’Idál, 13 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
MAN is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words “The Kingdom shall be God’s” may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance of mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth its perversity harm Him. The Bird of the Realm of Utterance voiceth continually this call: “All things have I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake.” If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure. Were the earth to attain this station and be illumined with its light it could then be truly said of it: “Thou shall see in it no hollows or rising hills” (Qur’án 20:106). — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
What is the significance of education to humanity? 2
Google Gemini Response:
The passage by Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the profound significance of education to humanity:
- Unlocking Potential: Humans are described as possessing inherent potential, like a “mine rich in gems,” but lack of proper education hinders its realization. Education is the key, the “word proceeding out of the mouth of God,” allowing individuals to access and develop their inner treasures.
- Fostering Unity and Peace: Education through studying the “Scriptures sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will” promotes the principle of seeing humanity as “one soul.” This understanding fosters unity, breaking down barriers and promoting a sense of shared purpose.
- Divine Purpose and Service: The passage emphasizes that God desires nothing for Himself and created humanity not for personal gain but for humanity’s sake. When guided by the principles of fellowship and love, education allows individuals to understand this truth and contribute to a more peaceful and just world.
- Achieving True Freedom and Harmony: When individuals “inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love” through proper education, they gain a deeper understanding of true freedom. This freedom transcends the absence of external constraints and leads to “undisturbed peace and absolute composure.”
- Creating a Just and Balanced World: The quote uses the metaphor of a world “with no hollows or rising hills” to depict a state of perfect balance and harmony. Education, coupled with the principles of love and unity, is central to achieving such a world.
In essence, Bahá’u’lláh highlights that education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and skills. It is a transformative process that equips individuals to:
- Unleash their full potential: Education empowers individuals to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Promote unity and understanding: Education breaks down barriers and creates a more peaceful world by fostering a sense of shared humanity.
- Embrace service to others: True education cultivates a sense of responsibility towards the betterment of society and the well-being of all.
Therefore, Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes education as a crucial tool for individual and societal progress. It is the foundation for building a just, peaceful, and harmonious world where everyone can reach their full potential and contribute to the collective good.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
Education, like a radiant sun, illuminates humanity’s path, giving us wisdom, empowerment, and boundless possibilities. Let us delve into its profound significance:
Human Rights and Empowerment
- UNESCO asserts that education is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone throughout their lives. It is not only a privilege but an essential tool for personal and societal growth,
- Quality education shapes individuals into fully-rounded beings, equipping them with knowledge, skills, and confidence. It empowers them to participate actively in society, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to their communities ³.
Liberation from Poverty and Inequality
- Education is a powerful catalyst, lifting socially excluded children and adults from poverty. It bridges gaps, levels inequalities, and fosters sustainable development ⁴.
- When minds are enlightened, barriers crumble, and opportunities expand. Education dismantles the shackles of ignorance, enabling individuals to break free from cycles of deprivation.
Unity and Global Citizenship
- The Scriptures emphasize that all humans are interconnected, akin to facets of one soul. Education reinforces this unity, encouraging us to regard each other with compassion and empathy.
- When hearts bear the seal of understanding, the words “The Kingdom shall be God’s” resonate universally. Education fosters a sense of global citizenship, transcending borders and divisions.
Peace and Composure
- The Bird of the Realm of Utterance sings ceaselessly: “All things have I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake.” When infused with love and fellowship, education unveils the secret of undisturbed peace.
- Imagine an earth where every heart inhales this fragrance—a world devoid of hollows or rising hills, where understanding prevails over discord, and true liberty reigns supreme.
In this symphony of learning, let us recognize education’s melody—the harmonious chords that resonate across cultures, generations, and civilizations. In its embrace, humanity discovers its purpose, unlocks its treasures, and dances toward a brighter dawn. 🌟📚🌏
Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/12/2024
- About education | UNESCO
- What you need to know about the right to education | UNESCO
- The right to education | UNESCO
- Importance of Education in Life | Leverage Edu
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 12, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/6#610383368. ↩
- 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, 71. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 