Daily Frameworks for 18 December 2023

Kamál, 07 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

O My servants! My holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may be likened unto an ocean in whose depths are concealed innumerable pearls of great price, of surpassing luster. It is the duty of every seeker to bestir himself and strive to attain the shores of this ocean, so that he may, in proportion to the eagerness of his search and the efforts he hath exerted, partake of such benefits as have been preordained in God’s irrevocable and hidden Tablets. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Questions for Consideration:

What does it mean to “bestir” oneself?
What does it mean to “strive to attain” something?
What should every seeker strive to attain? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the context of the provided quote from Bahá’u’lláh, the words “bestir” and “strive to attain” take on specific meanings related to spiritual growth and understanding His divine Revelation:

To bestir oneself:

• Meaning: This goes beyond simply waking up or becoming active. It implies a deliberate and focused effort to overcome inertia and pursue spiritual knowledge and understanding. It requires a proactive approach, pushing aside distractions and laziness to dedicate oneself to the task.
  
• Application: This could involve actively studying Bahá’u’lláh’s writings, praying and meditating, participating in spiritual gatherings, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals. It means actively engaging with the teachings and applying them to your life.
  

To strive to attain:

• Meaning: This is not just a passive desire or hope. It signifies a determined and persistent effort to reach a specific goal and overcome the obstacles and challenges one encounters. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to invest time and energy in the process.
  
• Application: In this context, “striving to attain” could involve deepening your understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, internalizing their principles, and practicing them daily. It means actively transforming your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships to align with the Revelation’s message.
  

What every seeker should strive to attain:

• The pearls of great price: The quote describes Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation as an ocean containing “innumerable pearls of great price.” These pearls represent His teachings’ spiritual insights, knowledge, and guidance.
  
• Spiritual understanding and growth: Every seeker should strive to attain a deeper understanding of these pearls, uncovering their meaning and applying them to their lives. This involves developing spiritual qualities like faith, love, and compassion and aligning oneself with God’s will.
  
• Preordained benefits in God’s Tablets: The quote also mentions “benefits preordained in God’s irrevocable and hidden Tablets.” These benefits could be interpreted as the spiritual rewards and blessings that await those who sincerely seek and strive to understand Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
  

Therefore, the quote’s message is one of active engagement and dedicated effort. It encourages us to take initiative and invest ourselves in the process of spiritual growth and understanding. By “bestirring” ourselves and “striving to attain” the pearls of wisdom within Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, we can unlock its hidden treasures and experience the transformative power of His teachings.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 17, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#413529355. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 3-4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩