Daily Frameworks for 28 December 2023

Istijlál, 17 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

Detachment is as the sun: in whatsoever heart it doth shine it quencheth the fire of covetousness and self. He whose sight is illumined with the light of understanding will assuredly detach himself from the world and the vanities thereof… Let not the world and its vileness grieve you. Happy is he whom riches fill not with vain-glory, nor poverty with sorrow. — 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.
Detachment does not imply aloofness or lack of care. Which of the following could be a sign that one is not detached?
To derive joy from seeing the progress of others
To stop teaching a class when a few children misbehave
To brag about one’s accomplishments
To study hard and feel content with the progress one makes
To work hard to develop one’s capacity to serve the common good
To strive for excellence in one’s occupation
To exercise cleanliness and keep a clean and tidy home
To take care of one’s belongings
To care for the well-being of others
To be disheartened when not praised for one’s efforts ²

Google Bard Response:

In the context of Bahá’u’lláh’s quote, detachment doesn’t imply aloofness or a lack of care. It refers to a shift in focus from worldly attachments and desires to the spiritual essence of life and service to God. Here’s how we can analyze the listed actions:

Signs of non-detachment:

• Brag about accomplishments: This focuses on personal gain and recognition rather than serving a higher purpose.
• Stop teaching due to misbehavior: This suggests an attachment to personal comfort and control rather than patience and dedication to the learning of others.
• Disheartened by lack of praise: This shows dependence on external validation for internal fulfillment, contradicting the joy found in the act of service itself.
  

Actions compatible with detachment:

• Derive joy from others’ progress: This reflects a genuine concern for the well-being of others and finding happiness in their success, independent of personal gain.
• Study and feel content with progress: This demonstrates a dedication to learning and self-improvement for personal growth and contribution, not external recognition.
• Work hard to serve the common good: This aligns with the Bahá’í emphasis on service to humanity and finding fulfillment in contributing to a more significant cause.
• Strive for excellence: This reflects a desire to refine one’s skills and abilities to serve others better, not for personal glory.
• Exercise cleanliness and care for belongings: These are responsible practices that contribute to well-being and avoid wastefulness, not expressions of attachment.
• Care for the well-being of others: This aligns with the Bahá’í principle of universal love and shows genuine concern for others’ welfare, not a desire for control.
  

Remember:

• Detachment is a gradual process and occasional lapses into attachment are natural.
• Focus on the underlying motivations and intentions behind your actions.
• Seek joy and fulfillment in serving God and contributing to the betterment of humanity.
• Trust in God’s plan and accept that results may not always be immediate or visible.
  

By aligning your actions with your spiritual values and letting go of attachments to worldly outcomes, you can cultivate true detachment and experience the enduring joy of selfless service.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í World. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1980 Printing. Vol. 1, 1925–1926. 20 vols. Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1926, 42. http://dl.bahai.org/bahai-world/bahai-year-book-vol01-1925-1926.pdf. ↩
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, 8-9. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩