Daily Frameworks for 19 December 2023

Fidál, 08 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 for one thing to be “in proportion” to another?
Bahá’u’lláh tells us that we will receive the benefits of the ocean of His Revelation in proportion to the efforts we exert.
Give some examples of the efforts we exert that make us the recipients of these benefits.
Give some examples of the benefits we receive. ²

Google Bard Response:

In the provided quote from Bahá’u’lláh, “in proportion to” means that the amount of benefits we receive from the “ocean of His Revelation” corresponds to the level of effort and dedication we put into seeking them. It’s not a linear relationship, but one where more dedicated effort unlocks more profound benefits.

Examples of Efforts We Exert

• Studying the Baha’i scriptures and teachings: Regularly reading and reflecting on texts like the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and Gleanings from the Writings of the Baha’i Faith gives us a foundational understanding of the Revelation’s principles and insights.
• Prayer and meditation: Connecting with God through prayer and meditation deepens our spiritual connection and opens us to the Revelation’s transformative power.
• Attending Baha’i gatherings and communities: Immerse ourselves in a supportive environment where we can learn from others, share experiences, and grow together in understanding the Revelation.
• Putting Baha’i principles into practice: Striving to embody the Revelation’s teachings in our daily lives through such qualities as love, unity, justice, and service to humanity demonstrates our commitment and opens us to its practical benefits.
• Serving others and contributing to the betterment of society: Applying the Revelation’s message of universal peace and oneness to actions like interfaith dialogue, volunteering, and promoting social justice aligns our lives with its purpose and brings blessings to ourselves and others.
  

Examples of Benefits We Receive

• Spiritual growth and transformation: The Revelation offers a path to develop our spiritual qualities, overcome self-centeredness, and cultivate closer connection with God.
• Greater understanding of life’s purpose and meaning: The teachings provide insights into the nature of reality, our place in the universe, and the purpose of our existence, offering clarity and direction in life.
• Inner peace and contentment: By aligning ourselves with the principles of love, unity, and forgiveness in the Revelation, we can find inner peace and cultivate a sense of well-being and joy.
• Guidance and assistance in overcoming challenges: The teachings offer wisdom and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, find strength in difficult times, and make decisions per divine principles.
• Contribution to a better world: By actively applying the Revelation’s message of unity and justice, we can build a more peaceful and harmonious society for all.
  

Remember, the more we “bestir ourselves” and actively seek the pearls of the ocean, the more opportunities we open ourselves to receive these incredible benefits. It’s a continuous journey of exploration, learning, and transformation, with ever-deeper treasures waiting to be discovered as we dedicate ourselves to the path of the Revelation.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 18, 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. ↩