Daily Frameworks for 22 January 2024

Kamál, 04 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quotes for Reflection:

The proof is clear that the world of nature is imperfect, the world of education perfect. That is to say, man is rescued from the exigencies of nature by training and culture; consequently, education is necessary, obligatory. But education is of various kinds. There is a training and development of the physical body which ensures strength and growth. There is intellectual education or mental training for which schools and colleges are founded. The third kind of education is that of the spirit. Through the breaths of the Holy Spirit man is uplifted into the world of moralities and illumined by the lights of divine bestowals. The moral world is only attained through the effulgence of the Sun of Reality and the quickening life of the divine spirit. For this reason the holy Manifestations of God appear in the human world. They come to educate and illuminate mankind, to bestow spiritual susceptibilities, to quicken inner perceptions and thereby adorn the reality of man—the human temple—with divine graces. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

WERE there no educator, all souls would remain savage, and were it not for the teacher, the children would be ignorant creatures.

It is for this reason that, in this new cycle, education and training are recorded in the Book of God as obligatory and not voluntary. That is, it is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son, to nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts. Should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Bahá’u’lláh hath proclaimed the universality of education, which is essential to the unity of mankind, that one and all may be equally educated, whether girls or boys, and receive the same education. When education is universalized in all schools, perfect communication between the members of the human race will be established. When all receive the same kind of education the foundations of war and contention will be utterly destroyed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Question for Consideration:

How do the ideas expressed in the quotes above address concerns about education? ⁴

Google Bard Response:

The quotes by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offer a unique and insightful perspective on education, addressing concerns in several key ways:

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of education

• Beyond formal schooling, the quote emphasizes the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual education. This holistic approach acknowledges the need to develop the entire person, not just their academic skills.
• The concept of “moral education” through the “breaths of the Holy Spirit” addresses concerns about the erosion of values and the lack of moral grounding in traditional education systems.
  

Emphasizing the importance of universal and equitable education

• The quote calls for education to be an obligation, not a privilege, ensuring access for all regardless of gender or background. This addresses concerns about unequal access to quality education and its impact on social and economic mobility.
• By advocating for the same education for girls and boys, the quote challenges traditional gender roles and promotes gender equality in the learning environment.
  

Linking education to global unity and peace

• The quote proposes that universal education can lay the foundation for communication, understanding, and cooperation between different cultures and nations. This addresses concerns about global conflicts and the need for mutual respect and collaboration.
• By eliminating disparities in educational opportunities, the quote suggests we can undermine the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of understanding.
  

Recognizing the role of educators and parents

• The quote highlights the crucial role of educators and parents in shaping young minds and nurturing their spiritual development. This addresses concerns about the declining value of teachers and the need for strong family-school partnerships.
• By emphasizing the responsibility of parents to educate their children, the quote encourages active engagement in the learning process and fosters a shared commitment to education within the family.
  

Overall, the ideas expressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offer a refreshing and hopeful perspective on education. They encourage us to move beyond narrow conceptions of learning and embrace a broader vision that addresses the needs of the whole person, promotes global understanding, and lays the groundwork for a more just and peaceful world.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the quote also raises some questions for further discussion:

• How can we ensure that universal education is accessible and effective for all, especially in regions with limited resources?
• How can we balance the need for standardization and uniformity in education with the need for diversity and individualization?
• How can we integrate spiritual and moral education into existing curriculums without compromising academic rigor or imposing specific religious beliefs?
• How can we empower educators and parents to fulfill their crucial roles in shaping the future generation?
  

By engaging in open and thoughtful dialogue about these questions and drawing inspiration from diverse perspectives, we can work towards implementing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision of education as a powerful tool for individual growth, global understanding, and collective progress.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 329-330. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/25#691219964. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 126-127. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/5#925545422. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/581329012/1#998941264. ↩
4. 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, 30. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩