Daily Frameworks for 30 September 2023

Jalál, 04 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

…the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

A pure heart is as a mirror; cleanse it with the burnish of love and severance from all save God, that the true sun may shine therein and the eternal morning dawn. — Bahá’u’lláh ³

Your hearts must be pure and your intentions sincere in order that you may become recipients of the divine bestowals. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

Questions for Consideration:

Are any of the following true?

– First you take care of yourself, and then you can take care of others.

– If you are always helping others, you will end up losing sight of your own goals.

– You are your closest friend.

– What is most important is finding out what makes you happy.

– Follow your dreams, and they will lead you to happiness.

– As long as you are not hurting anyone else, it does not matter what you do.

– It is all right for your motives to be selfish, as long as you do some good. ⁵

Google Bard Response:

Given the preceding quotes, none of the following statements are necessarily true:

First you take care of yourself, and then you can take care of others.

While it is important to take care of oneself, the Bahá’í teachings emphasize that we should also be concerned with the well-being of others. In fact, Bahá’u’lláh states that “the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.” This suggests that we have a responsibility to use our gifts and abilities to serve others, even if it means putting our own needs aside at times.

If you are always helping others, you will end up losing sight of your own goals.

While it is important to help others, it is also important to have our own goals and aspirations. The Bahá’í teachings encourage us to develop our talents and abilities so that we can contribute to the betterment of society. However, we should also be mindful of our motives and ensure that we are not helping others simply to seek praise or recognition.

You are your closest friend.

While it is important to have a good relationship with ourselves, the Bahá’í teachings teach us that we are all members of one human family and that we have a responsibility to care for one another. In fact, Bahá’u’lláh states that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” This suggests that we should view ourselves as interconnected and interdependent beings.

What is most important is finding out what makes you happy.

While it is important to be happy, the Bahá’í teachings teach us that the true purpose of our lives is to serve God and humanity. When we focus on serving others and making the world a better place, we find true happiness and fulfillment.

Follow your dreams, and they will lead you to happiness.

While it is important to have dreams and goals, the Bahá’í teachings teach us that we should also be mindful of the greater good. Our dreams and goals should be aligned with the divine will and should contribute to the betterment of society.

As long as you are not hurting anyone else, it does not matter what you do.

While it is important to avoid harming others, the Bahá’í teachings teach us that we have a responsibility to live ethical and moral lives. We should strive to be honest, truthful, and kind in our interactions with others.

It is all right for your motives to be selfish, as long as you do some good.

While it is possible to do good deeds for selfish motives, the Bahá’í teachings teach us that the highest form of service is selfless service. When we serve others without seeking any reward or recognition, we are truly following in the footsteps of the prophets and messengers of God.

In conclusion, the Bahá’í teachings emphasize the importance of serving others and working for the betterment of society. While it is important to take care of ourselves and to have our own goals and aspirations, we should always be mindful of our motives and ensure that we are acting in accordance with the divine will.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/3#998953432. ↩
2. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Bahá’í Reference Library, August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/trustworthiness/2#363538019. ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. The Call of the Divine Beloved: Selected Mystical Works of Bahá’ú’lláh.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/call-divine-beloved/4#248504405. ↩
4. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 92. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/4#086530661. ↩
5. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 16. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩