Daily Frameworks for 17 February 2024

Jalál, 11 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

In all things it is necessary to consult. This matter should be forcibly stressed by thee, so that consultation may be observed by all. The intent of what hath been revealed from the Pen of the Most High is that consultation may be fully carried out among the friends, inasmuch as it is and will always be a cause of awareness and of awakening and a source of good and well-being. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

THE prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, humility and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and long-suffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of Bahá shall be vouchsafed to them. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Question for Consideration:

What is the significance of consultation, and how should those who take such counsel together conduct themselves? ³

Google Gemini Response:

In the passages you shared, both Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize the critical importance of consultation in the Bahá’í community. Here’s how they explain its significance and the core principles for conducting fruitful consultations:

Significance of Consultation:

• Decision-making : It is the preferred method for making decisions at all levels of the Bahá’í community, seen as more just and effective than individual decisions.
• Awareness and awakening : Engaging in open and respectful dialogue leads to deeper understanding, new perspectives, and collective wisdom.
• Source of good and well-being : Consultation promotes unity, avoids personal agendas, and leads to decisions reflecting the best interests of everyone.
  

Principles for Conducting Consultation:

• Purity of Motive : Participants should strive for sincerity, seeking truth and the collective good, not personal gain.
• Radiance of Spirit : Bringing positive energy and an optimistic outlook fosters a constructive atmosphere.
• Detachment from worldly concerns : Focusing on spiritual principles and God’s will helps overcome personal biases.
• Attraction to God’s Fragrances : Seek guidance and inspiration from God and Bahá’í teachings.
• Humility and Lowliness : Recognizing everyone’s contributions and avoiding dominance or arrogance encourages open sharing.
• Patience and Long-suffering : Allow different perspectives to be heard and respectfully address opposing views.
• Servitude to God : Remember that serving the community’s well-being is the ultimate goal.
  

Additional Points:

• Equal participation: Everyone should be able to voice their opinions and be heard respectfully.
• Active listening: Listen attentively to understand others’ perspectives without interrupting.
• Seek common ground: Build upon shared values and goals to find solutions acceptable to all.
• Openness to guidance: Consider relevant quotes from Bahá’í scriptures and seek spiritual guidance.
• Respectful decision-making: Decisions should be reached through consensus, not by majority vote.
• Unity and acceptance: Even after making a decision, maintain unity and respect for differing views.
  

Consultations are central to the Bahá’í vision of a cooperative and harmonious community. By upholding these principles and actively engaging in respectful dialogue, you can contribute to making collective decisions that reflect the highest ideals and benefit the community.

Remember, interpretations of these passages and approaches to consultation can vary within the Bahá’í community. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a process that strengthens unity, reflects spiritual principles, and leads to decisions that serve the well-being of all.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Consultation holds immense significance in various aspects of life, whether personal, social, or spiritual. Let’s explore its importance and the conduct expected of those who engage in it:

Purpose and Significance of Consultation:

• Unity and Harmony:: Consultation fosters unity and harmony among participants. When people come together to discuss matters, they contribute their diverse perspectives, leading to better decisions.
• Collective Wisdom: Consultation taps into collective wisdom by pooling insights and experiences. It allows for creative solutions that may not emerge from individual thinking.
• Spiritual Growth: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that consultation is a divine command. It promotes awareness, awakening, and well-being. It aligns with spiritual growth and draws us closer to God.
• Conflict Resolution: Through open dialogue, consultation resolves conflicts, prevents misunderstandings and promotes understanding.
  

Attributes of Those Engaged in Consultation

• Purity of Motive: Participants should approach consultation sincerely and selflessly. Their intentions should be pure, seeking the best outcome for all.
• Radiance of Spirit: A positive and uplifting spirit enhances the quality of consultation. Avoid negativity or ego-driven attitudes.
• Detachment from All Else Save God: Detach from personal biases, attachments, and preferences. Focus on divine guidance and the greater good.
• Attraction to Divine Fragrances: Seek inspiration from spiritual sources. Let love, compassion, and justice guide your discussions.
• Humility and Lowliness: Be humble and receptive. Acknowledge that others’ insights are valuable. Avoid arrogance or self-righteousness.
• Patience and Long-Suffering: Consultation may involve challenges. Patience and endurance are essential. Avoid impatience or hasty judgments.
• Servitude to His Exalted Threshold: Approach consultation as an act of service to God. Serve the collective purpose rather than personal interests.
  

Conduct During Consultation

• Active Listening: Listen attentively to others’ viewpoints. Show respect and empathy.
• Speak Thoughtfully: Express your thoughts clearly and respectfully. Avoid dominating the conversation.
• Avoid Prejudice: Base decisions on merit, not personal biases.
• Seek Consensus: Strive for agreement. If consensus isn’t possible, accept majority decisions gracefully.
• Pray for Guidance: Begin and end consultations with prayer, seeking divine assistance.
  

In summary, consultation is a powerful tool for growth, unity, and effective decision-making. When conducted with purity of heart and adherence to spiritual principles, it becomes a channel for divine blessings and victory from the unseen Kingdom.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. “Consultation: A Compilation.” Translated by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, November 1990. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/consultation/2#737437268. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 87. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/5#468398405. ↩
3. 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, 51. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩