Each one of the luminous bodies in this limitless firmament has a cycle of
revolution which is of a different duration, and every one revolves in its
own orbit, and again begins a new cycle. So the earth, every three hundred
and sixty-five days, five hours, forty-eight minutes and a fraction,
completes a revolution; and then it begins a new cycle, that is to say,
the first cycle is again renewed. In the same way, for the whole universe,
whether for the heavens or for men, there are cycles of great events, of
important facts and occurrences. When a cycle is ended, a new cycle
begins, and the old one, on account of the great events which take place,
is completely forgotten, and not a trace or record of it will remain. As
you see, we have no records of twenty thousand years ago, although we have
before proved by argument that life on this earth is very ancient. It is
not one hundred thousand, or two hundred thousand, or one million or two
million years old; it is very ancient, and the ancient records and traces
are entirely obliterated.
Each of the Divine Manifestations has likewise a cycle, and during the
cycle his laws and commandments prevail and are performed. When his cycle
is completed by the appearance of a new Manifestation, a new cycle begins.
In this way cycles begin, end, and are renewed, until a universal cycle is
completed in the world, when important events and great occurrences will
take place which entirely efface every trace and every record of the past;
then a new universal cycle begins in the world, for this universe has no
beginning. We have before stated proofs and evidences concerning this
subject; there is no need of repetition.
Briefly, we say a universal cycle in the world of existence signifies a
long duration of time, and innumerable and incalculable periods and
epochs. In such a cycle the Manifestations appear with splendor in the
realm of the visible, until a great and universal Manifestation makes the
world the center of his radiance. His appearance causes the world to
attain to maturity, and the extension of his cycle is very great.
Afterwards other Manifestations will arise under his shadow, who according
to the needs of the time will renew certain commandments relating to
material questions and affairs, while remaining under his shadow.
We are in the cycle which began with Adam, and its universal Manifestation
is Baha'u'llah.