Daily Frameworks for 20 October 2023

Istiqlál, 05 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The systematic pursuit of the Plan in all its dimensions gives rise to a pattern of collective endeavour distinguished not only for its commitment to service, but also for its attraction to worship. The intensification of activity which the next five years requires will further enrich the devotional life shared by those who serve side by side in clusters around the world. This process of enrichment is already much advanced: witness, for instance, how gatherings for worship have been integrated into the core of community life. Devotional meetings are occasions where any soul may enter, inhale the heavenly fragrances, experience the sweetness of prayer, meditate upon the Creative Word, be transported on the wings of the spirit, and commune with the one Beloved. Feelings of fellowship and common cause are generated, particularly in the spiritually heightened conversations that naturally occur at such times and through which the “city of the human heart” ¹ may be opened. By convening a gathering for worship at which adults and children of any background are welcome, the spirit of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is evoked in any locality. The enhancement of the devotional character of a community also has an effect on the Nineteen Day Feast and can be felt at other times when the friends come together. — Universal House of Justice ²

Question for Consideration:

What feelings are generated at devotional meetings? ³

Google Bard Response:

Devotional meetings are gatherings of Bahá’ís where they come together to worship God, to learn from His teachings, and to build community. These meetings are typically held on a regular basis, and they are open to all people, regardless of their religious background.

The Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, has stated that devotional meetings are occasions where “any soul may enter, inhale the heavenly fragrances, experience the sweetness of prayer, meditate upon the Creative Word, be transported on the wings of the spirit, and commune with the one Beloved.”

During devotional meetings, Bahá’ís may recite prayers, read from the Bahá’í scriptures, share their thoughts and feelings about the spiritual life, and sing hymns and devotional songs. The atmosphere of devotional meetings is typically one of joy, reverence, and fellowship.

Some of the feelings that are generated at devotional meetings include:

• Connection to God: Devotional meetings provide an opportunity for Bahá’ís to connect with God on a deeper level. Through prayer, meditation, and the study of the Bahá’í scriptures, Bahá’ís can experience God’s love and guidance more fully.
• Unity and fellowship: Devotional meetings are also a time for Bahá’ís to come together as a community and to celebrate their shared love of God. The atmosphere of joy and reverence that is created at devotional meetings can help to foster feelings of unity and fellowship among the participants.
• Spiritual growth and development: Devotional meetings provide a supportive environment for Bahá’ís to learn and grow spiritually. By studying the Bahá’í scriptures and sharing their thoughts and feelings with others, Bahá’ís can deepen their understanding of God’s teachings and apply them to their own lives.
  

Overall, devotional meetings are a powerful and rewarding experience. They provide an opportunity for Bahá’ís to connect with God on a deeper level, to experience the joy of fellowship, and to grow spiritually.

Question for Consideration:

What is the effect of the spiritually heightened conversations that naturally occur at devotional meetings?

Google Bard Response:

The spiritually heightened conversations that naturally occur at devotional meetings can have a number of positive effects, including:

• Deepening our understanding of the Bahá’í Faith. When we discuss the verses of God and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with other Bahá’ís, we can learn from each other’s insights and perspectives. This can help us to deepen our understanding of the Bahá’í Faith and to apply its teachings to our lives in more meaningful ways.
• Strengthening our faith. When we share our spiritual experiences with others and hear about their experiences, we are inspired and encouraged in our own spiritual journey. This can help us to strengthen our faith and to grow closer to God.
• Building community. When we come together to worship God and to learn from His teachings, we form a strong bond of fellowship. This sense of community can give us support and encouragement in our daily lives.
• Opening our hearts to God. When we engage in spiritually heightened conversations with others, we create an atmosphere that is conducive to prayer and meditation. This can help us to open our hearts to God and to experience His love and guidance more fully.
  

The Universal House of Justice has stated that the “city of the human heart” may be opened through the spiritually heightened conversations that occur at devotional meetings. This is because these conversations can help us to break down the barriers that separate us from each other and from God. When we share our deepest thoughts and feelings with others in a spirit of love and respect, we create a sacred space where God can dwell.

If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of the Bahá’í Faith, to strengthen your faith, to build community, and to open your heart to God, I encourage you to attend devotional meetings regularly. You will not be disappointed.

1. “Know thou that We have annulled the rule of the sword, as an aid to Our Cause, and substituted for it the power born of the utterance of men. Thus have We irrevocably decreed, by virtue of Our grace. Say: O people! Sow not the seeds of discord among men, and refrain from contending with your neighbor, for your Lord hath committed the world and the cities thereof to the care of the kings of the earth, and made them the emblems of His own power, by virtue of the sovereignty He hath chosen to bestow upon them. He hath refused to reserve for Himself any share whatever of this world’s dominion. To this He Who is Himself the Eternal Truth will testify. The things He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts, that He may cleanse them from all earthly defilements, and enable them to draw nigh unto the hallowed Spot which the hands of the infidel can never profane. Open, O people, the city of the human heart with the key of your utterance. Thus have We, according to a preordained measure, prescribed unto you your duty.”
   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/7#715034234. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and Universal House of Justice. “Prayer and Devotional Life: A Compilation of Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá and the Letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice.” Bahá’í Reference Library, February 2019. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/prayer-devotional-life/8#571260599. ↩
3. 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, 23. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩