’Idál, 14 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
MAN is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words “The Kingdom shall be God’s” may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Questions for Consideration:
What is the Source of our education?
What is our destiny?
What are some of the gems education reveals? 2
Google Bard Response:
Based on the provided quotation from Bahá’u’lláh, God is the Source of our education. This means that our education comes from God and is designed to help us fulfill our destiny.
Our destiny is to become one soul, “…so that the seal bearing the words “The Kingdom shall be God’s” may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind.” This suggests that our ultimate purpose is to achieve spiritual unity and to bring about a world where God’s will is supreme.
Education plays a crucial role in helping us achieve this destiny. By revealing the gems inherent within us, education can help us develop the qualities and virtues necessary to become one soul, have the seal of God stamped on our hearts, and bring about a world of peace and justice.
Some of the gems that education reveals include:
- Love: Education can help us develop the capacity to love God, ourselves, and our fellow human beings.
- Kindness: Education can help us develop the capacity to be kind and compassionate to others.
- Justice: Education can help us develop the capacity to understand and uphold justice.
- Courage: Education can help us develop the courage to stand up for our beliefs, even when difficult.
- Humility: Education can help us develop the humility to recognize that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
Education can help us fulfill our destiny and create a better world for everyone by nurturing these qualities and virtues.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 5, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/6#610383368. ↩
- 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, 45-46. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 