’Idál, 08 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
O beloved of the Lord! If any soul speak ill of an absent one, the only result will clearly be this: he will dampen the zeal of the friends and tend to make them indifferent. For backbiting is divisive, it is the leading cause among the friends of a disposition to withdraw. If any individual should speak ill of one who is absent, it is incumbent on his hearers, in a spiritual and friendly manner, to stop him, and say in effect: would this detraction serve any useful purpose? Would it please the Blessed Beauty, contribute to the lasting honor of the friends, promote the holy Faith, support the Covenant, or be of any possible benefit to any soul? No, never! On the contrary, it would make the dust to settle so thickly on the heart that the ears would hear no more, and the eyes would no longer behold the light of truth.
If, however, a person setteth about speaking well of another, opening his lips to praise another, he will touch an answering chord in his hearers and they will be stirred up by the breathings of God. Their hearts and souls will rejoice to know that, God be thanked, here is a soul in the Faith who is a focus of human perfections, a very embodiment of the bounties of the Lord, one whose tongue is eloquent, and whose face shineth, in whatever gathering he may be, one who hath victory upon his brow, and who is a being sustained by the sweet savors of God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
What is the spiritual discipline required to overlook the faults of others and overcome the inclination to backbite? 2
Google Gemini Response:
The passage by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá highlights the harmful nature of backbiting and the importance of cultivating a spirit of forgiveness and appreciation. It suggests several spiritual disciplines that can help overcome this inclination and foster unity within a community:
- Awareness and Reflection: Recognizing the detrimental effects of backbiting on individuals and the community is crucial. Reflect on how it dampens zeal, creates division, and hinders spiritual progress. This awareness can act as a deterrent when the urge to gossip arises.
- Active Resistance: Don’t be a passive listener when you hear someone backbiting. Gently and respectfully intervene by questioning the purpose and consequences of their words. Ask if it genuinely serves the good of the individual, the community, or the Faith. This can encourage introspection and redirect the conversation towards a more constructive path.
- Cultivating Humility: Recognizing that everyone has imperfections, including yourself, fosters a more forgiving and understanding attitude. Remember that judging others reflects your inner state, and seeking to improve yourself is more productive than criticizing others.
- Focusing on the Positive: Instead of dwelling on the shortcomings of others, actively seek opportunities to appreciate their good qualities and contributions. This shift in focus promotes a more positive and uplifting atmosphere within the community.
- Prayer and Meditation: Regularly engaging in prayer and meditation can cultivate inner peace, compassion, and the strength to resist negative impulses. Seeking connection with the divine can remind you of the importance of unity and love.
- Service and Fellowship: Engaging in acts of service and fellowship with others strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Working together towards a common goal encourages understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
- Seeking Guidance: If you struggle with backbiting, seek guidance from trusted individuals, spiritual advisors, or community leaders. They can offer support, encouragement, and practical advice to help you overcome this habit and embrace a more loving and forgiving approach.
Remember, overcoming negative tendencies is a continuous process that requires commitment and effort. Incorporating these spiritual disciplines into your daily life can cultivate a more positive and united community, fostering a space where love, understanding, and appreciation for each other’s strengths can flourish.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
In pursuing spiritual growth, overlooking the faults of others and resisting the inclination to backbite are essential disciplines. Here are some insights from the Baha’i teachings that can guide us in this endeavor:
Self-Reflection and Imperfection Awareness
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encourages us to search out our own imperfections rather than focusing on the flaws of others. By recognizing our shortcomings, we become more compassionate and understanding toward others.
- When we realize we are imperfect, extending grace and forgiveness to those around us becomes easier.
Avoid Magnifying Others’ Faults
- Baha’u’llah wisely advises us: “Magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults may not appear great.” Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of someone’s character, we should strive to see the good within them.
- Remember that everyone is a complex mix of light and dark, and our task is to focus on the positive qualities.
Shift Focus to the Good
- Abdu’l-Bahá provides a practical approach: “If a man has ten good qualities and one bad one, look at the ten and forget the one.” Similarly, if someone has ten negative traits and one positive quality, focus on the positive aspect.
- Cultivate a mindset that emphasizes the virtues and strengths in others.
Sin-Covering Eyes and Positive Thinking:
- To truly love others, we need sin-covering eyes. Instead of fixating on faults, consciously choose to see the good.
- Positive thoughts can overcome negative ones. When thoughts of criticism arise, replace them with thoughts of love, peace, and understanding.
Practice Gratitude and Uplifting Energy:
- Fill your attention with positive perceptions. Express gratitude for the qualities you admire in others.
- As Abdu’l-Bahá advises: “When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.“
Remember that overlooking faults doesn’t mean ignoring harmful behavior or injustice. It means approaching others with compassion, seeking to uplift, and recognizing that we all have room for growth. Practicing these spiritual disciplines contributes to a more harmonious and loving world. 🌟🙏
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/13/2024
(1) How to Stop Focusing on Other People’s Faults
(2) The most overlooked spiritual discipline—Part 1 – Ministry
(3) 8 Spiritual Disciplines: What Are They & Why Are They Important??
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 230-231. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/8#181765648. ↩
- 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, 50. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 