Daily Frameworks for 16 November 2023

Istijlál, 13 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

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. Consider the effect of poison. Deadly though it is, it possesseth the power of exerting, under certain conditions, a beneficial influence. The potency infused into all created things is the direct consequence of the revelation of this most blessed Name. Glorified be He, Who is the Creator of all names and attributes! Cast into the fire the tree that hath rot and dried up, and abide under the shadow of the green and goodly Tree, and partake of the fruit thereof. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Why should we not consider “the largeness or smallness: of the capacity with which we have been endowed? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the provided quotation from Bahá’u’lláh, we are advised not to consider “the largeness or smallness” of the capacity with which we have been endowed. This means that we should not focus on our perceived limitations or compare ourselves to others. Instead, we should focus on using the gifts that we have been given to the best of our ability.

The quotation uses the analogy of a poisonous tree to illustrate this point. Even though a poisonous tree has the potential to harm, it can also be used for medicinal purposes. This is because the potency of all created things is directly related to the revelation of God’s most blessed Name.

Similarly, each and every one of us has been endowed with unique gifts and talents. We may not always see the value of these gifts, but they are there for a reason. When we use them to serve others and make the world a better place, we are fulfilling our purpose in life.

The quotation also encourages us to “abide under the shadow of the green and goodly Tree, and partake of the fruit thereof.” This is a reference to the spiritual sustenance that we can receive from God. When we open our hearts to His love and guidance, we are nourished and empowered to do great things.

So, let us not dwell on our perceived limitations. Instead, let us focus on using the gifts that we have been given to make a positive impact on the world. And let us always seek the guidance and support of God, who is the source of all blessings and goodness.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 15, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/5#522900585. ↩
2. 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, 39. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩