Daily Frameworks for 02 January 2024

Fidál, 03 Sharaf (Honor), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

[An educator] must likewise lay the foundations of human education—that is, he must so educate human minds and thoughts that they may become capable of substantive progress; that science and knowledge may expand; that the realities of things, the mysteries of the universe, and the properties of all that exists may be revealed; that learning, discoveries, and major undertakings may day by day increase; and that matters of the intellect may be deduced from and conveyed through the sensible.

He must also impart spiritual education, so that minds may apprehend the metaphysical world, breathe the sanctified breaths of the Holy Spirit, and enter into relationship with the Concourse on high, and that human realities may become the manifestations of divine blessings, that perchance all the names and attributes of God may be reflected in the mirror of the human reality and the meaning of the blessed verse “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness” may be realized. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What types of education does an educator provide to humanity? ²

Google Bard Response:

According to the passage by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the ideal educator for humanity’s progress would provide three distinct types of education, each addressing different aspects of human development:

Substantive Human Education:

Focus: Expanding knowledge and understanding of the world.

Goals:

• Stimulating intellectual growth and critical thinking.
• Progressing science and uncovering new knowledge.
• Demystifying the universe and understanding its workings.
• Unveiling the properties and potential of all that exists.
• Cultivating learning, discovery, and ambitious undertakings.
• Connecting intellectual understanding to sensory experiences.
  

Spiritual Education:

Focus: Connecting with the divine and expanding spiritual awareness.

Goals:

• Enhancing one’s perception of the spiritual realm.
• Experiencing the divine through spiritual guidance and connection.
• Establishing a relationship with the divine realm (Concourse on high).
• Transforming human beings into embodiments of divine blessings.
• Reflecting God’s names and attributes within human reality.
• Fulfilling the purpose of “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.”
  

Holistic Integration:

Relationship between types: The passage emphasizes the interdependency of these types of education. Substantive human education provides the foundation for spiritual understanding, while spiritual education guides our pursuit of knowledge and action toward higher purposes.

Ultimate goal: The ideal is to achieve a balanced and integrated development, where intellectual progress is a bridge to spiritual connection and divine reflection.

Beyond the quote:

Individual paths: The specific emphasis on each type of education may vary depending on individual spiritual journeys and circumstances.

Continuous learning: Pursuing knowledge and spiritual understanding is an ongoing process throughout life.

Importance of educators: While the ideal educator may be sought after, the quote also underscores the responsibility of individuals to engage actively in self-education and growth in all three domains.

Remember, this is just a glimpse into the complex concept of education in the Bahá’í context. Further exploration of Bahá’í writings and teachings can provide deeper insights into this multifaceted perspective on education and its role in fulfilling the potential of humanity.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 1, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/4#357248995. ↩
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. ↩