Kamál, 14 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
O FRIENDS! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust. — 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.
Is a person who dedicates practically every hour of life to his or her work detached from the things of this world?
Is a person who works only enough to satisfy his or her basic needs and spends the rest of the time doing nothing detached from this world? 2
Google Bard Response:
Identifying detachment in the context of Bahá’u’lláh’s quote requires looking beyond outward actions and into the motivations and inner state of mind. Both scenarios you presented offer intriguing perspectives:
Scenario 1: Dedicating every hour to work:
- Potential for detachment: This person could be driven by a deep sense of purpose and service, finding joy in the work itself and its contribution to something greater than themselves. Their focus might be on the impact and value they create, not personal gain or recognition.
- Potential for attachment: Conversely, this dedication could stem from an unhealthy attachment to work, fueled by ambition, fear of failure, or a need for validation. The focus would then be on external outcomes, leading to potential dissatisfaction and a sense of emptiness even with success.
Scenario 2: Working minimally and spending most time on non-work activities:
- Potential for detachment: This person could be practicing mindful living, focusing on inner peace and spiritual development. Their non-work activities could enrich their soul and align with their values, leading to a sense of fulfillment regardless of material possessions.
- Potential for attachment: Alternatively, this could be a form of escapism or avoidance of responsibility. The lack of engagement with the world could lead to stagnation and a sense of disconnect from society, contradicting the Bahá’í emphasis on contributing to the betterment of humanity.
Ultimately, detachment is not about the quantity of time spent on specific activities but the quality of our inner state. It’s about aligning our actions with our spiritual values, regardless of external circumstances. We can strive for a balanced approach, actively contributing to the world while maintaining inner peace and detachment from worldly attachments.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Finding joy in the present moment and the act itself, regardless of the outcome.
- Practicing gratitude for what we have without being consumed by desires for more.
- Cultivating a sense of service and contributing to the well-being of others.
- Maintaining a healthy balance between spiritual development, work, and other aspects of life.
Remember, the journey toward detachment is personal, and there’s no one answer. Be kind to yourself, explore different perspectives, and listen to your inner wisdom to find the path that resonates most with you and brings you true joy and fulfillment.
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#909085672. ↩
- 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. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 