Jamál, 10 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E
Arising to Serve
Quotes for Reflection:
O MY SERVANTS!
Ye are the trees of My garden; ye must give forth goodly and wondrous fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom. Thus it is incumbent on every one to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lieth the secret of wealth, O men of understanding! For results depend upon means, and the grace of God shall be all-sufficient unto you. Trees that yield no fruit have been and will ever be for the fire. — Bahá’u’lláh 1We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living. — Shoghi Effendi 2
Question for Consideration:
What are the secrets of wealth and right living? 3
Google Gemini Response:
The provided passages from Bahá’u’lláh and Shoghi Effendi offer two perspectives on the secret and source of wealth, emphasizing both action and a spiritual mindset:
From Bahá’u’lláh
- Engaging in productive work: The passage highlights the importance of actively participating in society through crafts and professions. This is seen as the “secret of wealth” because it allows individuals to generate resources and contribute to their own well-being and that of others.
- Results depend on means: The passage acknowledges the practical need for material resources to achieve desired outcomes. Engaging in productive work provides the means to support yourself and contribute to the community.
- Divine grace: Ultimately, success and prosperity are seen as blessings from God. While hard work is essential, God’s grace ultimately determines the outcome.
From Shoghi Effendi
- Continual giving: True wealth is not just about accumulating possessions but a continual flow of giving. Like a spring, one should be constantly contributing to the good of others.
- Detachment and reliance on God: This act of giving should not be driven by fear of lack but by a sense of detachment from material possessions and a deep trust in God’s unfailing bounty.
Combining these perspectives
- True wealth is a combination of material resources and a spiritual mindset.
- Engaging in productive work allows you to generate resources and contribute to society.
- This work ethic should be coupled with a spirit of generosity and a focus on serving others.
- All good things, including material prosperity, come from God.
Key points to remember
- The Bahá’í faith encourages a balanced approach to wealth, valuing hard work and generosity.
- Material resources are essential for progress and supporting the community.
- True wealth lies in using your resources to better yourself and others.
- Trust in God’s providence is essential for a fulfilling and prosperous life.
This interpretation is based on the provided passages. It’s important to note that understandings of wealth and prosperity can vary within the Bahá’í faith.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
The secret and source of wealth are beautifully expressed in these profound quotes:
- Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that we, as servants, are like trees in a divine garden. To bear goodly and wondrous fruits, we must engage in crafts and professions. The secret lies in action—results depend on our efforts. The grace of God is our sufficiency. Trees that yield no fruit face a different fate.
- Shoghi Effendi compares us to a fountain or spring. Continually emptying ourselves for the benefit of others, unafraid of poverty, we rely on the unfailing bounty from an invisible source. Right living involves generosity, trust, and a recognition of abundance.
The secret lies in giving, trust, and service—not just material wealth but also spiritual richness. 🌿🌟💰
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 9, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#119659976. ↩
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Bahá’í Funds and Contributions.” Bahá’í Reference Library, January 1989. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/bahai-funds-contributions/2#110878211. ↩
- 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, 65. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 