Istijlál, 10 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
Incline your hearts, O people of God, unto the counsels of your true, your incomparable Friend. The Word of God may be likened unto a sapling, whose roots have been implanted in the hearts of men. It is incumbent upon you to foster its growth through the living waters of wisdom, of sanctified and holy words, so that its root may become firmly fixed and its branches may spread out as high as the heavens and beyond. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Questions for Consideration:
To what may the Word of God be compared?
Where have the roots of the tree of the Word of God been planted?
How should we foster the growth of this tree?
To what heights can this tree grow? 2
Google Bard Response:
Interpreting the Metaphor of the Word of God as a Tree
In the provided quote from Bahá’u’lláh, the Word of God is compared to a sapling, a young tree with the potential for immense growth. Let’s break down the metaphor into its fundamental elements:
1. Comparison: The Word of God is not presented as simply information or text but as a living, dynamic entity with the potential to grow and flourish. This emphasizes its power to transform individuals and society.
2. Roots in Hearts of Men: The roots of the sapling symbolize the deep connection between the Word of God and human beings. It suggests that the teachings are meant to be internalized and integrated into our very being, not just intellectually understood.
3. Fostering Growth: Our role is not passive but active. We are called to foster the growth of the sapling through living waters. This signifies engaging with the Word of God through various practices like:
- Studying scriptures and teachings.
- Reflecting on their deeper meaning and applying them to our lives.
- Sharing the message through prayer, discussion, and service.
- Living a life guided by the teachings, embodying their principles.
4. The Extent of Growth: The growth potential is immense. The branches are expected to spread “as high as the heavens and beyond.” This metaphor signifies the boundless potential for spiritual progress and transformation the Word of God offers. It suggests that it can elevate us beyond earthly limitations and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Essentially, the sapling metaphor reminds us that the Word of God is not static but a living force that can transform us from within. We are co-creators in its growth, entrusted with the responsibility to nurture it through dedication, practice, and living its principles. If we do so, the potential for our own spiritual ascent and contribution to the world is limitless.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 20, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/3#642818369. ↩
- 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, 6. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 