Daily Frameworks for 24 December 2023

Jamál, 13 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Questions for Consideration:

When we realize that, of all the things we do in our lives, the moments we spend sharing the Word of God with others are invested with special blessings, we arrive at a most significant conclusion: that the joy we derive from service lies in the act itself. We hope, of course, that the acts of service we perform will yield worthy results, but if we are too attached to the results, if we are overly affected by praise or criticism, we will lose the joy of teaching. That which should inspire us to serve is the love of God, not the desire to have success, to receive benefits, or to gain recognition. Detachment from all these is a requisite of joyful service.
Does being detached from this world mean living like a hermit?
Is it possible to be detached from this world and to possess things at the same time? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the context of Bahá’u’lláh’s quote and the accompanying explanation, detachment from the world doesn’t necessarily mean living like a hermit or renouncing material possessions. It’s more about shifting our focus and priorities.

Here’s a breakdown of the main points:

• Closing one eye to the world: This isn’t about literal blindness to our earthly lives, but about reducing the hold worldly desires and distractions have on us. It’s about prioritizing our spiritual connection with God.
• Opening the other eye to the Beloved: This signifies focusing our attention on God and His teachings. It’s about seeking beauty, meaning, and purpose in the spiritual realm.
  

Detachment in this context isn’t about:

• Abandoning our responsibilities or neglecting our loved ones.
• Living in complete isolation or deprivation.
• Ignoring the world’s needs or refusing to participate in society.
  

It’s about:

• Cultivating an inner peace and contentment that doesn’t depend on external circumstances.
• Letting go of attachment to material possessions and worldly achievements.
• Focusing our energy and motivation on serving God and humanity.
  

Therefore:

• Living like a hermit is not the only way to be detached. Many people find ways to integrate spiritual practices and a focus on God into their everyday lives, even with worldly commitments.
• Possessing things doesn’t inherently contradict detachment. It’s about our relationship with those possessions. We can enjoy and use them without letting them control us or define our identity.
  

Ultimately, detachment is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously refining our priorities and aligning our hearts with God’s will. It’s about finding joy in serving others and sharing the love of God, regardless of the external results.

Remember, the goal is not to become detached from everything but to become attached to the one genuine source of lasting joy and fulfillment: God.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 23, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#775762706. ↩
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, 7-8. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩