Jalál, 19 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
WHEN WE CONSIDER existence, we observe that the mineral, the vegetable, the animal, and the human realms, each and all, are in need of an educator.
If the land is deprived of a cultivator, it becomes a thicket of thriving weeds, but if a farmer is found to cultivate it, the resulting harvest provides sustenance for living things. It is therefore evident that the land is in need of the farmer’s cultivation. Consider the trees: If they remain uncultivated, they bear no fruit, and without fruit they are of no use. But when committed to a gardener’s care, the barren tree becomes fruitful, and, through cultivation, crossing, and grafting, the tree with bitter fruit yields sweet fruit. These are rational arguments, which are what the people of the world require in this day.
Consider likewise the animals: If an animal is trained, it becomes domesticated, whereas man, if he is left without education, becomes like an animal. Indeed, if man is abandoned to the rule of nature, he sinks even lower than the animal, whereas if he is educated he becomes even as an angel. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Questions for Consideration:
What needs an educator?
What are the consequences of not having an educator? 2
Google Bard Response:
According to the excerpt from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the following needs educators:
The Land: Uncultivated land becomes overrun with weeds and loses its potential to provide sustenance. An educator (farmer) is needed to cultivate the land, ensuring its productivity and benefit to living things.
Plants: Untended trees bear no fruit and offer little value. An educator (gardener) is needed to care for them, encouraging fruitfulness and improving fruit quality through techniques like crossing and grafting.
Animals: Untrained animals remain wild and potentially dangerous. An educator (trainer) is needed to domesticate them, making them more suitable for human interaction and beneficial purposes.
Humans: Left without education, humans descend to the level of animals, lacking the knowledge and skills to build a civilized society. Educators guide humans toward intellectual development, moral values, and spiritual growth.
Consequences of Lacking an Educator:
- Reduced productivity and lack of sustenance: Uncultivated land, unproductive plants, and wild animals limit the resources available for human survival and well-being.
- Stagnation and lack of progress: Without education, individuals and societies remain stagnant, unable to develop their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the world.
- Increased conflict and instability: Uneducated individuals are more susceptible to manipulation and extremism, leading to potential social unrest and conflict.
- Loss of human dignity and purpose: Without education, humans may lose their sense of purpose and direction, struggling to find meaning and fulfillment.
Overall, the absence of educators can lead to a decline in all aspects of life, from material well-being to spiritual development. Education is, therefore, crucial for individuals and societies to thrive and reach their full potential.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 29, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/4#244455741. ↩
- 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, 17. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 