

and who undergo every manner of hardship, merely to maintain their superiority in the eyes of men!

(Baha'u'llah)

It was a lovely walk in good company but, incredibly, we didn't find Layli.

Seeking Layli Very Gently

2012-01-09T21:16:00.000+11:00

"How often have things been simple and easy of accomplishment, and yet most men have been heedless, and busied themselves with that which wasteth their time!" (Baha'u'llah)

After a short hiatus caused by a certain amount of open heart surgery within the group the Northern Tasmanian searches for Layli will restart on Sunday 22nd January 2012. Understandably we are ticking off the list a place that we hope will be simple and easy of accomplishment.
We are going to Warrawee Forest reserve.( http://www.latrobetasmania.com.au/warrawee.html ) near LaTrobe. It boasts, according to the Website, walking track, picnic tables, barbecues, platypi (is that the plural?), giant fresh lobsters, bettongs, and,of course, Pimelea curviflora var. graalis, Gynatrix pulchella and Epacris exserta as one would expect. Surely Layli could not resist such an assemblage of attractions? We will find her there!

We meet at 12 noon on Sunday (note Sunday not Saturday as heretofore) 22nd January at the car park. We assume there is a car park.
The route sounds pretty simple. First find Latrobe (near Devonport on the way to Launceston in case you've just arrived). Coming off the highway proceed fairly straight down Moriarty St and Bradshaw St. until you hit a big roundabout with Gilbert St on the right. On the left too come to think of it but you want the right turn. After the right turn the third on the left is Hamilton St. Follow this until it becomes Shale Road and follow that until you find the Reserve. Hopefully there will be signposts.

Bring, love, a picnic and your brand of devotions or at least the patience to be polite while others try their hands at their own brands.

Hope to see you there!.

Oh and to answer my own question, I let Wikipedia be my freind:

"There is no universally agreed plural of "platypus" in the English language. Scientists generally use "platypuses" or simply "platypus". Colloquially, the term "platypi" is also used for the plural, although this is technically incorrect and a form of pseudo-Latin;^[6] the correct Greek plural would be "platypodes". EarlyBritish settlers called it by many names, such as watermole, duckbill, and duckmole.^[6] The name "platypus" is often prefixed with the adjective "duck-billed" to form duck-billed platypus, despite there being only one species of platypus.^[13]"

^{Apologies for my pseudo-Latin above. I will use platypodes in future.}

Of mice and men

2011-11-07T18:22:00.002+11:00

The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men
Gang aft agley, (Robert Burns)

Some of you will be aware that we had a trip to Westmorland Falls planned for November 26th. Unfortunately it seems, on this occasion, God is not willing. The Westmorland falls track is still closed after the floods in January this year. Some reports talk of piles of debris fifty feet high and the awesome power that uprooted and hurled about great numbers of trees.

On the appearance of fearful natural events call ye to mind the might and majesty of your Lord, He Who heareth and seeth all, and say "Dominion is God's, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of creation". (Baha'u'llah).
We are still going to the same area, to the Wet Cave Reserve which is only a few kilometres from the Westmorland Track. So those of us who are interested in what a flood can do can pop along and see the impact.
Wet Cave reserve itself is most famous for its caves though serious exploration of them is only for experienced cavers, we will be able to peer in the entrances and wonder what lies beyond. A clue (well actually some photos) can be found at:
http://www.touringtasmania.info/honeycombe_caves.htm

It will be gentle with no hard walking and should be a nice picnic.

To get there first get to Mole Creek. Then take Caveside Road (it is to the left off the main St if you have come in from Deloraine). After about six kilometres you come to a T junction. Turn right and after roughly a kilometre you will find the reserve. Note the road turns very sharply left just at the reserve so its hard to miss.

We meet there at 12 noon, Saturday the 26th November. Bring food, joy, and perhaps a torch so we can peer into the caves.

a palace on the Bosphorus

2011-11-07T16:53:00.002+11:00

And when he turned towards the angel of wrath, he well-nigh expired from fear. "I have a house full of riches," he pleaded. "I have a palace on the Bosphorus, beneath which the rivers flow." (Baha'u'llah)

Baha'u'llah was actually talking about a rich and powerful man who behaved badly and was judged accordingly but who needs a palace on the Bosphurus.
A short walk into Alum Cliffs and we were at wonderful lookout looking down on the river far below. Its hard to imagine any palace ever had a finer view.

It's actually the Mersey river and doesn't seem to be mentioned directly by Baha'u'llah unless there was some confusion over the spelling.
"I swear by God! The River of Mercy floweth, and the Ocean of Utterance surgeth, and the Sun of Revelation shineth forth resplendent." (Baha'u'llah)

Mercy? Mersey? Hmmm probably shouldn't read too much into that.

But it was a lovely walk, some lovely people met, some prayers said, some meditation, and a pleasant day all round.
There were flowers and cliffs and the beauty of God's creation.
This sign is the mirror of His beauty in the world of creation. (Baha'u'llah)

And not all our moments were entirely dignified!

Another Day; Another Canyon

2011-10-16T20:15:00.002+11:00

Well, having got ourselves in the habit of peering down at rivers far below from lookouts perched on the edge of cliffs we might as well stick with it.
So on Saturday 22nd October we're going to Alum Cliffs to look down on another river from on high.
We've been to Alum Cliffs before - as long ago as 2008. See
http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2008/07/cleaving-of-earth.html

We'll meet at 12 noon at the car park.
The directions are quite simple assuming you can find Deloraine.
From Deloraine take the B12 towards Chudleigh and Mole Creek.
At Chudleigh stick with the B12 towards Mole Creek (this involves a sharp right in the centre of town but its clearly marked)
About 1.4 kilometres after the right turn take the signposted Mersey Hill Road which brings you to the car park after about 2 kilometres.

Hope to see you there.

Walking the edge

2011-10-16T19:57:00.003+11:00

"They walk the edge of a treacherous bank and tread the brink of a fiery abyss." (Baha'u'llah)

Baha'u'llah was actually referring to those who turn away from God and reminding us of the danger they face as described in the Quran but looking down into Leven Canyon it does feel like the edge though the excellent paths and well constructed look-outs make it perfectly safe.
A nice day, a pleasant walk, some spectacular views, and a jovial picnic with joyous prayers. Perfect!

So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures; much less fathom the mystery of Him Who is the Day Star of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknowable Essence. (Baha'u'llah)

Views from the Heights

2011-09-03T18:20:00.000+10:00

Take the B15 exit to Ulverstone/Sprent/Leven Canyon
After 400m turn right onto Castro Rd/B15
After 29km turn right onto Cullens Rd
Another 2 kms bring you to the reserve.

There are shorter, possibly more interesting, but generally longer in time, routes from most places.

There are toilets, picnic tables, car parking, barbecues and a splendid two km walk through the forest to the view points. The walk is easy though there are 697 steps (fortunately you go down them not up).

For the fitter there is a more challenging but still not too difficult walk nearby which takes you down to the floor of the canyon.

Please come, bring your friends, some picnic to eat or share, and a willingness to participate in or at least the patience to tolerate some devotions.

Saturday, 17th September 12 noon

Winter months

2011-09-03T17:45:00.001+10:00

"It is the inherent nature of things on this earth to change, thus we see around us the change of the seasons. Every spring is followed by a summer and every autumn brings a winter -- every day a night and every evening a morning. There is a sequence in all things." (Abdu'l-Baha)

And it appears to be inherent in the nature of winter that fewer people come seeking Layli. Compounding this problem was our own competence. In July the two rather small parties who went on the search to Liffey from different cities failed to meet each other. If we had Layli between us she managed to slip through our uncoordinated net with ease. Then, in August, the three rank amateurs who headed to Lilydale Falls forgot to take even a basic prayer book with them. How can we expect to lure the mystic bird by stumbling through half remembered verses? But, perhaps, it is the sincerity of the prayer or meditation not the elegance that attracts the blessings.

One of the early followers of Muhammad, being Ethiopian, pronounced Arabic in a way that was considered non-standard. Nevertheless, Muhammad honoured him by making him the first muezzin calling the Muslims to prayer. Baha'u'llah says of this:

"The acts of his honor, Balal, the Ethiopian, were so acceptable in the sight of God that the "sin" of his stuttering tongue excelled the "shin" pronounced by all the world." (Baha'u'llah)

Anyway, here, in a first for this blog, is a video and some photos of our clumsy winter searches for Layli.

More photos can be seen at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/Layliseeker/LiffeyJuly2011
and
https://picasaweb.google.com/Layliseeker/LilydaleFallsAugust2011

Seeking Layli by a Different Route (Sat 16th July)

2011-07-11T19:43:00.000+10:00

Bearing in mind the difficulties the wintry weather caused to our last expedition and that it is now even more wintry we have chosen an old and easily reached favourite spot this time. It's back to Liffey Falls. I can hear you objecting. We've tried Liffey Falls several times and never found Layli- why should it be different this time? Well firstly some of us think the Liffey Falls actually are Layli. What did you expect a 1500 year old spiritual being to look like? And secondly we have a cunning plan. Surely Layli will be on the lookout for our approach from our favoured spot in the upper car park. Well we're going to sneak up on her from the lower car park! That should fox her, eh?
Just like the upper car park, the lower can be reached from either the Lake Highway or through Bracknell but is probably easiest from Bracknell. Bracknell is well signposted from the highway about twenty kilometres from Launceston towards Deloraine. When you reach the T junction just past the shop in Bracknell turn right following the signs for Liffey. There is no obvious township called Liffey any longer - its just a district but shortly after the end of the tarmac you will come to a "Y" junction. The right hand fork goes up the hill and has a sign saying no buses or something similar. It leads to the upper car park. The left fork leads into the lower car park where we shall meet at 12 noon on Sat 16th July.

Bring warm clothing, food for a picnic, a willingness to take part in or at least be patient with devotions and a camera. We regret there is no piano at Liffey Falls but there are tables, toilets and an easy walk up to the Falls.

A missed rendevous

2011-07-11T19:16:00.000+10:00

We had planned to find Layli at the visitors centre in Mount Barrow forests, but the weather being wintry, only one car set out on the journey. The forest road did have a sign saying 'Road closed' but it didn't look bad and we could see others ignoring it so we pressed ahead. But at Foons Hills the snow lay all about - deep and crisp and even. While other cars had clearly managed to get through ours wasn't really designed for that kind of work and it slithered and slid to a halt. Couldn't persuade it to get up so we enjoyed playing in the snow, ate our picnic, prayed and headed home. Sad, because we have good reason to believe that Layli did indeed wait for us at the visitors centre.

Our wheel tracks look OK at the point but further up it wasn't so good.

"This is the Vale of God's unsearchable decree, the snow-white Spot, the Land of unfading splendor."
(Baha'u'llah)

Snow-white spot? Perhaps He was thinking of Foon's Hill?

worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains

2011-05-29T17:40:00.000+10:00

Were anyone to wash the feet of all mankind, and were he to worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains, upon high hills and lofty peaks, to leave no rock or tree, no clod of earth, but was a witness to his worship -- yet, should the fragrance of My good pleasure not be inhaled from him, his works would never be acceptable unto God. (Baha'u'llah)

Well, it doesn't say don't worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains so on June 11th at 12 noon we are going to the forest surrounding the Mount Barrow Visitor Centre as pictured here:

First, let me clarify that while it is part of the Mount Barrow complex it is a quite different place from our usual haunt in Mount Barrow Reserve.
Secondly. it is quite a change for us. It is by known means pristine wilderness - in fact its a working forest parts of which have already been 'harvested' three times in the last 100 years.
On the other hand it is far from the madding crowd while still being close to Launceston, offers us an indoor picnic and prayer spot which will be appreciated in winter, a BBQ, toilet, wood fire if we want to light it and, of course, a piano. It includes various short walks mostly to view sites related to the history of forestry in the area and many kilometres of wandering roads through the regrowth forest.

It is described here
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/north-east/mt-barrow-discovery-trail
and this time with a map here:
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/tourism/mt_barrow_brochure.pdf

The map and signposting I found confusing so here's my instructions.
Take the Tasman Highway (A3) out of Launceston. After 20km you will come to Nunamara. The Mount Barrow Discovery Trail is clearly signposted on the right in Nunamara. Take that road (its dirt but a good dirt road) and follow it avoiding turn offs. You will pass an information booth which is singularly lacking in information, then Max's Lookout (worth stopping for if its not raining), then you come to a junction. On the right is Weaver's Creek Road while straight ahead is signposted the Discovery Trail. Either will get you there but the trail is longer, a pretty bad road, and not very interesting for my money. If you are early and don't mind bashing your car over rough surfaces, it might be worth it but I suspect most people would prefer Weaver's Creek Road which is pretty good and from which the visitors centre is clearly marked on the right.
You'll notice on the map in the link above that Weaver's Creek is shown as one way but this does not appear to be true in reality.
Meet as usual at the Visitor's Centre at noon bringing joy, camera, food, a willingness to express your devotion to the Unknowable in your own way, and, of course, your piano playing skills.

Hope to see you there.

in every Valley reach a spring

2011-05-29T16:20:00.000+10:00

"Thus it hath been made clear that these stages depend on the vision of the wayfarer. In every city he will behold a world, in every Valley reach a spring, in every meadow hear a song. But the falcon of the mystic heaven hath many a wondrous carol of the spirit in His breast, and the Persian bird keepeth in His soul many a sweet Arab melody; yet these are hidden, and hidden shall remain." (Baha'u'llah)

Holwell Gorge is, of course, a gorge but that is a kind of valley and this photo is, of course of a waterfall or cascade rather than a spring we certainly reached it despite the going in some places having been
damaged by this years floods. And we has a very pleasant picnic when we got there.
The waterfall was a little noisy for prayers so we, for the first time ever we think, 'blessed' a bridge with our prayers.

This is the bridge but it was on the way back we said our prayers there.
It is a lovely spot and it was a lovely day and here, from a variety of cameras, are a few photos.

Each and every thing, however small, would be to him a revelation, leading him to his Beloved, the Object of his quest. (Baha'u'llah)

From the green garden

2011-04-26T20:09:00.000+10:00

"By My life, O friend, wert thou to taste of these fruits, from the green garden of these blossoms which grow in the lands of knowledge, beside the orient lights of the Essence in the mirrors of names and attributes -- yearning would seize the reins of patience and reserve from out thy hand, and make thy soul to shake with the flashing light, and draw thee from the earthly homeland to the first, heavenly abode in the Center of Realities, and lift thee to a plane wherein thou wouldst soar in the air even as thou walkest upon the earth, and move over the water as thou runnest on the land." (Baha'u'llah)

Sometimes, Baha'u'llah describes experiences which seem absolutely beyond our imaginings let alone our capabilities. Our souls "shake with the flashing light"? To "soar in the air even as thou walkest upon the earth"? What would it feel like? Well maybe at 12 noon on Saturday May 7th we will find out in the "green garden" of Holwell Gorge. Meet at the Northern or perhaps North Eastern car park.

The directions are pretty straightforward. Make your way to Beaconsfield (if coming from Launceston its via the West Tamar Highway). Just on the Northern outskirts of Beaconsfield, take a left turn onto Kelly's Lookout Road which quickly becomes Holwell Road (C715) and follow it until you see the signpost. People coming from George Town would cross the bridge and then on to Beaconfield. From Devonport or other Western places there are various routes but perhaps a left turn onto Holwell Road at Frankfurt is the most direct (well thats what Google Maps recommends). Don't forget there are two entrances to the reserve. Its the one nearest Beaconfield you are looking for.

The Gorge is described with photographs at

http://www.touringtasmania.info/holwell_gorge1.htm
and we have been there before
http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2008/12/bread-on-waters.html

As usual, bring some food to eat or share and a willingness to participate or at least tolerate some devotional activity and hopefully be ready to be transported by the beauty of nature.
"So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures; much less fathom the mystery of Him Who is the Day Star of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknowable Essence." (Baha'u'llah)

Streams gushing from the Rocks

2011-04-26T19:34:00.000+10:00

"...streams of fresh and soft-flowing waters have gushed from the rocks, through the sweetness of the words uttered by your Lord, the Unconstrained; and still ye slumber." (Baha'u'llah)

Baha'u'llah was, of course, speaking metaphorically but the metaphor takes new life when you stand in the rockscape and gaze up at Hardings Falls.

It was a long drive - the last part over a very rough road. It was a lovely walk through a forest.

And finally it was a very steep descent down a very rough path indeed.
And then it was very peaceful and quite beautiful.

"Numerous confessions and divers creeds abide peacefully beneath the shadow of thy sovereignty. Let this people be also numbered with them." (Baha'u'llah)
We were a small group but religiously diverse and we found some peace at Hardings Falls.

"Prefer ye to be silent, whilst every stone and every tree shouteth aloud: 'The Lord is come in His great glory!'? " (Baha'u'llah)The stones and rocks that make the canyon perhaps did not audibly shout but they certainly grabbed the attention.

And so we made our way back to the car park where picnic and prayers rounded off the day.

Strange behaviour of the full moon

2011-04-17T14:22:00.000+10:00

Each moon, O my beloved, for three days I go mad;
Today's the first of these -- 'Tis why thou seest me glad. (Rumi)

The First Council of Nicaea (325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. (Wikipedia)

The Baha'is celebrate the Twelve Days of Ridvan starting on April 20th at Sunset. So. unusually, this year, due to the lateness of the Paschal Full Moon, Easter falls with the Festival of Ridvan.

In addition this year, Easter Monday coincides with the great Australian commemoration of ANZAC day when many people remember those who fought and died in the wars of the past.

"these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most great Peace' shall come..."
(Baha'u'llah, speaking to Edward Granville Brown)

So on Monday 25th April there is a rare opportunity for a triple hit - to celebrate three festivals simultaneously and what better way to do it than seeking Layli at a remote and mighty waterfall?

The one we have chosen is Hardings Falls. see

http://www.touringtasmania.info/hardings_falls.htm

or
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/assets/0000/0087/Hardings_Falls_Forest_reserve.pdf

For those who came to Mount Puzzler the country is similar and the journey about the same length though by way of Royal George rather than Fingal. The walk to the falls is much shorter than at Mount Puzzler though still steep.

We will meet at the car park at 12noon. To get there from Launceston follow the main Highway south towards Hobart, just before Cambelltown turn left following the signs for Avoca and the East Coast. At Avoca turn right following the sign to Royal George. Go straight through Royal George. After a few kilometres the road turns to dirt and a bit further on there is a cross roads. To the right there is a steep hill clearly signposted to Meetus Falls. Ignore it - take the left less clearly signposted road. Hardings falls is signposted off this road to the right. These are forestry roads and are not shown on Google maps or Where-is.com. It should take about two hours from Launceston. There are about 20 kilometres of, in places, quite rough, dirt road to cover.

As always bring some food to eat/share, good shoes or boots, and, we hope, a willingness to join in some devotions in whatever way suits you. Perhaps some of us will say a prayer for those who suffered and died in all those ruinous wars.

The mists dispelled - the veils torn away

2011-04-16T18:39:00.000+10:00

Assist them to dispel the mists of idle fancy, and to tear away the veils of vain imaginings and hopes. Thou art, verily, the All-Possessing, the Most High. No God is there but Thee, the Almighty, the Gracious.
(Baha'u'llah)

Hopefully some of us did manage to make some progress in getting rid of idle fancies and vain imagining - or is that hope itself an idle fancy?
But certainly after several recent attempts on Mount Barrow which were thwarted or blinded by rain and mist it was a relief to reach the tops and actually see a view.

Though the distance did seem a little hazy on the mountain itself the sun shone:

As you can see from the above we wandered individually or in groups as we felt like: and found and photographed what interested us. There were still a few flowers around and more than a few berries.

But we did all come together at the car park for, at the start of the day, a picnic and, at the end, some prayers.

Piercing the Veils (we hope)

2011-03-13T15:25:00.000+11:00

"... the wayfarer cometh to THE VALLEY OF UNITY and drinketh from the cup of the Absolute, and gazeth on the Manifestations of Oneness. In this station he pierceth the veils of plurality, fleeth from the worlds of the flesh, and ascendeth into the heaven of singleness. With the ear of God he heareth, with the eye of God he beholdeth the mysteries of divine creation. He steppeth into the sanctuary of the Friend, and shareth as an intimate the pavilion of the Loved One. He stretcheth out the hand of truth from the sleeve of the Absolute; he revealeth the secrets of power. He seeth in himself neither name nor fame nor rank, but findeth his own praise in praising God." (Baha'u'llah)

Actually we are not going to any physical valley but back to the mountain. Mount Barrow.

You may remember that on our last trip there everything was veiled by a cloud

http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2010/10/veiled-by-cloud.html

but hopefully this time the early autumn sun will pierce those veils.

We're going on Saturday 26th March meeting at the car park at 12:00 noon.

It is just before the sign that says 4WDs only. In normal weather the road is actually perfectly all right for normal cars but if necessary we can ferry people up from there.
Mount Barrow is about 46 km north-east of Launceston. Follow the sealed Tasman Highway (A3) for 31 km north-east from Launceston, then turn right onto the gravel Mount Barrow Road (route C404) which leads to the Mount Barrow State Reserve (approximately 9 km) and the plateau (approximately 15 km). The trip takes about 3/4 hour. The last 2 km of road to the plateau is narrow, steep and winding.

Please remember that it is likely to be several degrees colder on the top than in Launceston and bring lots of clothes and good footwear as well as a picnic to share. We hope you will be tolerant of or preferably join in some devotions in whatever form suits you.

Searching with companions

2011-03-13T15:08:00.000+11:00

"He joineth every company, and seeketh fellowship with every soul, that haply in some mind he may uncover the secret of the Friend, or in some face he may behold the beauty of the Loved One." (Baha'u'llah)
An unusually large group chose to look for Layli at the Lakes so it was pleasant indeed to have so many companions searching together. It was not thebest organised event with one group arriving a little early and completing the walk to Pine Lake before others arrived. They cheerfully repeated their walk no doubt contemplating the words of Baha'u'llah:
"The preamble of this Epistle is being revealed twice, even as was the Mathani."
Furthermore the spot preselected for a picnic turned out not to exist and we could not make it
"....emerge from its state of non-existence into the realm of being" (Baha'u'llah)

but such trifling problems were solved with goodwill. We walked, ate, talked and found many opportunities to "marvel at the signs of the power of God and the wondrous evidences of His handiwork." (Baha'u'llah)

It was a good trip. Here are the photos:

He, verily, rewardeth beyond measure them that endure with patience. (Baha'u'llah)
This group were patiently waiting while we got the devotions organised if organised is a word that can ever be applied to a Layli event.

A Lake of Clear Water

2011-01-19T21:28:00.000+11:00

"Know, O thou possessors of insight, that true spirituality is like unto a lake of clear water which reflects the divine." (Abdu'l-Baha)

Well actually two lakes of, hopefully, clear water. On Saturday, 12th February, at 12 noon, we are meeting at the Pine Lake car park where we will walk the environmentally sensitive area to see the Pencil Pines and other vegetation. In contrast to our last adventure this is a very easy and fairly short walk on a boardwalk and one is not allowed to leave the walk for environment protection reasons. There are plenty of opportunities for those who like a more vigorous walk in the neighbourhood.
However, for even greater comfort and convenience, we will have our picnic a few kilometres further on at the lookout above the Great Lake where there is a table and a great view.
We have been to Pine Lake before - in the middle of winter
http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2008/09/tree-beyond-which-there-is-no-passing.html
and in the flowering season of summer

http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2009/01/return-to-pine-lake.html

It is very easy to get there and all tarmac. First, get to Deloraine. Then take the A5 - Highland Lakes Rd. If coming from Launceston that is turn left just before the bridge and stay on that road. You will climb high but once you or up above the tree line keep looking to the right until you see Pine Lake.

So, hope to see you there. Bring food, devotion to the Eternal Truth, and a love of the wild tundra.

So perfect and comprehensive

2011-01-19T21:01:00.002+11:00

"So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures" (Baha'u'llah)
The trip to Mount Puzzler was a very rare Layli search in that everything, or almost everything, happened according to the plan. The site chosen for the picnic and prayers was, by general consent, beautiful.

The people who came contacted each other and each car that came was full and found the right spot.
The walk chosen was strenuous but people turned back at all points as they felt they personally had had enough.

And for the six who made it to Meadstone Falls there was a worthwhile climax to their efforts.

And as usual, along the way, there was beauty in everything:

Far be it from us to despair at any time of the incalculable favours of God, for if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed into a sun and a single drop into an ocean. (Baha'u'llah)

And to cap a perfect day, one of our number, confided that she was sure she had caught a glimpse of Layli. Unfortunately it was too brief a glimpse to allow a photograph to record the moment.

Seeking Layli away from it all

2011-01-02T21:19:00.001+11:00

"I entreat Thee by Thy footsteps in this wilderness, and by the words "Here am I. Here am I" which Thy chosen Ones have uttered in this immensity, and by the breaths of Thy Revelation, and the gentle winds of the Dawn of Thy Manifestation, to ordain that I may gaze on Thy beauty and observe whatsoever is in Thy Book." (Baha'u'llah)

Of all the places in Tasmania which one can reach by car few seem as remote as Mount Puzzler Reserve. That's where we are going on Saturday January 8th meeting at 12 noon. First get to Fingal. If coming from Launceston proceed down the Highway as though going to Hobart until just before Cambelltown you see a turn-off to the left clearly marked to the East Coast, Avoca, and Fingal.

A few kilometres to the East of Fingal (i.e. go straight through Fingal if coming from Launceston) there is a turn-off to the right marked "Valley Road". It is also clearly marked to Mount Puzzler and Meadstone falls. However we recommend driving slowly out of Fingal as there is no advance warning of the turnoff and you could be past it before you see it. Take this road and its 27 kms from there - pretty straightforward, ignore all side turnings and follow signs that say "The Falls". Its dirt for all 27km but a very good dirt road until the last 5 to 10 kilometres which get a fairly rough.

We are not meeting at the very end as the car park is neither suitable for a picnic nor inspiring for prayers. Instead, about one or two kilometres before the end you will dip down into a valley and cross a bridge. You may not recognise it as a bridge until you see the river below. A few metres before this you will see an area where several cars can pull off the road. Meet there and push through the bushes to the river. A paradise of rocks and running water awaits you. We will meet, pray, and picnic there. Later, those with energy can proceed on to the car park and the 45 minute each way walk to Meadstone Falls.

Check out the PDFs at http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/north-east/mt-puzzler-forest-reserve

for a some more info and a couple of photos.

We know its a long trip - about two hours from Launceston - but it really is worth it. Whatever you are doing on Saturday 8th - cancel it and come. If Layli is not there, I will lose all faith in Layli.

Remember, bring some food to eat or share, a willingness to tolerate, or preferably join in some devotions, and any scientific equipment you may have lying around which will help us detect the presence of Layli. Hope to see you there!

Discovering the paths of guidance

2011-01-02T20:30:00.000+11:00

"He beholdeth the wonders of Divinity in the mysteries of creation and discovereth the paths of guidance and the ways of his Lord. " (Baha'u'llah)It was rather a low key search for Layli. For various reasons attendance was low- only two of us turned up and, while Hollybank is very beautiful, it lacks some of the wildness we have come used to. Still we picnicked. prayed, discussed the prayers and discovered the River Walk. It was well signposted which could, I suppose be considered guidance, and it led to the the conjoining of the Rivers which one may consider part of the "ways of our Lord". Why should we not find the wonders of Divinity in that particular part of the mysteries of creation?

Seeking Lali in a tourist trap

2010-12-03T23:28:00.000+11:00

Thou findest him chill in the fire and dry in the sea, abiding in every land and treading every path.

The path we are going to tread on Saturday 11th December is the River Walk at Hollybank Forest "down to the junction of Butchers Creek and Pipers River" .

It is different to our normal outings as Hollybank is not a native forest being primarily European trees but, Layli was not born here either. Perhaps she retains a liking for the deciduous woods of the Northern Hemisphere.

Hollybank Forest also houses "Treetops Adventure" a series of flying fox like rides through the treetops, Reportedly, it fabulous but it costs $100 so it is not on our agenda. If anyone would like to combine it with our devotions get in touch and we'll arrange a meeting place and time.
The place has several picnic sites and the River Walk has its own car park but let's meet at the main car park (where the "Treetops Adventure" is) as its easy to find and has toilets etc. We can then find the best picnic spot at our leisure and proceed to the walk afterwards. So its 12 noon at the main car park.
Hollybank is about 20kms out of Launceston on the Lilydale roads and very clearly signposted on the right if heading towards Lilydale.

Hope to see you there - bring some food for the picnic and a willingness to share in or at least tolerate some devotional singing, praying, chanting or however you express your devotion to the Highest.

Braving every danger

2010-12-03T22:50:00.001+11:00

The everlasting Candle shineth in its naked glory. Behold how it hath consumed every mortal veil. O ye moth-like lovers of His light! Brave every danger, and consecrate your souls to its consuming flame. O ye that thirst after Him! Strip yourselves of every earthly affection, and hasten to embrace your Beloved. (Baha'u'llah)

Danger might be an exaggeration - the walk to Lobster Falls is, after all, rated easy on most web sites. Still, for those seekers who are old, fat, and arthritic (that's me), it was a significant challenge. And the path, if you can call it a path, was narrow enough and, at one point, beside a steep enough drop to ensure that in addition to our usual devotions one of us who suffers from vertigo uttered perhaps the most heartfelt prayers to the Help in Peril that have ever been said on our trips.

But it was worth it. Lobster falls is no pristine wilderness but perhaps for that very reason it feels truly wild.

Very little effort is made to accommodate visitors or manage the flora and fauna. Fungi, of course, flourish with no special care.

And the usual beautiful chaos of the forest floor.

We did, most of us, finally reach the Falls.

On the way we encountered birds, flowers, and thanks to a sharp-eyed member an echidna virtually buried beneath the forest litter. But we didn't find Layli. Or maybe we did. When four of us settled down to say and sing some devotions, in unplanned and unspoken agreement, we said and sang them in whispers as though in that place we sensed a presence and didn't wish to disturb it with our bungling, human efforts to express the Divine. Maybe it was Layli or maybe just a local farmer. Or maybe there's no difference.

A comfortable day at George Town

2010-11-11T21:28:00.000+11:00

"and the earth to be beautified with its rivers, " (Baha'u'llah)

A rather belated and rushed report on our day at George Town looking out on the Tamer River as it meets the sea.. It encompassed checking the view and the dry sclerophyll from Mount George, afternoon tea and hospitality from our George Town friends, and a walk on the beach at Low Head. We were all a bit confused and we failed to find everybody at the meeting point so two separate groups searched for Layli. Without more ado some photos:

Seeking Layli with a bit of an effort

2010-11-11T20:50:00.000+11:00

"make thou an effort, that haply in this dust heap of the mortal world thou mayest catch a fragrance from the everlasting garden" (Baha'u'llah)

Our next Layli, on November 20th at Lobster Falls, may require a bit more of an effort than usual. It is definitely a bush walk rather than a picnic - however a relatively easy bush walk.There are no toilets, picnic tables or any other facilities and parking is just on the roadside. Assuming we don't want to eat and pray in the noise of the traffic we need to walk for at least quarter of an hour to get away from the traffic noise so bring only a modest amount of food that can be carried at least that far.
The walk to the Falls takes about an hour each way and is a rough track at best so you need good shoes and remember if it starts raining there is no shelter. I've checked out the first part and it was easy going but some websites warn of steep drops beside the track near the end. Nevertheless here is a family's story of a walk there including a three year old who walked the whole way so it can't be too bad.
http://tasmania.bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=4216
Some good photos here
http://www.touringtasmania.info/lobster_falls.htm

We'll meet at 12 noon as usual. The start of the track is signposted off the Deloraine to Chudleigh Road about 15km from Deloraine. Its easy to miss - a small sign on the right hand side if going towards Chudleigh on a down hill section that curves left. If you reach Chudleigh you've missed it - you need to go about 4kms back. Console yourself with a honey ice-cream from the honey farm is my suggestion.

It certainly isn't a pristine forest we will walk through - there's a fair bit of gorse but there are great eucalypts and banksias. When I was there a couple of weeks ago there were flowers in abundance, incessant bird song, and the occasional wallaby. Its the same kind of country as will be familiar to some Layliseekers from our efforts to find her at Alum Cliffs both being part of the Gog ranges.

Hope to see you there!

promote the comfort

2010-10-02T19:23:00.002+10:00

"The purpose is to promote the comfort of all, and to bring about concord and union among the people." (Baha'u'llah)
We've had some tough trips over the winter with wild weather in wild places so we are going on 9th October on what should be an easier day. We're going to Mount George - don't panic the "Mount" is stretching a point - its more of a hill.
Please note an unusual time - we'll be meeting at the lookout on the Mount at 2:30 pm. The idea is that, after our customary devotional picnic, some might like to go a few kilometres further to Low Head to see the beach, lighthouse and museum. One of the attractions of Low Head is seeing the penguins coming ashore to their burrows which only happens after dusk.
Our agents in Georgetown assure us that at Mount George "There's a really good view of the whole area from a tower on top and a nice little walk on a track through the bush (dry schlerophyl). There are some historical aspects as well, including the signal mast." They also promise tea, coffee, or maybe soup at their house after the devotionals. All in all it should be an easy and pleasant day.
To get to the lookout, assume you're coming into Georgetown on the highway from Launceston. About a kilometre before the town turn right on to Mount George Road (there should be a sign for the tip there) and after that just look for the signpost.
Hope to see you there. Remember to bring some food to eat or share and at least a tolerance for or preferably a willingness to join in some devotional praise of God.

veiled by a cloud

2010-10-02T15:32:00.000+10:00

"Should they hide Me away in the depths of the earth, yet would they find Me riding aloft on the clouds, and calling out unto God, the Lord of strength and of might." (Baha'u'llah)

Our second attempt to seek Layli on Mount Barrow was only slightly more successful than the first. The forecast was reasonably promising. Showers in the morning but clearing in the early afternoon. And so it proved. Blue skies over Launceston and the surrounding countryside except - the forecast forgot to mention that a cloud would settle over Mount Barrow and remain there all day. Visibility of about 20 metres cuts down the chances of spying a target already elusive. So Layli remains unfound.
Fortunately there are strongly built stone huts at the car park and the summit so we were able to eat and pray in relative comfort and there is an eerie beauty in being inside a cloud. The swirling mist, and ubiquitous white background has its own charm. Truly there is no bad weather - just different kinds of good weather.
Still most of the day was spent looking out through glassless windows.

Build ye for yourselves such houses as the rain and floods can never destroy, which shall protect you from the changes and chances of this life. (Baha'u'llah)

It was fun in a strange way.

Rain stops Layli

2010-09-02T19:49:00.001+10:00

We regret to say that the forecasters are agreed that Saturday is going to be "Rain in the north, extending statewide during the morning, with heavy falls possible." The top of Mount Barrow does not seem a great place to be in rain so we are postponing this Saturday's Layli seeking until Saturday the 25th of September.
It does not make us happy to cancel but we must remember that many of the group of seekers do not have suitable wet weather clothes, that visibility could be such that we might be within a few metres of Layli without noticing her (is that not the story of life?), and the access road might be a tricky proposition in 'heavy falls'.

Hope to see you on the 25th.

"But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley,"
Robert Burns

as firm as the highest mountains

2010-08-24T20:44:00.000+10:00

"He shall so persevere in the Cause of God, and evince such firmness in the path of His might, that even if all the powers of earth and heaven were to deny Him, He would not waver in the proclamation of His Cause, nor flee from His command in the promulgation of His Laws. Nay rather, He will stand as firm as the highest mountains and the loftiest peaks." (Baha'u'llah)

We are going once again to find out just how firm the highest mountain is. The highest one around Launceston is Mount Barrow - a perfect vantage point for seeking Layli. It is said that on a clear day you can see a third of Tasmania from the top. We have been there before of course but it is a vast place and I don't believe we have yet searched the south side of the plateau.

Meet at 12 noon on Saturday 4th September at the car park. It is just before the sign that says 4WDs only. In normal weather the road is actually perfectly all right for normal cars but if necessary we can ferry people up from there.

The arrangements are the same as last time. We will meet at the picnic spot at noon for picnic and prayers.

Mount Barrow is about 46 km north-east of Launceston. Follow the sealed Tasman Highway (A3) for 31 km north-east from Launceston, then turn right onto the gravel Mount Barrow Road (route C404) which leads to the Mount Barrow State Reserve (approximately 9 km) and the plateau (approximately 15 km). The trip takes about 3/4 hour.

The last 2 km of road to the plateau is narrow, steep and winding.

"In this journey the seeker becometh witness to a myriad changes and transformations, confluences and divergences. He beholdeth the wonders of Divinity in the mysteries of creation and discovereth the paths of guidance and the ways of his Lord. Such is the station reached by them that search after God, and such are the heights attained by those who hasten unto Him" (Baha'u'llah)

Praying in the moonlight

2010-08-24T19:52:00.000+10:00

Each moon, O my beloved, for three days I go mad;
Today's the first of these -- 'Tis why thou seest me glad.
(Baha'u'llah quoting Rumi)

Well, we didn't really go mad (some of may already have been mad of course) but an onlooker might have thought so as we huddled round a table saying prayers by the light of a tiny torch. We had a guest too:

The idea had been to extol the Lord at eve but it was more the dead of night by the time we got round to it. There had been much to see and do beforehand:
There were wombats:

and wallabies:

The beach to be walked on:

It is never too early to start seeking Layli. Here a youngster is encouraged to check every grain of sand

Are these the Shoes of the Fisherman?

No not the fisherman. Just someone going for a paddle. After all Layli could as easily be in the water as on the land.

As always we found much wonder in nature:
"....the favoured ones of God and the pure in heart are overcome with wonder and awe." (Baha'u'llah)

And, of course before we could pray we had our picnic in the dark.
Eat of that which Allah hath bestowed on you as food lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah in Whom ye are believers. (The Qur'an)

But perhaps the abiding memory is the wombats

extol thy Lord morn and eve

2010-07-28T19:28:00.000+10:00

"Be thou steadfast in the Cause of God and extol thy Lord morn and eve". (Baha'u'llah)

We have been in the habit of extolling our Lord at around noon on our Layli excursions. On August 14th we are going to break this tradition and hold our devotions in the evening. We are going to Narawntapu where one of the attractions is the large number of wallabies, wombats and similar animals who come out at twilight.

So we are going to meet at 3.30pm at the main car park beside the visitors' centre. This gives us an hour or so to walk on the beach, or in the forest, if you think that is a likelier place to spot Layli and return to the picnic area in time to admire the animals, pray, and eat around 5pm. Sunset is actually at 5.28 on that day.
A good description of Narawntapu can be found at
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=3665

including a map of the access. While there is a road from Yorktown which may be the shortest for Launceston people it is dirt, narrow, steep, and winding. You will probably find going from Exeter to Frankford and continue on by Frankford road until you see the clear signposts easier.

There are also some photos here

http://www.discovertasmania.com/activities__and__attractions/wilderness_areas/national_parks_and_reserves/narawntapu_national_park

Most importantly, Narawntapu is a National Park which means there is an entrance fee - $20.00 for a car and as many occupants as it can easily hold. Some of us already have annual passes to parks - might this be a time for others to consider buying one? Anyway its a time for making sure your car is full . You might want to meet others outside the park and squeeze into one car for the last kilometre.

Otherwise, its a normal Layli - bring food to eat or to share and a tolerance for or preferably a willingness to join in informal devotions.

Narawntapu is a wonderful place - if you have time you could easily spend the whole day there.

showers of His loving-kindness

2010-07-27T18:43:00.001+10:00

"Not for a moment hath His grace been withheld, nor have the showers of His loving-kindness ceased to rain upon mankind." (Baha'u'llah)

We went to Liffey Falls and it rained. Though the showers of His loving-kindness were presumably uninterrupted, fortunately the more material and wetter showers were more sporadic and we did get the chance to check out the waterfall and the big tree. Also there are good picnic shelters so our eating and praying was done under cover. It seems to be true that everyone is cheerful in the rain and our devotions in particular were held in a beautiful atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Poor visibility reduced the chances of seeing Layli if she was there and also the general dampness was not conducive to taking photos. Still from various cameras here are some shots of the falls and seekers.

"With faces beaming with joy" (Baha'u'llah)

"the wetness of water" (Baha'u'llah)

"My table Thou hast furnished" (Psalms)

"After this heavenly journey" (Baha'u'llah)

"the clouds of divine bounty did rain upon mankind" (Baha'u'llah)

He joineth every company, and seeketh fellowship with every soul, that haply in some mind he may uncover the secret of the Friend, or in some face he may behold the beauty of the Loved One. (Baha'u'llah)

We didn't find Layli but we did, I think, find fellowship in each other's company.

from mountain to valley

2010-06-22T20:52:00.000+10:00

I know not in what wilderness they roam! Do they not see that they are embarked upon a journey from which there is no return? How long will they wander from mountain to valley, from hollow to hill? (Baha'u'llah)

Probably the search for Layli is a journey which lasts a lifetime and once set on the search one should not anticipate a return.
However, on Saturday 10th July we are going to take the wandering a bit further than usual as we will head off without knowing where we are going. We know where we will meet - at the upper car park for Liffey Falls at 12 noon. But then comes the decision. If it has snowed on the plateau we will continue upwards to the lakes because many are convinced Layli could not resist a snowball fight (and some of us have never seen snow). But if it, disappointingly, is a clear warm day we will satisfy ourselves with the mighty Liffey Falls.
Liffey Falls and the different access access routes are described here

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=4238
and here
http://www.touringtasmania.info/liffey.htm

Please bring some picnic food, warm clothing (it is the middle of winter), and a toleration for, or preferably a willingness to join in some devotions.

If you need a lift, can offer a lift, or are doubtful of the directions and would like to follow someone please contact me,

the stillness of the mighty woods (report)

2010-06-22T20:20:00.000+10:00

"In the stillness of the mighty woods, man is made aware of the divine," St. Barbe Baker

Well we headed off to a mighty wood to test St Barbe Baker's words. And are they true? Well yes and no.
In the camaraderie and rather formal beauty of our meeting place at Lake Huntsman there was certainly a good feeling.

That intensified as we reached Scott's Lookout

and perhaps as we said and sang prayers at there on the edge of the mighty forest looking out over the Meander Valley we felt something special. Who knows, perhaps we were aware of the divine.

But when we crossed the bridge to the start of Split Rock Track

and entered as a group into the mighty forest.

it was perhaps the wonders of creation that grabbed our attention.

We were diligent in our search. Here one of our number checks every frond for a sign of Layli.

And we marveled at roots, rocks, ferns, and, of course, fungi

Is there a difference between the divine and the wonder of the divine creation? Perhaps:
"He is really a believer in the Unity of God who recognizeth in each and every created thing the sign of the revelation of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, and not he who maintaineth that the creature is indistinguishable from the Creator."
(Baha'u'llah)

So we should not maintain that the beauty of Meander Forest was indistinguishable from the Divine, but again:
"So pervasive and general is this revelation that nothing whatsoever in the whole universe can be discovered that doth not reflect His splendor." (Baha'u'llah)
Perhaps it would be true to say that in the stillness of the mighty forest we were made aware of the reflections of His splendour.

the stillness of the mighty woods

2010-06-06T22:07:00.001+10:00

"In the stillness of the mighty woods, man is made aware of the divine," St. Barbe Baker

This quote from Richard St Barbe Baker, founder of "Men of the Trees" was recently used in the "Soul Food" devotional at the Baha'i Centre in Hobart and therefore at several other devotionals which use the same program in other localities.
We however have decided to test it not just read it. One of the mightiest woods around Northern Tasmania is the Meander Forest Reserve so we will be heading there on Saturday the 12th of June meeting at 12 noon at the picnic ground beside Huntsman lake.
Even if the day is windy, there should be stillness in the gullies and valleys that cut the tiers. Will we be aware of the divine? Will we find Layli. the answer will, of course, be revealed in due time on this blog but why wait? Why not join us?
The directions are fairly simple if you can get to Deloraine. Take the road to Meander (turn South beside the river on the Launceston side) and go all the way to and through Meander. Continue on til the tarmac stops and a hundred metres or so beyond that the picnic spot is on the left looking like this:

It is more a meeting place than a destination. For a description of the various possible walks available try
http://www.touringtasmania.info/meander_forest_reserve.htm
or
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/north/meander-forest-reserve

Last time we ate at the picnic spot, prayed at Scott's Lookout and walked on Split Rock track. We could do the same or try something else.
A very serious word of warning. It will be much colder than the cities - assume it will snow and dress appropriately. Also, these are serious bush walks if you go all the way - most of us will be content to potter about the start of the tracks. We would not recommend trying to complete any of the walks unless you are well equipped and in a party with at least one experienced walker.

Our previous trip to the forest was reported here
http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

Repeating the gaze at Notley Gorge

2010-06-06T21:37:00.000+10:00

"...abide under the shadow of the green and goodly Tree" (Baha'u'llah)

Again, incorporating our expedition into a Baha'i camp proved less than successful. After the exertions of the camp it was a small group who made rather a short trip to Notley Fern Gorge. Still Notley as always is under the shadow of many green and goodly trees and, if your eyes are as Baha'u'llah recommends
"...ever expectant to witness the wonders of God's mercy and eager to behold the splendours of His beauty." there is always something there to remind us of the beauty of God's creation. Last time it was fungi that caught our attention - this time it was more the mosses and lichens, Without more ado here are some photos.

Repeat the gaze

2010-04-23T00:26:00.002+10:00

The wayfarer in this Valley seeth in the fashionings of the True One nothing save clear providence, and at every moment saith: "No defect canst thou see in the creation of the God of Mercy: Repeat the gaze: Seest thou a single flaw?" He beholdeth justice in injustice, and in justice, grace. In ignorance he findeth many a knowledge hidden, and in knowledge a myriad wisdoms manifest. (Baha'u'llah)

Firstly and most important in May it is going to be seeking Layli in a very busy month. There simply isn't a weekend which doesn't conflict with something that is dear to the heart of at least some regular Layli Seekers. We have chosen May the 16th as the least inconvenient but have moved our usual time to 1pm so as to accommodate those who will be attending Sunday Morning devotions at the Baha'i late autumn camp. So remember 1pm on Sunday 16th May at the car park. Which car park? We are going to repeat the gaze at Notley Fern Gorge. We have been there before.

http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2009/06/enter-within-garden-of-wonderment.html

To get there:

The gorge is easy to get to for Launceston based people. Search for it "Notley Fern Gorge" on Google maps
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl and get directions from your starting point. From Launceston Google estimates about half an hour, starting on the West Tamar Highway, after 11 kms turning left at BridgeNorth Rd (C732), another 8.6 kms turn right at Notley Gorge Road and make sure you turn left at a Y junction to stay on Notley Gorge Road. The Gorge is also well signposted from Frankford Road between Exeter and Frankford which might be easiest for Devonport folks.

As usual its a picnic and a devotional meeting - bring food and a respect for your own and others spiritual practices.

walking upon the earth

2010-04-22T23:52:00.000+10:00

Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men. (Baha'u'llah)
Another day, another forest, more prayers, and a picnic. But this time a river as well not to mention a plague of wasps. There was naturally discussion as to whether it is legal and/or ethical to kill wasps in a National Park. Though we didn't reach a conclusion we didn't actually kill any though we did try to lure them away with jam and other temptations.

No sign of Layli nor much sign of a path so we wandered pretty much at random along the river and through the forest. Much to see and Baha'u'llah says:
He is really a believer in the Unity of God who recognizeth in each and every created thing the sign of the revelation of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, (Baha'u'llah)
There were many created things.

As two of our party were new to Tasmania and about to do the Overland Trail we finished the day by driving up to Devil's Gullet - perhaps the most spectacular viewpoint in Tasmania - so they could see in the distance the mountains they were heading for. It was a full circle in one sense for the very first expedition in search of Layli some three years ago was to Devil's Gullet. Only one of that original party was there again.Unfortunately, the batteries in the camera gave out at the Gullet so no photos of that view but here's a quote instead. The emptiness of the wilderness visible from the Gullet reminds me of:
In this station, the seeker's complete surrender and utter effacement before his Creator will be such that, were he to search the East and the West, and traverse land, sea, mountain and plain, he would find no trace of his own self or of any other soul. (Baha'u'llah)

the earth beautified with its rivers

2010-03-08T22:52:00.014+11:00

I entreat Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst cause the dawn to appear, and the winds to blow, and the seas to surge, and the trees to bring forth their fruits, and the earth to be beautified with its rivers, that Thou wilt aid all them that are dear to Thee... (Baha'u'llah).

Some of you might remember that, reporting on our search for Layli at Mt Roland last October, we remarked "One of our newer members. but an old hand in the Tasmanian bush, showed us en route a marvelous hidden picnic spot beside the Mersey River" and we commented "It will, we feel sure, be a the site for a future Layli hunt as it seemed just the magical spot she might choose to haunt."
Well we keep our word. It will be the site of the next Layli seeking on Sunday April 4th meeting there at 12 noon..

It's going to be a slightly tricky one to find as it is not well signposted. Let's first give the directions from the Launceston side.
First get to Mole creek probably via Deloraine. Go straight through Mole Creek onto Liena Road. (B12). Stick with the B12 until the Mersey Forest Road (C171) is seen on the left. Take it and stick with it until Olivers Road (C138) on the right. Take Olivers Road. The spot is on the left just before the bridge over the Mersey. It is only about 100 metres or so from the main road but it is easy to miss. There are actually two tracks to it - one perhaps 10 metres from the bridge and one perhaps 100 metres. They both go to the same place so take either. They are very rough tracks but very short and shouldn't pose a problem. I will check the main road just after noon so, if you are lost, park near the bridge and I will find you. According to Google Maps its about 20k from Mole Creek.
In fact Google maps in it's terrain or satellite views shows it all very clearly - even the two rough tracks,

Coming from the other direction its actually much easier. Just go to Gowrie Park follow the road over Mount Round lookout and continue until you reach the bridge over the Mersey. Remember the site is on your right just over the bridge if coming this way.
Well remember it's a picnic so bring some food to eat or share, it's a devotional meeting so, if you wish to worship in whatever way you find appropriate, that is good. And it's by a river so if it's hot day maybe your swimming gear? Hope to see you there.

And here are some photos we took on our brief last visit.

the world of the soul

2010-03-08T00:26:00.012+11:00

"The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies."
This remark is reported to have been said by Baha'u'llah. His son, Abdul-Baha, though he didn't hear it himself, certainly believed it expressed His feelings whether or not it is the exact words He spoke. It was said in the context that He had not seen verdure (greenery) for nine years during His imprisonment in Akka. On the track to Cuckoo Falls there was enough verdure for all. Baha'u'llah would have loved it.

At times we could hardly see each other let alone hope to spot Layli through the tangle of greenness.
There was beauty everywhere, in the great ferns:

In the intertwined branches:
In the tumbling stream:
but perhaps most of all on the forest floor:
And there were puzzles to ponder. Does the bracken grow through the fungus or does the fungus grow round the bracken? (We decided the latter but we don't really know.
And of course there was a picnic and devotions - only a few drops of rain despite the umbrella.

Now is he struck dumb with the beauty of the All-Glorious; again is he wearied out with his own life. How many a mystic tree hath this whirlwind of wonderment snatched by the roots, how many a soul hath it exhausted. For in this Valley the traveler is flung into confusion, albeit, in the eye of him who hath attained, such marvels are esteemed and well beloved. At every moment he beholdeth a wondrous world, a new creation, and goeth from astonishment to astonishment, and is lost in awe at the works of the Lord of Oneness. (Baha'u'llah)

The path to madness

2010-02-18T23:50:00.009+11:00

The original and archetypical Layli seeker was, of course, Majnun which means quite simply "Mad". So it is perhaps appropriate that we should seek Layli on Cuckoo Falls Track.

"Love accepteth no existence and wisheth no life: He seeth life in death, and in shame seeketh glory. To merit the madness of love, man must abound in sanity; to merit the bonds of the Friend, he must be full of spirit." (Baha'u'llah)

We should stress that we are going to Cuckoo Falls Track - most of us will not be going to Cuckoo Falls which is variously described as a "three hour return walk up a gentle incline" and "two hour steep walk". For many of us that sounds like Westmoreland Falls and worse.

Take heart though the track is gorgeous from the start. These photos were all taken within a couple of hundred metres of the car park.

And the creek crossings look rather easier than at Westmoreland.

We will meet as usual at 12 noon at the car park but NOT on Sunday. In deference to those of our number who are Baha'is and will be having their annual fast on our usual day we are going on

Saturday the 27th February.

To get to the track first get to Scottsdale (probably the quickest if not the shortest way from Launceston is by Lilydale) and continue on the A3 south-east for about 10k until you see Tonganah road on the right. Theres a signpost to Cuckoo Falls track there. Its just after a bridge over the Forester River which doesn't seem to have water at the moment. Do not be misled by Cuckoo Road which is a few kilometres closer to Scottsdale. Theres a signpost to Cuckoo Falls there too but it points down the highway to Tonganah Road.
Having found the turn-off to Tonganah Road there's about 7k of reasonably good dirt road. The last few hundred metres to the car park are a bit rough but its a short walk from there if you don't fancy driving it. If you would like to come but don't want to drive on dirt get in touch - we'll arrange a ferry service over the dirt!
Google maps offers an alternative shorter route via the Sidelings and Ten Mile Track. We've tried that shortcut before and, while it no doubt has many virtues, as a way of getting from A to B we can't recommend it.

We'll have the picnic and devotions before the walk so that we can all go as far as our fitness and interest lets us and turn back when we want to. For anyone who wants to go all the way to the falls you can see some photos here:
http://www.touringtasmania.info/cuckoo_falls.htm

One of the reasons for choosing this locale is that it is convenient for anyone planning to round off the day by attending the "Something Under the Tree House" Festivities in Lilydale that evening.

Hope to see you on the track to madness

The Secrets of the Sea

2010-02-18T22:50:00.009+11:00

"He in this station is content with the decree of God, and seeth war as peace, and findeth in death the secrets of everlasting life. With inward and outward eyes he witnesseth the mysteries of resurrection in the realms of creation and the souls of men, and with a pure heart apprehendeth the divine wisdom in the endless Manifestations of God. In the ocean he findeth a drop, in a drop he beholdeth the secrets of the sea." (Baha'u'llah)
For the second time, we went to Badger Head with the intention of seeking Layli amongst the rocks and trees of the Head itself and in Nawrantapu Park. And for the second time we ended up on the beach
"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky." said John Masefield and we felt the same compulsion.
We had had our picnic at the Baha'i summer camp and had devotions there both before and after our search for Layli so there was something of a different atmosphere from our usual trips. But there was still beauty in small things:

"...a Revelation the potency of which ...... hath enabled every least pebble to resound again with Thy praise, as the stones glorified Thee in the days of Muhammad, Thy Friend. " (Baha'u'llah)

We searched for Layli in our different ways. Some chose to immerse themselves in the ocean like fish:

"Indeed the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom..." (Baha'u'llah)

While one sought Layli in a solitary walk at the waters edge
"......so that they may soar in the heavens even as they walk upon the earth and speed over the waters even as they course the land, and that they may take up their souls in their hands and lay them down in the path of their Creator." (Baha'u'llah)

It was a lovely day.

a myriad changes

2010-01-26T19:16:00.002+11:00

In this journey the seeker becometh witness to a myriad changes and transformations, confluences and divergences. (Baha'u'llah)

Our next trip on Sunday the 7th February will witness at least two changes to our usual practice. If we come up with two changes perhaps God will provide the myriad.

Firstly our scheduled first Sunday of the month happens to coincide with the Northern Tasmanian Baha'i Summer Camp, which several of our regulars, Baha'i and others, will attend. So we are making the meeting point the camp site at 12 noon where we will share a picnic and devotions with any other campers who might be interested and then drive off to Badger Head.
Secondly, we will change our destination at Badger head. Last time we visited we simply enjoyed a day at the seaside
Of course some of us may again prefer to enjoy the marvelous Ocean beach to swim and relax but at least some of us are going to venture onto the head itself. If you wonder why take a look at the photo's of the rocks here. Those who feel up to it may feel like a wander in the coastal woods of Nawrantapu park which lies beyond the Head.
Now Badger Head is part of the National Park and therefore has an entry fee if you haven't got an annual pass. We will have at least two cars with annual passes attending so ten people can get in free. That would be more than our usual turn up so things should be OK but if necessary its $24 for as many people as the car can legally hold.

So the meeting point is Carnacoo Scout Camp at noon on the 7th February. Directions to Carnacoo: From Launceston, travel north on West Tamar Highway toward Exeter, just before entering Exeter, turn right & travel through Blackwall & Gravelly Beach for 5.7 km then turn right to Paper Beach. (There is a “Carnacoo” road sign at this junction but it is easy to miss). 1.25km along Paper Beach Road is a driveway on the left hand side to Carnacoo.

Please note that people attending the camp who do not intend to return after seeking Layli should do their share of cleaning up before they leave.

Also a change of date for our March expedition. The first Sunday in March falls in the Baha'i fast so roughly half our regulars would not be eating drinking or probably taking strenuous walks that day. A devotional picnic without food seems to lack a little something so we are changing the date to Saturday 27th February. We are still investigating suitable spots but perhaps the slopes of Mount Arthur might provide a pleasant wildness.

Every Created Thing

2010-01-26T17:35:00.009+11:00

Every created thing in the whole universe is but a door leading into His knowledge, a sign of His sovereignty, a revelation of His names, a symbol of His majesty, a token of His power, a means of admittance into His straight Path.... (Baha'u'llah)
These tiny berries, a few mm across, were just a few of the marvelous created things we discovered on Mount Barrow.

He is really a believer in the Unity of God who recognizeth in each and every created thing the sign of the revelation of Him Who is the Eternal Truth (Baha'u'llah)

So here area few more created things.

Rocks and stones of all shapes and sizes

stones in overwhelming abundance

And of course the flowers
We spread out across the plateau. each seeking there own magical spot,

Besides our wander on the plateau we picnicked, prayed, talked and walked at the picnic site and in the woods around, but for at least one of us it was n the plateau that we seemed closest to the ideal of losing oneself and finding the wonder of God.

In this station, the seeker's complete surrender and utter effacement before his Creator will be such that, were he to search the East and the West, and traverse land, sea, mountain and plain, he would find no trace of his own self or of any other soul. (Baha'u'llah)

and another quote

He yieldeth up spirit, soul, and body in the path of his Lord, and yet he doeth so by the leave of his Beloved and not of his own whim and desire. Thou findest him chill in the fire and dry in the sea, abiding in every land and treading every path. Whosoever toucheth him in this state will perceive the heat of his love. He walketh the heights of detachment and traverseth the vale of renunciation. His eyes are ever expectant to witness the wonders of God's mercy and eager to behold the splendours of His beauty. Blessed indeed are they that have attained unto such a station, for this is the station of the ardent lovers and the enraptured souls. (Baha'u'llah)

I doubt that any of us would claim that we reached such a state on the Heights of Mount Barrow but perhaps in the wildness one can glimpse what Baha'u'llah is talking about.

A lofty mountain wherein no one dwelleth

2009-12-18T21:58:00.000+11:00

It was actually the Bab who said " Verily, behold My habitation -- a lofty mountain wherein no one dwelleth." He had been imprisoned there. But perhaps Layli might be following His example?
Anyway we are going to check out Mount Barrow again on Sunday January 3rd 2010 to see if she's there. We've been up there twice before but once was in rain. Our second attempt is documented here
http://seekinglayliinthebush.blogspot.com/2008/05/return-to-heights-of-detachment.html
The arrangements are the same as last time. We will meet at the picnic spot at noon for picnic and prayers.

The last 2 km of road to the plateau is narrow, steep and winding. During winter the road beyond the picnic ground is periodically closed due to snow.
However, we may change our search methods. In the past we have gone up to the plateau and looked down hoping to see Layli.
Perhaps it might be pleasanter and maybe more successful to search through the forests below the plateau? We can decide during the picnic.
Hope to see you there!

All Life is of Thee

2009-12-17T23:15:00.014+11:00

"My God, the Object of my adoration, the Goal of my desire, the All-Bountiful, the Most Compassionate! All life is of Thee, and all power lieth within the grasp of Thine omnipotence" (Baha'u'llah)

Various conflicting events resulted in only a small group of three seekers arriving at Pine Lake to be greeted by what seems at first sight a barren landscape - beautiful in its windswept emptiness but seemingly inhabited only by stunted grey brown plants. Not the kind of place one would expect to life in all its beauty, profusion and variety to be celebrated.

But all life is from God and nothing God creates but is wonderful in itself. One cannot be long at Pine Lake before something hits you with its beauty and perfection.

It is not just the flowers though they are impressive indeed. There are the 'block rivers' resulting from ice-age glaciation.

There is the lake itself

And the sculptured forms that the Pencil Pines have acquired in their long lives

As one of us commented - there is something Japanese about it.

"Every created being however revealeth His signs which are but emanations from Him and not His Own Self. All these signs are reflected and can be seen in the book of existence, and the scrolls that depict the shape and pattern of the universe are indeed a most great book." (Baha'u'llah)
Perhaps at Pine Lake the scrolls that depict the "shape and pattern of the universe" are more visible, less concealed by veils but for whatever reason it a very special place. No we didn't find Layli there, but, when we do find her, we will certainly recommend Pine Lake to her.

We walked and talked and said our devotions and we stopped at Liffey Falls on the way back. It was a very peaceful and fulfilling day.
"Know ye not that the Hand of God is over your hands, that His irrevocable Decree transcendeth all your devices, that He is supreme over His servants, that He is equal to His Purpose, that He doth what He wisheth, that He shall not be asked of whatever He willeth, that He ordaineth what He pleaseth, that He is the Most Powerful, the Almighty? If ye believe this to be the truth, wherefore, then, will ye not cease from troubling and be at peace with yourselves?" (Baha'u'llah)

the high places of the earth

2009-11-18T20:59:00.002+11:00

He bringeth to light whatsoever He willeth, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, invested with transcendent majesty and power. (Baha'u'llah)

On Sunday 6th December we are going to the high places. In fact returning to the high places because we have been to Pine Lake before. Our last trip was wrapt in veils of winter mist but a solo scout by one of our members had better luck last summer.

Route finders give several probably interesting back roads that lead to Pine Lake but by far the easiest way is to get to Deloraine and head up the Lake Highway towards Miena. Once you complete the climb and get above the tree line and things flatten keep your eyes open for the lake on the right. You will see the signs proclaiming it an environmentally sensitive area.
We won't be quite above the treeline because Pine Lake is named for the wonderfully gnarled tough and long-lived Pencil Pine (which are not really Pines at all).
And this is a very easy walk. I know some people will be thinking "I've heard that before" but it really is. Being environmentally sensitive they have built a dead flat broadwalk and you are not allowed off it. You could take a wheelchair on this trip!
For those who would fancy a bit more strenuous walk there is a nice downhill maybe 1 to 2 hour walk from a scenic point on the Lake Highway down beside the Liffey to the Falls car park and I'm sure we could arrange cars to make it a one way trip.
There are no facilities at all at Pine Lake so this might be a time to bring any folding chairs tables you may have. Or perhaps for the picnic and prayers we might drive a little bit further on to the lookout above The Great Lake. Lets meet at 12 noon at the Pine Lake car park and make our plans then.
See you in the wilderness.

All the Embodiments of His Names wander in the wilderness of search, athirst and eager to discover His Essence, (Baha'u'llah)

Dwelling in the green garden land

2009-11-16T20:54:00.005+11:00

Nay rather, the denizens of the undying city, who dwell in the green garden land, see not even "neither first nor last"; they fly from all that is first, and repulse all that is last. For these have passed over the worlds of names, and fled beyond the worlds of attributes as swift as lightning. Thus is it said: "Absolute Unity excludeth all attributes." And they have made their dwelling-place in the shadow of the Essence. (Baha'u'llah)

GLORY be to God for dappled things,
For skies of couple-color as a brinded cow,
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls, finches' wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced, fold, fallow and plough,
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange,
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim.
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change;
Praise him.
(Gerard Manley Hopkins): It was, so said the web sites, an easy two hour return walk to the falls.; Well, no doubt easy for some. For most of us it was a struggle, But it was worth it.

Not particularly for the waterfall itself, though it was a perfectly respectable waterfall but for the green dappled wonderland we made our way through. A light canopy with a lot of dogwood allowed light to penetrate in rays and glimpses and spots into an almost miraculously green rain forest.

As you can see below we lost and found each other amongst the ferns, and moss and greenery. Did I mention it was green?

A highlight is shown by this photo below which many of us feel clearly shows Layli relaxing in her green bower. Skeptics insist that the facial features and clothes are those of one of the Layliseekers but who but Layli could be sitting with such composure in such a spot? Do they not know that we all carry something of Layli within us?

With the hands of power I made thee and with the fingers of strength I created thee; and within thee have I placed the essence of My light. (Baha'u'llah)

Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting. (Baha'u'llah)

Prayers were said, God was praised, picnic was eaten, and weary and aching bodies dragged homewards filled with wonder and the beauty of creation.

His eyes are ever expectant to witness the wonders of God's mercy and eager to behold the splendours of His beauty. Blessed indeed are they that have attained unto such a station, for this is the station of the ardent lovers and the enraptured souls. (Baha'u'llah)

...walk upon the earth as though they were in the presence of God ..

2009-10-18T23:15:00.000+11:00

"Yet it behoveth the people of truth that the signs of humility should shine upon their faces, that the light of sanctity should radiate from their countenances, that they should walk upon the earth as though they were in the presence of God and distinguish themselves in their deeds from all the dwellers of the earth." (Baha'u'llah)

On Sunday November 1st we are offering a splendid opportunity to 'walk upon the earth'. We will go looking for Layli at Westmoreland Falls. It is a fairly easy walk one hour each way though with some creek crossings involved. Those of us who can't manage a two hour walk should not be discouraged. The walk is reported to be marvellous from the start so its a matter of pottering along as far as you feel comfortable with whether its fifty metres or all the way to the falls.
The walk and the directions to get there are described here

http://www.molecreek.info/westmorland_falls_track.htm

and there are great photos here

http://www.touringtasmania.info/westmoreland_falls.htm

We assume everybody can find Mole Creek the starting point?

We'll meet as usual at the car park at 12 noon. bring a picnic to eat or share and if you are willing some devotional reading or whatever form of worship you prefer.

........ its streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant........

2009-10-18T22:25:00.012+11:00

"One day of days We repaired unto Our Green Island. Upon Our arrival, We beheld its streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in their midst." (Baha'u'llah)

We met at O'Neill's picnic reserve. Convenient with its picnic tables and toilets but not in itself particularly beautiful. But leading off the reserve there is a fairly easy walk. It needed to be easy as many of us are unfit and at least one was carrying an injury. And it went along beside a creek and it was absolutely lovely.

There was much to see including this yellow worm. Can Layli assume the form of a yellow worm? Perhaps, but would she want to? ".... every man that hath eyes to perceive and ears to hear cannot but readily recognize how evanescent are its colors." (Baha'u'llah)

"In a rich soil, its plants spring forth abundantly by permission of its Lord," (Quran)

Then it was back to the picnic reserve where we used it as its name implied and also to say and sing our devotions.

Then we piled in the cars and headed to Mount Round Lookout.

Then we split up, those who still had oomph in their legs headed up the hydro road leading to the summit to get better and better views while others of us started to wend our way homewards via Mole Creek. One of our newer members. but an old hand in the Tasmanian bush, showed us en route a marvelous hidden picnic spot beside the Mersey River

It will, we feel sure, be a the site for a future Layli hunt as it seemed just the magical spot she might choose to haunt.

Dwell not save on the mount of faithfulness

2009-09-29T21:12:00.008+10:00

The first call of the Beloved is this: O mystic nightingale! Abide not but in the rose-garden of the spirit. O messenger of the Solomon of love! Seek thou no shelter except in the Sheba of the well-beloved, and O immortal phoenix! dwell not save on the mount of faithfulness. Therein is thy habitation, if on the wings of thy soul thou soarest to the realm of the infinite and seekest to attain thy goal. (Baha'u'llah)

Well I think we can all agree that Layli probably lives in Tasmania and that being the case perhaps she took Baha'u'llah literally and dwells on a 'mount of faithfulness'?
Could it be Mount Roland?
We'll find out this Sunday 4th October. Mount Roland is situated at Gowrie Park between Sheffield and Cradle Mountain and can also be reached down a more interesting but probably slower road from Mole Creek. Gowrie Park is easily found on Google maps or any other popular route finder.

We'll meet as usual at noon at O'Neill's Picnic reserve which, if you're coming from Sheffield is on the left hand side near the start of Gowrie Park. Theres a nice little creek path leads off it which might be a good gentle walk for the less fit and will I'm sure have places for picnic and prayers.

For the fitter there are of course many more strenuous walks available up to and including the ascent of Mount Roland itself, which I for one will not be doing.

One middle level possibility is to drive the few kilometres to Round Hill Lookout (worth it for the view alone). From there is a walking only road up made, probably, for the communication towers. You don't have to go very far to get special views.

Remember, bring some food to eat and/or share and a willingness to at least tolerate others devotions or offer your own in your own way and keep your eyes peeled for Layli. And if you need a lift email here or contact me privately.
Its a reasonable run from Launceston so it may be a time to make up groups and share petrol costs.

A closing couple of views of the Mount to close with.

Though weariness lay Me low, and hunger consume Me, and the bare rock be My bed, and My fellows the beasts of the field, I will not complain, (Baha'u'llah)

If the rock should be as grand as Mount Roland why would anyone complain?

Diversified by Various Causes

2009-09-20T18:49:00.020+10:00

Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. (Baha'u'llah)

Of all the places we've visited on our quest for Layli, Lost and Meetus falls have probably showed the diversity of nature more than any other. For a start there's the falls themselves. Meetus as shown here is a classical single drop waterfall looking rather impressive after the recent rains.
While Lost Falls, shown below, is hardly a waterfall at all. More a few hundred metres of cascades.

The contrast is not confine to the Falls. When we arrived at the Lost Falls car park we seemed to be in the middle of a vast dry Sclerophyll forest. And we were. All the usual signs of an Australian forest not all that long since having been damaged by fire but back in growth. All the usual tangle of dead branches and little understorey.

But as we made our way down to the river we were entering a different micro-ecology. First the understorey thickened being dominated by Mountain Berry.

Then as we reached the river the vegetation was almost rain forest, certainly riparian and the place was a rock hopper's paradise. Here one of the group uses sensitive photo-electrical equipment to check for spiritual activity amongst the rocks.

We said prayers while perched on the rocks and felt as Baha'u'llah put it:
"Were anyone .... to worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains, upon high hills and lofty peaks, to leave no rock or tree, no clod of earth, but was a witness to his worship ..."

but it is wise to remember how Baha'u'llah continued.
"-- yet, should the fragrance of My good pleasure not be inhaled from him, his works would never be acceptable unto God."

Then we left the river, climbed back up to the car park, and headed in the other direction where on top of a small hill were large, almost circular rock areas where wild flowers grew:

and, as promised by Forestry Tasmania who do not lie to us, we had views over the Freycinet peninsula.
Then, of course it was a 20k drive to see Meetus Falls. Regrettably, time did not permit us to press on and check out if Layli could be found at Harding Falls, Mount Puzzler Reserve or any other wonders of the Eastern Forests.

Indeed, O Brother, if we ponder each created thing, we shall witness a myriad perfect wisdoms and learn a myriad new and wondrous truths. (Baha'u'llah)

...lost in the wilds of remoteness ..

2009-08-30T22:22:00.002+10:00

Nay, the manifold bounties of the Lord of all beings have, at all times, through the Manifestations of His divine Essence, encompassed the earth and all that dwell therein. Not for a moment hath His grace been withheld, nor have the showers of His loving-kindness ceased to rain upon mankind. (Baha'u'llah)

We'll take Baha'u'llah's word about the "showers of His loving-kindness" but we can vouch from mere personal experience that more earthly and wetter showers have not recently ceased to rain down upon Tasmania. As a consequence, all the rivers run and the waterfalls roar.

As previously advertised, on Sunday September 6th we're going to Lost Falls. We meet as usual at the car park at 12 noon.

This is a longer trip than usual for most of us. First get to Canpbell Town. Then, just at the south end of the town take the road signposted 'East Coast Via Lake Leake' About 40 km down this road, after Lake Leake and Kalangadoo, there is a cross road. To the right, well signposted, is the road to Lost Falls while to the left, not well signposted, is the road to Meetus Falls. The signposted suggests Lost Falls reserve is 4kms from the junction and we are sure that Forestry Tasmania wouldn't lie to us. The reserve may start 4km from the junction but the car park you are headed for is a couple of kilometres further so if you were planning a pleasant walk factor that in. Of course Lost Falls is also accessible from the East Coast.

The track from the crossroads is dirt and not a particularly good dirt track at that. It will I am sure not cause problems for anyone used to driving on gravel but if, for any reason, you wish to come but don't wish to drive off tarmac e-mail us here and we will arrange to meet you at the crossroads where there is plentiful parking.

The reserve claims to have basic facilities - very basic I would say. Here they are. note - no toilets.

It also according to the website has spectacular views of ...... well of the inside of a cloud when we visited but we are assured on other days it is views of the Freycinet Peninsula and surrounding coastline.

The walks to the various view points are short and easy from where as well as the Freycinet Peninsula you get distant views (possibly through a cloud) of the waterfall. There is a steep, scrambly, though not long path down to the river and presumably close-up views of the falls.

That's it. It's a long trip to a little known reserve and falls but one well worth visiting. Plenty time to take in Meetus falls as well.

There will be the usual shared devotionals and picnic.

......wonderful scenes of the world of nature, which bewilder the minds of men, are manifest. Lofty mountains, deep canyons, great and majestic waterfalls, and giant trees are witnessed on all sides, (Abdu'l-Baha)

Layli 1 Seekers 0

2009-08-30T16:24:00.007+10:00

He sendeth down the rain from Heaven: then flow the torrents in their due measure, and the flood beareth along a swelling foam. (The Qur'an (Rodwell tr)

As the day approached we had such high hopes. Many of us, with no real evidence, have a gut feeling that Layli surely lives somewhere amid the forests, cliffs, and wild tundra that run from Liffey up to Pine Lake. With the river running so high would she not be at the waterfall?
But, as the day dawned, the rain was still pouring down. Doubts set in. What exactly is "due measure" and where would the torrents be flowing? Fears were expressed that they'd be flowing gleefully down the dirt track that is the road up from Liffey to the waterfall. The Bureau of Meteorology didn't help with promises of thunderstorms, winds and more rain not to mention vague 'Flood watches' and 'Minor Flood warnings'. The phones hummed and, by mutual consent, the event was informally canceled. One rather glum organiser set off to park as near as possible and warn off anyone who had not heard of the cancellation.
Before you accuse us of cowardice remember the words of God:

And it shall be no crime in you to lay down your arms if rain annoy you, or if ye be sick. The Qur'an (Rodwell tr)
Rain had certainly annoyed us.

However, the organiser found things not as bad as feared. The track was no worse than wet, slippery, pot-holed and dangerous so no problem if taken slowly. Though no Layli seekers were found there were rather a lot of Tasmanians up there seeking a waterfall in spate and who is to say that is not, in its own way, just as spiritual a quest?
And the Liffey was running white:
And the falls were full:
Even the little tributaries which normally trickle drop by drop were miniature waterfalls:
And then a quite place in the moist forest for prayers and and a somewhat lonely picnic.
So the great game of spiritual hide and seek continues. In the title of this post we have recorded a clear win for Layli - we did after all cancel the search. But more by accident than design, the waterfall was visited, prayers were said, the celebratory picnic was eaten. Did we possibly snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat?

And then perhaps the search for Layli is a search which can never succeed. Perhaps it is its own reward. After all what will we do if "haply" somewhere we should find her? Chat about the weather? Ask her what kind of music she likes? Below are two quotes from Baha'u'llah highlighting different aspects of the search for the Divine.

It follows, therefore, that every man hath been, and will continue to be, able of himself to appreciate the Beauty of God, the Glorified. Had he not been endowed with such a capacity, how could he be called to account for his failure? (Baha'u'llah)
Every attempt to attain to an understanding of His inaccessible Reality hath ended in complete bewilderment, and every effort to approach His exalted Self and envisage His Essence hath resulted in hopelessness and failure. (Baha'u'llah)

And heres one that combines both views:
How can I claim to have known Thee, when the entire creation is bewildered by Thy mystery, and how can I confess not to have known Thee, when, lo, the whole universe proclaimeth Thy Presence and testifieth to Thy truth? (Baha'u'llah)

The rules of this game are beyond my simple mind but Baha'u'llah has a recognition even of our confusion.
O CHILDREN OF THE DIVINE AND INVISIBLE ESSENCE!
Ye shall be hindered from loving Me and souls shall be perturbed as they make mention of Me. For minds cannot grasp Me nor hearts contain Me. (Baha'u'llah)

the clouds have rained down their rain, and the streams have flowed,

2009-08-09T20:33:00.007+10:00

..... the clouds rain their bounty upon men, and the earth bringeth forth its fruits. (Baha'u'llah)

Well the clouds have certainly rained down their rain on Tasmania in the last few weeks and as a consequence the streams have flowed and the waterfalls have been spectacular.
We're going to take in a couple of them in our next two trips for surely not even Layli could resist the temptation of a mighty waterfall in full flow?

On Sunday August 23rd we are going back to Liffey Falls. This is probably Northern Tasmania's premier waterfall - some would say the best in Tasmania. We will meet at the top car park at 12 noon from where there are several options for walks though most people would choose the fairly short walk down to the falls and back through a magical wet rain forest.
It is also possible to walk down to the falls and continue beside the river to the lower car park or to walk up the river from the meeting place and after a rather strenuous hour ir two come out at a scenic lookout on the Lake Highway. Both these options would be easier if we can arrange a car to meet you at the end which should be possible.
The usual bring your own and/or share picnic and devotions will be held.

Most people probably already know their way to the Falls but if not there are directions here
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=4238 as well as a good description and for those of you who have forgotten what they look like

After Liffey, we will be starting a new regime. We will go seeking Layli regularly on the first Sunday of each Month. Dates and venues for the next couple of expeditions will be
Sunday 6th September - Lost Falls (near Lake Leake)
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/east/lost-falls-forest-reserve
Sunday 4th October - Mount Roland
http://www.cradleinfo.com.au/pages/mount-roland-conservation-area-regional-reserve/

Further details will be provided in due course.

The inspiration to go seeking Layli at waterfalls came from a private expedition two of our members made to the Lemonthyme area. If you doubt that The streams are running and the falls full here's a shot of Bull Creek from behind Bridal Veil Falls.

And of course it wouldn't be the seeking Layli blog at this time of year if we didn't include some fungi. These two are from Lemonthyme area.

Hope to see you at Liffey.

From every direction the signs have been manifested.

2009-08-07T22:31:00.010+10:00

"In this journey the seeker becometh witness to a myriad changes and transformations, confluences and divergences. He beholdeth the wonders of Divinity in the mysteries of creation and discovereth the paths of guidance and the ways of his Lord. Such is the station reached by them that search after God, and such are the heights attained by those who hasten unto Him." (Baha'u'llah)

Well we did attain the heights of Mount Direction though it would be stretching a point to say we hastened. It was a hard slog getting up to the semaphore station for those of us who are older or more arthritic and coming down as they say can be worse.

Hopefully, we did as we usually do on these searches behold something of "the wonders of Divinity in the mysteries of creation".
Unfortunately the semaphore though in working order was not actually working so we were unable to utilise to send a direct message to Layli.

Having made it to the top we found a table where we sat and said and sung our devotions.

From the map, we had assumed that from the top we would have rather spectacular views of the Tamar river and estuary. However it turned out that everything was veiled by the forest and we caught only glimpses of the river through the trees. still the earth was beautified by it.
"I entreat Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst cause the dawn to appear, and the winds to blow, and the seas to surge, and the trees to bring forth their fruits, and the earth to be beautified with its rivers, that Thou wilt aid all them that are dear to Thee with both Thy visible and invisible hosts." (Baha'u'llah)

There was a reminder of how ephemeral all our projects here on earth are. The semaphore was built in the 1830's and no doubt the builders thought they had made a significant and lasting contribution to improving communications and bringing the people of the world closer together. Within fifteen years the new telegraphs had made it obsolete and it was decommissioned and the substantial quarters built for the staff allowed to fall into ruins.
"Fleeting are the riches of the world; all that perisheth and changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a recognized measure. " (Baha'u'llah)

It was a lovely day, hard work climbing and descending and another chance to ponder each created thing. "Indeed, O Brother, if we ponder each created thing, we shall witness a myriad perfect wisdoms and learn a myriad new and wondrous truths." (Baha'u'llah)

Reaching the bottom of the mountain, we had our picnic, conversation, and at least one of us collapsed on our back in exhaustion and gazing upwards pondered those wonderful created things - the trees.

Seeking a signal from Layli?

2009-07-19T00:49:00.007+10:00

"That which devolveth upon Me is but to mention the Book of thy Lord and to deliver this clear Message. If thou wishest to enter the gates of Paradise, lo, they are open before thy face and no harm can reach Me from anyone. " (The Bab)

Is it just coincidence that the birth of modern communications occurred at almost exactly the same time as the birth of the Babi/Baha'i dispensation. One of the essentials of Baha'u'llah's Message is that "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." (Baha'u'llah). Would it have been possible to carry the Message to all those citizens in a reasonable time without telephones, telegraphs, television, and the internet?

One of the early forms of modern communication which had only a very limited life before being submerged under the avalanche of electric communication was the cross-country semaphore. On Sunday 26th July we're going to Mount Direction where there is what is probably the last cross-country semaphore in working order (though not in use) in the world.

We will meet at 12 noon as usual at the car park where there is a picnic spot and the start of the track up the hill. The signposting is not great but it is on Dalrymple Road only about 25 kms from Launceston along the East Tamar Highway towards Georgetown.The turn-off is on the right if coming from Launceston and the car park is only 200 metres or so from the Highway. If getting directions from Google Maps look for Signal Lane. If you look for Mount Direction it will send you to the nearby township with the same name.
If coming across the bridge turn towards Launceston and if coming from the Northwest there are various back ways to reach Dalrymple road. Trust Google maps on this one.

There is further information at http://www.touringtasmania.info/mt_direction.htm
which refers to a tavern which I have never seen though there is a Caltex petrol station roughly where they say the tavern is.
The walk up to the summit to see the semaphore is about 2km and up is the operative word. As the web site says it requires a basic level of fitness so some of won't go all the way. Never mind its nice walking through through light eucalypt bush with plenty of rest points where we can say prayers.

As usual bring a picnic to eat or share, and if you like, a willingness to offer praises to the Lord in your own preferred style.

Hoipe to see you there!

Dwelling in a cave

2009-07-16T20:07:00.022+10:00

He practised self-denial, repressed his appetites for selfish desires and turned away from material pleasures. He withdrew to the mountains where he dwelt in a cave. (Baha'u'llah)

Baha'u'llah was actually talking about Socrates in the above quote, but one of the things we learnt from our trip to Mole Creek caves was just how many life forms do dwell in caves. Here, for example, is the caves' top predator - the cave spider:

Our timing was such that the most convenient tour for us was the 'Cathedral' cave tour. Here we make our way up to the 'Cathedral'.
and here is the 'Cathedral' itself:

It earned its name not only because of its general size, appearance, and the formation known as the 'organ pipes' seen centrally in the above shot. Before this cave came under the care of the National Parks the local people, presumably before many churches were built in the neighbourhood, used to take the long walk to and through the cave to the 'cathedral' and hold their Sunday Services here. Baha'u'llah says:
"Blessed is the ...... cave, ...... where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified." ( Baha'i Prayers)
Certainly this spot has been blessed by the praises of the local Christians and, with the guides permission, we added a Baha'i prayer or two.

This little area carries the name of "the garden". A rock garden we suppose.

A cave is of course a dark place by nature but when did man feel constrained by nature? The caves we see as tourists are mosrly about light - light and shade.
Wherefore marvel not at how He turneth darkness into light, light into darkness, ignorance into knowledge, error into guidance, death into life, and life into death. (Baha'u'llah)

If this stubby stalagmite had a name it has slipped my mind but it and all other structures and forms in the caves have formed over extremely long times. It is hard somehow to grasp how an occasional drop of impure water can result in such a solid structure as this.
Thou hast everlastingly been sanctified above the mention of any one but Thee and the praise of all else except Thyself, and Thou wilt everlastingly continue to be the same as Thou wast from the beginning and hast ever been.

(Baha'u'llah)

And this formation is known as the "Palm Tree" for obvious reasons.

Every mineral can be made to acquire the density, form, and substance of each and every other mineral. (Baha'u'llah)

And eventually, we re-emerged to daylight and another Tasmanian forest, complete with moss, lichens, and of course fungi.

And here we had our picnic (actually before we entered the cave but no matter).

Comment from a reader

2009-06-19T22:20:00.004+10:00

A reader of this blog commented:

"I've just been enjoying the Layli photos, etc. They are very beautiful. I would love to come on the next one to the caves but whether I (we) make it, time will tell.
I must tell you, though, I was shocked to see the photo of one of the worst seaside weeds of Tasmanian beaches -sea spurge - looking quite beautiful, but offending my sensibilities as a bush restorer. I thought, "I might be useful on these trips - I could have everyone pulling weeds!!"
The photo is in the Tues. 31 March 2009 posting "..subtle colouring of fringe vegetation." Please pull it out! Then again, please yourself. Perhaps it's a case of "shiny white teeth", the one good quality. But sea spurge is a huge problem on the Tassie coastline, its sap is poisonous and must be kept away from skin, eyes, etc. Pulling should be done with caution.
I love your beautiful site - almost as good as being there, and soul inspiring.
Thanks!!"

Thanks for your kind words and sorry for the offending photo.
Other readers might like to check the Tasmanian Governments view . It certainlyis an offensive invader.
The photo in question is, we think, this one:which appeared in the blog entry relating to our trip to the Waterhouse Reserve
We have decided not to remove the photo but to leave it as a "Know your Enemy" public service in the hope that others will not make the same mistake we did. If you do see some of this weed be careful - it is toxic. Please read the Tasmanian Government's information above to determine the appropriate action. We have of course amended the blog entry to reflect our new knowledge of the status of this plant.
Baha'u'llah, of course, had the answer to this problem:
"We send forth the tempestuous gales of Our decree, tear it up by its roots, and lay it prostrate upon the face of the earth."

To the Bowels of the Earth

2009-06-18T23:29:00.002+10:00

If true glory were to consist in the possession of such perishable things, then the earth on which ye walk must needs vaunt itself over you, because it supplieth you, and bestoweth upon you, these very things, by the decree of the Almighty. In its bowels are contained, according to what God hath ordained, all that ye possess. (Baha'u'llah)

The bowels of the earth might be something of an exaggeration but on Sunday 28th June we are going underground at the Mole Creek Caves.

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=3538

We will meet at 12 noon in the car park of the Marakoopa Cave. For most people the directions are simply get to Deloraine, proceed towards and through Mole Creek and then keep an eye open for the sign to Marakoopa Cave. Google seems to have got confused about Marakoopa having it in two different locations but there are clear directions at
http://www.discovertasmania.com/activities__and__attractions/popular_attractions/mole_creek_karst_national_park

This is rather an unusual seeking Laylu as it actually costs money to go into the cave for a 45 minute guided tour. $16 for a standard adult with concessional, child and family prices (detailed at www.parks.tas.gov site above). However if you do not wish to pay or are claustrophobic or for any reason not wishing to enter, do come anyway. There is a picnic site, where we will eat and probably have our devotions, it is a pleasant park, and at least some of us are likely to stop at Alum Cliffs on the way back

Hope to see you there!

enter within the Garden of Wonderment.

2009-06-18T22:19:00.006+10:00

"After this heavenly journey and mystical ascent the wayfarer will enter within the Garden of Wonderment." (Baha'u'llah)

We don't really suppose Baha'u'llah had Notley Fern Gorge in mind when He mentioned the Garden of Wonderment. For one thing the ascent which is steep even if not terribly mystical is on the way out of the Gorge not on the way in.
But, whereas our previous search in Meander Forest Reserve had the feeling of being in a vast wilderness, Notlay Fern Gorge is more like a garden. It is in some ways similar. A moist forest with abundant ferns, mosses, and still fungi but it is a small remnant enclosed by farmland. Not all that small as we hope these photos show.

"Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Were anyone to affirm that it is the Will of God as manifested in the world of being, no one should question this assertion. It is endowed with a power whose reality men of learning fail to grasp. Indeed a man of insight can perceive naught therein save the effulgent splendour of Our Name, the Creator. Say: This is an existence which knoweth no decay, and Nature itself is lost in bewilderment before its revelations, its compelling evidences and its effulgent glory which have encompassed the universe.
(Baha'u'llah)

So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures; much less fathom the mystery of Him Who is the Day Star of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknowable Essence. (Baha'u'llah)

The incredibly delicate but tiny fungi pictured above were there in profusion and a stunning demonstration of the wonder of creation. As was the wonderful tree bark pictured below.
Still no sign of Layli. Perhaps a good time to remind ourselves that no matter the beauty of the surroundings where we have our devotions there is no guarantee that they will be accepted

Were anyone to wash the feet of all mankind, and were he to worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains, upon high hills and lofty peaks, to leave no rock or tree, no clod of earth, but was a witness to his worship -- yet, should the fragrance of My good pleasure not be inhaled from him, his works would never be acceptable unto God. (Baha'u'llah)

and for every fruit a season hath been ordained

2009-06-18T20:14:00.008+10:00

In the forests of Tasmania , autumn is the season ordained for the fruiting bodies of fungi. The filaments that form the fungi are of course there all year usually below the ground and usually each filament is too small to see. But in autumn the fruiting bodies are a joy to behold and there are few better places to behold them then Meander Forest Reserve.

Baha'u'llah said:
"The world is continually proclaiming these words: Beware, I am evanescent, and so are all my outward appearances and colours. Take ye heed of the changes and chances contrived within me and be ye roused from your slumber."

Few things are quite as colourful and as evanescent as fungi. So without more ado here are the photos with the minimum of notes of when we went searching for Layli and found fungi.

We had our picnic beside Lake Huntsman

And settled down at Scott's Road lookout to say our prayers amidst the birdsong.

To venture further into the forest we had to cross the river, taking heart from Baha'u'llah's words:
"Forget what thou didst read in the books of Sibavayh and Qawlavayh, of Ibn-i-Hajib and Ibn-i-Malik, and cross the water."
Baha'u'llah might have been surprised how easy it was to forget what we read of those two writers.
And then we found fungi

These two were tiny - about a centimeter across, but so delicate

It shouldn't be forgotten that we were in a forest - fungi were not the only life forms exquisitely formed and coloured - trees too were enchanted.

And lastly, a extremely tiny but shining golden fungus, surely a Layli fungus. Too small to photo easily but so bright it was impossible to miss.

But let Baha'u'llah have the last word reminding us that even such beauty is temporary:
"The dwellers of the kingdom of names have busied themselves with the gay livery of the world, forgetful that every man that hath eyes to perceive and ears to hear cannot but readily recognize how evanescent are its colors."

Much as we love the gay livery of the fungi there is presumable a greater beauty to be sought even if it cannot be photographed.

.....the heights attained by those who hasten unto Him.

2009-04-13T02:18:00.005+10:00

"In this journey the seeker becometh witness to a myriad changes and transformations, confluences and divergences. He beholdeth the wonders of Divinity in the mysteries of creation and discovereth the paths of guidance and the ways of his Lord. Such is the station reached by them that search after God, and such are the heights attained by those who hasten unto Him. " (Baha'u'llah)

Well we can hope that some amongst may attain those heights but we should all at least reach the heights of Meander Forest Reserve. We're going there on Sunday, 19th April meeting as usual at noon.

For most people the route is first get to Deloraine, take the road to Meander (its the same road as the Lake Highway - if coming from Launceston turn left just before the bridge). At Meander go straight through the village (stopping at the shop if you need anything - its the last one).

After the bitumen stops (theres a road to the left which leads to a jetty - ignore it) proceed another kilometre and you will see on the left a day use area beside Lake Huntsman (where you can swim if you want) which has car park and looks like this:

It also has a toilet and barbecues so seems a good place to meet, picnic, and offer some devotions.
Rather like our last destination at Waterhouse, the Forest Reserve is a big place and we won't explore it all in one visit. We will need to get back in our cars to drive into the reserve and we can choose one or more destinations on the day perhaps depending on the weather and fitness of those attending.
Certainly, the walk to Split Rock Falls looks alluring though some of the more arthritic might have to turn back early.
You can read more about what's available at Touring Tasmania
or Red Bubble

Please note that some of the walks described are pretty serious treks which shouldn't be attempted unless you are fit, well, shod,well clothed, well equipped and have at least one person in your party who has experience of mountainous walks. I don't think many of us will be tackling those ones but there are lots of gentle strolls.

If we don't feel like a walk we could say some prayers at Scott's Road lookout.

Nigh unto the shores of the ocean of Thy grace

2009-03-31T19:47:00.016+11:00

I pray Thee, O my Lord, ..................to rain down upon us, and upon Thy servants, the overflowing rain of Thy mercy, that it may cleanse us from the remembrance of all else but Thee, and draw us nigh unto the shores of the ocean of Thy grace. (Baha'u'llah)

Our first stop in the Waterhouse Conservation Area was at the Big Waterhouse Lake, a nice spot where we had our picnic but the expedition in search of Layli ran into a problem .....

That looked a little damp underfoot so we had a quick consultation ............
and chose to return to our cars and drive further into the conservation area closer to the ocean.We chose this spot, looking across to Waterhouse Island and a fabulous world of rocks and pools:

"O my son! verily God will bring everything to light, though it were but the weight of a grain of mustard-seed, and hidden in a rock or in the heavens or in the earth; for, God is subtile, informed of all. (The Qur'an )

And certainly there was much hidden in and around these rocks which could be found by the searching eye.
For start there was the subtle colouring of the fringe vegetation
[Note since this blog was posted it has been brought to our attention that these subtle colours belong to a pernicious, exotic, weed which is colonising and devastating Tasmania's coastline. If you find any of this plant consult the Tasmanian government's advice and do what you can to eradicate it. Please note that the sap of the plant is toxic - posted 19th Jun 09]

The party fanned out to search, our eyes fixed on the ground alert for the slightest sign of Layli - or where we just looking for a safe place to put our feet?

Some of the encrustations on the rocks seemed like runes in a forgotten language.
Witness, therefore, how numerous and far-reaching have been the changes in language, speech, and writing since the days of Adam. How much greater must have been the changes before Him! (Baha'u'llah)
While the pools contained their own perfect little ecosystems.
"Strive then, O My brother.................to attain a station wherein one seeth no distinction amongst His creatures and findeth no flaw in the creation of the heavens and the earth" (Baha'u'llah)

While the rocks themselves bore in their cracks testimony to the mighty forces in the world of creation.
"That which hath been in existence had existed before, but not in the form thou seest today. The world of existence came into being through the heat generated from the interaction between the active force and that which is its recipient. " (Baha'u'llah)

There was plenty in the rocks to hold our interest but eventually we settled down as comfortably as possibly and said and sang our praises of God.
But the day was not yet finished. As we prepared to depart most of us decided to drive on to the end of the road and came on a beautiful sandy beach.

You can just see above, two members of our party who had enough energy left to go for a long walk. It would be a good spot for a swim but apart from the late hour I think most of us thought that Bass Straight might be a bit cold. So no physical swimming was done but perhaps

".... they swim in the sea of the spirit, and soar in the holy air of light. Then what life have words, on such a plane, that "first" and "last" or other than these be seen or mentioned! In this realm, the first is the last itself, and the last is but the first." (Baha'u'llah)

Still on the level that most of us live it was the last phase of our trip. Another photo of the beach and memories of another lovely day spent in search of Layli.

The Smallest Flowering Plant in the World....

2009-03-11T23:57:00.004+11:00

....is Wolfia Australis and it hangs out in the Waterhouse Conservation area east of Bridport. We'll be there on Sunday, Mar 22nd, 2009 at 12 noon.

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=4140

There are lakes, lagoons, dunes, fascinating plant communities, birds, animals and, of course, the sea if anyone thinks it will still be warm enough for swimming.

It should be great.

Where to meet is a bit more of a problem than usual as there are several access roads and we have no idea where the car parks are. To get there you must be on Waterhouse Road (B82) which runs East from Bridport. Assuming you are heading East, turn off on Homestead Road on the left. About three kilometers down the road another left turn on to Big Waterhouse Lake Road and two further kilometers takes you to the end of that road. We will meet there.

The Conservation area is far too big to explore the whole place in a day but we can decide what seems interesting on the day.

The best route to Waterhouse Road rather depends on where you are coming from. Searching for "Waterhouse TAS" in Google maps shows the various routes well. For those coming from Launceston Google actually recommends going over the mountain to Scottsdale and on to Waterhouse without going through Bridport but though it is longer I think most would prefer the Lilydale Bridport Waterhouse route.

As usual, bring some food for the picnic and, if you choose, a willingness to offer your own form of devotion.

Hope to see you there!

A Day at the Seaside

2009-03-09T21:01:00.022+11:00

And when I behold the sea, I find that it speaketh to me of Thy majesty, and of the potency of Thy might, and of Thy sovereignty and Thy grandeur.

(Baha'u'llah)

If we believe that Layli can be found anywhere if one searches with ardour, why shouldn't we find her strolling along Bondi in a bikini and sunnies?

Well, Badger Head isn't quite Bondi but it is certainly a beach and a lovely one at that. We came well prepared for our day at the seaside even with a changing room.

There was a good group of us, and we swam, ate, prayed and wandered.

We climbed dunes.....

We gathered pebbles and shells.....

And some of us just stood around and got our feet wet ................

Unfortunately, some of us (well at least one of us), got sunburnt and most of were pestered by March flies.

It's rather hard to see the sign of God in a March fly, but Baha'u'llah tells us

"Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes." (Baha'u'llah)

So even March flies must have something going for them.
By general consent another pleasant day but no sign of Layli .......unless .... could Layli manifest herself as a March fly? If so there is a chance that her fragile, immaterial body lies broken on the Badger Head sands crushed by the impatient hand of an irritated seeker. We do hope not.

What is a 'Seeking Layli' event? (repost)

2009-02-11T22:33:00.001+11:00

The meetings are an individual's response to the Baha'i Faith's emphasis on devotional meetings but are not organised or sponsored by any religious body. They are open to people of any or no religion and the participants are welcome to contribute to the devotions in whatever way they wish within the limits of Australian and Tasmanian law (we wouldn't, for example, tolerate human sacrifice - not that anyone has proposed that as yet).
The basic format for the events is that a place is chosen which is accessible by a standard car (not necessarily on tarmac roads). It should in itself be a relatively remote and wild place and suitable for a picnic and some devotions. It should also offer opportunities for walks, swimming or anything similar for those who are fit and keen. As a rule we meet there at noon on the advertised day, and make a decision then and there as to whether we should picnic at the roadside or venture further afield.

Who is Layli and why seek her? (repost)

2009-02-11T22:30:00.000+11:00

Tell us not the tale of Layli or of Majnun's woe

Thy love hath made the world forget the loves of long ago.
When once thy name was on the tongue, the lovers caught it
And it set the speakers and the hearers dancing to and fro
(Sa'di, Muslihu'd-Din of Shiraz)

In general. I'm going to take this advice so if you want a well-researched, accurate account pf the story of Layli do your own googling. Just briefly, possibly inaccurately, and mostly from Wikipedia it seems:

The story originated in the seventh century in a real event where a young man (Qays) and young woman (Layli or often Layla) fell in love but were prevented from marrying by family pressure. The knowledge that Layli had been married to another drove Qays insane hence he became known as 'Majnun' which means, quite simply, 'mad'. He spent the rest of his life wandering disconsolately on the fringes of society, supposedly continually searching for Layli.
The story has been picked up and reworked by many great Middle Eastern writers and has even been claimed as the source for Romeo and Juliet though scholarly opinion is against that idea.
In the hands of those influenced by Sufi thought the story takes a religious turn with Layli signifying 'the Beloved' - the Divine Essence - and Majnun standing for Everyman constantly, obsessively seeking the presence of the unknowable God.
The story of Majnun and Layli makes only a couple of brief but powerful appearances in the Baha'i Writings where Baha'u'llah speaks with approval of the intensity of Majnun's search.
Yea, although to the wise it be shameful to seek the Lord of Lords in the dust, yet this betokeneth intense ardor in searching. "Whoso seeketh out a thing with zeal shall find it."
For Baha'is, of course, being mentioned by Baha'u'llah, is the highest pinnacle the story could have reached but others may be further impressed by the fact that the guitar god himself, at the time manifesting himself as Derek and the Dominos, named a song and indeed an album after Layla.
It is important to remember that for speakers of the original languages the hero of all versions of this tale is known as 'the insane'. It is as though 'Romeo and Juliet' was actually called 'Juliet and the Loony'.
Religions, including the Baha'i Faith, by and large are (and certainly like to be thought of as) practical, sensible, organisations working to make this world a better place. Perhaps, Baha'u'llah's endorsement of Majnun may help to remind us that religion can also be an obsessive search for the Unknowable, Unfindable which can make us appear and even be quite crazy.

When once the seeker hath ascended unto this station, he will enter the City of Love and Rapture, whereupon the winds of love will blow and the breezes of the spirit will waft. In this station the seeker is so overcome by the ecstasies of yearning and the fragrances of longing that he discerneth not his left from his right, nor doth he distinguish land from sea or desert from mountain.
(Baha'u'llah)

Love accepteth no existence and wisheth no life: He seeth life in death, and in shame seeketh glory. To merit the madness of love, man must abound in sanity; to merit the bonds of the Friend, he must be full of spirit.
(Baha'u'llah)

The Seas and the Waves Thereof

2009-01-28T23:26:00.007+11:00

"We have forbidden you dissension and conflict in My Books, and My Scriptures, and My Scrolls, and My Tablets, and have wished thereby naught else save your exaltation and advancement. Unto this testify the heavens and the stars thereof, and the sun and the radiance thereof, and the trees and the leaves thereof, and the seas and the waves thereof, and the earth and the treasures thereof." Baha'u'llah

On Sunday 15th February 2009 we are heading to Badger Head, to the ocean, to the seas and the waves thereof.
Badger Head is well signposted a little north of York Town. Though the Head itself is actually within Narawntapu National Park, do not take the road signposted to the Park - that goes to the other end of the Park. Wait for the C721 signposted to Badger Head itself. Google maps gives the location and directions well. It is about an hours drive from Launceston or Devonport - perhaps an hour and a half from Scottsdale.
Now Tasmanian National Parks charge admission, $11 for an individual but only $22 for a carload of up to eight people. More realistically $22 for 5 people in an average car. So we will meet just before the Park entrance. On the right hand side there is an area with a sign saying 'Day Use Only' with parking available (though no facilities). We will meet there at noon.
From there one can access the beach and some coastal country for free.

However those who would like to enter the park will find much worth looking at. Look at the photos here
http://www.stormplanet.com/badgerhead.htm
to get an idea of what the Head is like. Don't worry about the description of the difficult coastal walk. There are easy paths as well.

Hope to see you there. Bring some food for the picnic and, if you want, be prepared to worship in your own way.

A Road Leading unto God?

2009-01-15T21:23:00.005+11:00

"In this connection it hath been deemed necessary to mention such traditions as have been recorded regarding the blessed and honored city of 'Akká, that haply thou mayest, O Hadi, seek a path unto the Truth, and a road leading unto God." (Baha'u'llah)
For those of us living in Northern Tasmania, an opportunity to take the 'road to God' to the Baha'i Holy Places in Akka (Acre) in modern day Israel is a rare, often literally a once in a lifetime, experience. We did our best to substitute something suitable, the hand made road up to Ralph's Falls pictured above. It wasn't, I suppose, a road to God except in the sense that
"Whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God." (Qur'an) but it did seem a place where we might feel the presence of Layli.

The Falls are a place of green mossy forest. The height attracts rain which keep the vegetation green.

The shady forest path occasionally offers dramatic views across North East Tasmania.

It was a good day with a good turnout. Some of our more frequent attendees from Launceston were joined by a group from the Scottsdale area.

I think we can really say that we worshipped God in the forests, valleys, and
mountains, upon high hills and lofty peaks but Baha'u'llah has a word of warning for us:

"Were anyone to wash the feet of all mankind, and were he to worship God in the forests, valleys, and mountains, upon high hills and lofty peaks, to leave no rock or tree, no clod of earth, but was a witness to his worship -- yet, should the fragrance of My good pleasure not be inhaled from him, his works would never be acceptable unto God. (Baha'u'llah)

Everything depends on the good pleasure of God.

Return to Pine Lake

2009-01-03T19:58:00.007+11:00

"Behold how the thing which thou hast seen in thy dream is, after a considerable lapse of time, fully realized." (Baha'u'llah)
Regular readers of this blog, and even more so those who attended the search at Pine Lake earlier this year, will remember the almost dream like atmosphere with thick mist and only glimpses of the Lake and the Pines. They attendees might also remember the notices recommending a visit in summer to see the wild flowers.
So, in preparation for our trip to Ralph Falls this Sunday, one seeker made a return to Pine Lake to see if Layli or the flowers were in attendance. Pine Lake as you can see above still maintains its bleak appearance as a whole but as you will see below the flowers are there in abundance if you look closely.
As for Layli, well we still have no sighting but I feel at Pine Lake we are as close to her as we have ever been.
Baha'u'llah compared Himself to a flower:
The Flower, thus far hidden from the sight of men, is unveiled to your eyes. In the open radiance of His glory He standeth before you. His voice summoneth all the holy and sanctified beings to come and be united with Him. Happy is he that turneth thereunto; well is it with him that hath attained, and gazed on the light of so wondrous a countenance. (Baha'u'llah)
With no more commentary here are some of the flowers and other sights of summertime at Pine Lake. ( A new camera has greatly improved the quality of our photos - try double clicking on them).

"Thou didst come, O my God, in the clouds of Thy spirit....." (Baha'u'llah)

Back up the hand made road

2008-12-22T22:01:00.004+11:00

On Sunday January the 4th 2009 we are heading up to Ralph's Falls for our second visit. Our last visit was autumnal but if Layli is nomadic we should seek her not only everywhere but in the same place in every season.
Ralph's Falls lie between Ringarooma and Pyengana. The final stretch of road was a community project which took more than half a century to complete. A brief description of the project can be found here:
http://www.netasmania.com.au/online/db/20020115-0.html

while excellent photos of the area are available here:
http://www.pleasetakemeto.com/australia/tasmania/northern-tasmania/photos/location/ringarooma-ralphs-falls

and the official description and directions here
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=1401
If getting directions using Google Maps, Google recognises Ralph's Falls Track not the Fall's themselves.

We will meet as usual at 12 noon in the car park. Bring some food to eat or share and if you like a willingness to offer devotions in your own style (neither the food or the devotions are compulsory).

A few warnings:
Don't trust the distance when deciding when to set off . The final section is steep, winding, and very rough. It is OK for a conventional car but you have to take it slow.
The area is quite high (hence the views) - we're not expecting any particular bad conditions in January but it might be wise to carry some warmer clothing than you would wear in Launceston.
Call early for lifts!

This is a longer trip than our usual adventures but, for many people it is a holiday weekend and there is much to see in the North East particularly if you feel like throwing a tent or a motel key in the back of the car and making a weekend of it. Some of the attractions of the area are given here:
http://www.netasmania.com.au/online/db/20020129-0.html

and of course it is not very far from the Bay of Fires recently nominated by Lonely Planet as the best holiday spot in the world!

Hope to see you there. Here's a couple of photos (phone quality) from out last visit:

Bread on the Waters

2008-12-22T20:57:00.006+11:00

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." (Ecclesiastes)

We inadvertently put this famous advice to the test at Holwell Gorge but, unfortunately, it didn't work out quite as well as the Sage seemed to expect. We may be being unfair - our bread was not so much 'cast' as accidentally allowed to slide in - also we retrieved it in a few seconds thanks to the eagle eyes of one whose "..eyes[were] ever expectant to witness the wonders of God's mercy and eager to behold the splendours of His beauty". (Baha'u'llah) and another who sped "... over the waters even as they course the land" (Baha'u'llah). Still we can't deny that the bread was quite sodden and useless and its hard to imagine it would have improved by being in the water for many days. Perhaps the advice was not meant to be taken literally. As Baha'u'llah said in another context :
This is the significance of the well-known words: "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together." ......... Besides, of what profit would it be to the world were such a thing to take place?" (Baha'u'llah).
Holwell Gorge is beautiful with a lovely little waterfall above which we had our picnic (fortunately more than one had brought bread) and prayers.
It was a rather well-attended 'Layli' and after our spiritual and material food we were able to split into two search parties. The younger or fitter members set off to complete the walk through the gorge while the older or more arthritic members returned to the cars and drove round to meet them at the other end. Despite the numerous warning messages posted by the path the walk apparently proved relatively easy but no material evidence of Layli came to light.
The particularly pleasant atmosphere gave us hope that she was shedding her influence upon us but sightings remained as elusive as ever.
Baha'u'llah said:
Canst thou discover any one but Me, O Pen, in this Day? What hath become of the creation and the manifestations thereof? What of the names and their kingdom? Whither are gone all created things, whether seen or unseen? What of the hidden secrets of the universe and its revelations? Lo, the entire creation hath passed away! Nothing remaineth except My Face, the Ever-Abiding, the Resplendent, the All-Glorious.
Perhaps Layli too was part of the entire creation which passed away? Certainly she remains unseen.

Baha'u'llah talks about the revelations of God's Beauty being imprinted on all beings.

The portals of Thy grace have throughout eternity been open, and the means of access unto Thy Presence made available, unto all created things, and the revelations of Thy matchless Beauty have at all times been imprinted upon the realities of all beings, visible and invisible. (Baha'u'llah)
Certainly there was much at Holwell that seemed to be bear the imprint of His Beauty.

".....and the Bridge hath been laid, and the Verses have been sent down, and the Sun hath shone forth, and the stars have been blotted out, and the souls have been raised to life, and the breath of the Spirit hath blown...." (Baha'u'llah)

North and South?

2008-11-29T20:00:00.003+11:00

" Were He to pronounce the right to be the left or the south to be the north, He speaketh the truth and there is no doubt of it. (Baha'u'llah)"

On Sunday 7th December at 12 noon we will meet in the car park at Holwell Gorge for another search for Layli. Holwell Gorge is reached from Launceston by following the West Tamar Highway up to Beaconsfield and watching for the signposts. But it gets more complex there are two entrances to the Gorge, the North and the South or as they or sometimes known the East and the West. We are going to the North entrance or to put it another way, the one furthest from Launceston. If you reach the wrong one you will notice there is no Blue Holden Cruze there. You can either:

1. Jump back in your car and head further up the highway to the right one (its not far).

2. Console yourself with the thought "....North and South are both inebriated with the wine of His presence. Blessed is the man that hath inhaled the fragrance of the Most Merciful,..." (Baha'u'llah)

Some photos and description can be found at http://www.touringtasmania.info/holwell_gorge1.htm

Bring something to eat and a willingness to take part in some Devotions.

For further info , a lift, or to offer a lift post a comment here.

Hope to see you at the Gorge.

...a fleeting day..

2008-11-12T21:39:00.004+11:00

.......that I may so fix my gaze upon Thee and be so detached from all else but Thee, that the world and all that hath been created therein may appear before me as a fleeting day which Thou hast not deigned to create. (Baha'u'llah)

I'm afraid the October 'Layli' was one that God did not deign to create.

In Tasmania, October is the cruellest month, breeding grass and more grass, and yet more grass. It is the month of mowing, it is the month of weekends spent pushing the mower around ones acre and seeing the grass already seemingly growing long again where you mowed at the start of the day. It is the month of forgetting to organise a 'Layli'.

Happily someone else organised something similar. The local Australian Plant Society organised a walk and picnic in some Heritage land near Liffey Falls (preceded by a most informative visit to Habitat nursery).

On this journey the traveler abideth in every land and dwelleth in every region. In every face, he seeketh the beauty of the Friend; in every country he looketh for the Beloved. He joineth every company, and seeketh fellowship with every soul, that haply in some mind he may uncover the secret of the Friend, or in some face he may behold the beauty of the Loved One. (Baha'u'llah)

With this advice from Baha'u'llah there was no hesitation in joining the company and seeking the beauty of Layli in the faces of our secular friends. Apologies for the failure to advertise it widely.

The APS being a purely botanical organisation there was, naturally, no organised devotions but prayers were said privately.

The camera was also missing but here are some photos from Liffey area taken on other occasions.

Behold, then, O my God, my loneliness among Thy servants

2008-11-12T20:28:00.005+11:00

For in Our solitude We were unaware of the harm or benefit, the health or ailment, of any soul. Alone, We communed with Our spirit, oblivious of the world and all that is therein
(Baha'u'llah)

Sometimes we just get the organisation totally wrong. It is always a puzzler to set the date for a 'Seeking Layli' event. One normally knows who would like to come but they are usually busy folk and one tries to pick a day which offers a real opportunity for as many as possible to take part. In September I juggled the dates and came up with the completely wrong answer. All the usual attendees were away or busy that day so I went on my own. Even worse, the camera was both away and busy that day so these pictures are low quality mobile telephone shots.

The giant white gums were good companions though. Strangely what felt most peculiar to do alone was picnic. Evercreech is rather well set up as a picnic spot but to sit in solitary splendour, pouring myself coffee and serving myself the meal seemed slightly bizarre.

Conversely, the walking and even more so the devotional, seemed quite appropriate to do alone. Baha'u'llah said that with God you have not just a companion but an army and a people too! My army is My reliance on God; My people, the force of My confidence in Him. My love is My standard, and My companion the remembrance of God, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Unconditioned. (Baha'u'llah)

Evercreech is basically a lovely reserve but not essentially different from many other spots in the forests of Tasmania. What makes it famous is the very small number of very tall white gums. Really probably only four exceptional trees and a handful of other big ones. It was tempting to compare and contrast these magnificent giants with the rugged little (though older) pines we saw on our last "Layli". It seemed at first like a straightforward contrast between luxuriant growth in ideal conditions and the struggle on the cold windswept plateaux. But more observation and thought brought a new viewpoint. In an entirely inexpert opinion, the extraordinary height is the result of an heroic struggle for light. The trees grow at the bottom of a narrow valley. Certainly, there would be nutrients washed down there but to gain sunlight the trees had to reach the canopy which is formed primarily by trees growing much further up the steep slopes. It seems one reaches the heights only through striving to get there. In English translation, one of Baha'u'llah's commonest injunctions to us is to strive:

O YE DWELLERS IN THE HIGHEST PARADISE!...... Strive, then, that ye may attain that station, that ye may unravel the mysteries of love from its wind-flowers and learn the secret of divine and consummate wisdom from its eternal fruits. (Baha'u'llah)

Strive, O people of God, that haply the hearts of the divers kindreds of the earth may, through the waters of your forbearance and loving-kindness, be cleansed and sanctified from animosity and hatred,
(Baha'u'llah)

Strive then, O My brother, to apprehend this matter, that the veils may be lifted from the face of thy heart and that thou mayest be reckoned among them whom God hath graced with such penetrating vision as to behold the most subtle realities of His dominion, to fathom the mysteries of His kingdom, to perceive the signs of His transcendent Essence in this mortal world, and to attain a station wherein one seeth no distinction amongst His creatures and findeth no flaw in the creation of the heavens and the earth. (Baha'u'llah)

Praying with the White Knights

2008-09-21T19:14:00.003+10:00

Whosoever Thou exaltest is raised above the angels, and attaineth the station: 'Verily, We uplifted him to a place on high!
(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf)

Well, we don't think Baha'u'llah was really talking about trees with this quotation but the White Knights of Evercreech are trees - reputably the tallest white gums in world.

We are heading there on Sunday the 28th September. Meet in the car park at 12 noon bringing some food for a picnic and a willingness to offer some form of devotion to God. Well come anyway even without those prerequisites.

The reserve is described here http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/north-east/evercreech-forest-reserve and here (with more photos)

http://www.touringtasmania.info/evercreech.htm

Directions from Launceston are given here http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Evercreech%20reserve&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7HPAA&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl

If coming from other directions you are basically getting to Mathinna and then following the signs.

The white gum is desribed here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manna_Gum

Hope to see you there.

A tree beyond which there is no passing?

2008-09-21T17:13:00.026+10:00

Baha'u'llah wrote "Every created being however revealeth His signs which are but emanations from Him and not His Own Self. All these signs are reflected and can be seen in the book of existence, and the scrolls that depict the shape and pattern of the universe are indeed a most great book."
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah)

There seems, however, to be times when that most great book can be a metaphor almost embarrassingly cliched. We heard good things of Pine Lake and set out eager to behold its beauty. But everything was veiled.

There was, as you can see, though a Straight Path to follow. And we know :
The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings)

There was nothing to do but stick to the path and trust in it. Often one has to accept that what seems to be a straight path begins to wind like a serpent.

Occasionally, the veils lift and one catches a tantalising glimpse of one's destination.

If you stick to the path with determination and self-discipline you do eventually reach your destination. But there you are, as far as you can go, at the tree beyond which there is no passing (at least if you observe the regulations for an environmentally sensitive area) and what can you see? Just a few metres in front of the veils. The essence of Pine Lake remains shrouded in mystery. Sometimes reality appears to be an extremely corny metaphor.

Perhaps there is a different answer in Baha'u'llah

It should be borne in mind, however, that when the light of My Name, the All-Pervading, hath shed its radiance upon the universe, each and every created thing hath, according to a fixed decree, been endowed with the capacity to exercise a particular influence, and been made to possess a distinct virtue.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings)

What particular influence and which distinct virtue characterises the Pencil Pines and the other members of the high plateaux community?

It was cold, it was wet, and the pines themselves bour witness to the traumas they had lived through in their long lives:

Many were twisted, broken, leaning, stunted. or just downright dead.

Its a tough life for a tree up there.

This pine would many hundreds of years old and has made it through without any very obvious damage but it was one of the rare ones.

We found an hour or less in the cold quite enough and having walked and marveled and prayed we fled down the mountain to picnic in Deloraine. It was salutary to remember that not only were the pencils pines stuck up there but they were each going to put up with it for a thousand years or so.

"He, verily, rewardeth beyond measure them that endure with patience."
(Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries echoing the Quran)

Well we had no clear views of anything let alone Layli but one couldn't help feeling 'What was the mist veiling if not Layli?' And sometimes one thinks that the veils that prevent us seeing Layli are actually her essence. We'll close with some photos of the plants that share the rugged environment with the pines.

Cushion plants can hande the conditions.

The ground cover obviously has to handle snow and frost. It is no manicured garden but stunningly beautiful in its own way.

And a final different shot of the pencil pines. These are their leaves. As an adaption against the cold their leaves have wrapped around their stems so tightly they appear like maggots rather than foliage.