Daily Frameworks for 01 January 2024

Kamál, 02 Sharaf (Honor), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

Now, we need an educator who can be at the same time a material, a human, and a spiritual educator, that his authority may have effect at every degree of existence. And should anyone say, “I am endowed with perfect reason and comprehension, and have no need for such an educator”, he would be denying the obvious. It is as though a child were to say, “I have no need of education, but will act and seek the perfections of existence according to my own thinking and intelligence”, or as though a blind man were to claim, “I have no need of sight, for there are many blind people who get by.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What are the characteristics of an educator that humanity needs to progress? ²

Google Bard Response:

According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s quote, an educator of humanity must embody a unique combination of qualities encompassing all three spheres of education: material, human, and spiritual. Here are some key characteristics:

Universality and comprehensiveness:

The educator must understand and address the needs of all beings, from the material realm to the spiritual realm. This requires a vast and all-encompassing knowledge base, encompassing physical laws, social dynamics, and spiritual principles.

Authority across all levels:

The educator’s guidance must hold weight at every stage of existence, from the body’s physical development to the cultivation of the soul. This implies possessing a deep understanding and connection with all aspects of reality, both seen and unseen.

Humility and non-imposition:

Despite their authority, the educator must remain humble and avoid imposing their will. The goal is to empower individuals to discover their potential and navigate their path, not to dictate their beliefs or actions.

Prophetic vision and insight:

The educator should possess a clear vision for the future and a deep understanding of the human condition. This allows them to guide humanity towards a more just and harmonious future, offering solutions to contemporary challenges and inspiring progress towards a higher ideal.

Practical wisdom and guidance:

While offering spiritual insights, the educator must also provide practical guidance for navigating concerns of everyday life. This includes promoting ethical values, fostering social harmony, and encouraging responsible stewardship of the material world.

Continuous learning and self-improvement:

The educator should remain open to learning and evolving themselves, recognizing that the path of knowledge and understanding is never-ending. This fosters humility and open-mindedness, making the educator a lifelong learner and a model for others.

Manifestation of divine qualities:

Ultimately, the ideal educator embodies divine attributes like love, justice, wisdom, and compassion. This allows them to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding humanity toward spiritual growth and alignment with the divine will.

Analogies:

The quote uses the analogies of a child who rejects education and a blind person claiming no need for sight. These highlight the folly of arrogance and self-sufficiency, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and knowledge even from seemingly perfect states.

Humility and Self-Reflection:

Remember, searching for this ideal educator is a continuous process, and recognizing the need for guidance is the first step. Each individual, in their way, can strive to embody these characteristics and contribute to humanity’s collective learning and progress.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 31, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/4#092119254. ↩
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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩