Daily Frameworks for 16 March 2024

Jalál, 16 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E

Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1

Quotes for Reflection:

O Husayn! O thou Preceptor!
From His Most Great Prison, the countenance of the Ancient of Days is turned towards thee, and He teacheth thee that which will draw thee nigh unto God, the Lord of mankind.
Blessed is that teacher who shall arise to instruct the children, and to guide the people into the pathways of God, the Bestower, the Well-Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

AMONG the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá ²

According to the explicit divine Text, teaching the children is indispensable and obligatory. It followeth that teachers are servants of the Lord God, since they have arisen to perform this task, which is the same as worship. You must therefore offer praise with every breath, for you are educating your spiritual children. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Question for Consideration:

What characterizes the value of the services rendered by teachers? ⁴

Google Gemini Response:

The passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize the immense value of teachers’ services through several key points:

High Calling and Significance

• Equivalence to Worship: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that teaching children is “the same as worship,” highlighting the sacred nature of a teacher’s role. It’s seen as a service directly to God.
• Equipping Future Generations: Teachers are entrusted with educating the “young plants of the Abhá Paradise,” shaping the future generations who will contribute to a better world. This immense responsibility adds to the value of their service.
  

Impact and Lasting Influence

• Shaping Character and Beliefs: Teachers play a crucial role in shaping children’s character, values, and understanding of the world. Their guidance can have a lasting positive impact on students’ lives.
• Building a Brighter Future: By nurturing future generations, teachers are essential contributing to the betterment of society as a whole. Their work lays the foundation for a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world.
  

Love and Dedication

• Blessed Service: Bahá’u’lláh calls a teacher who instructs children “blessed.” This signifies the spiritual reward and recognition associated with this service.
• Devotion and Grace: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes the importance of “grace” and “salvation” in the education process. Teachers are called upon to dedicate themselves fully to nurturing their students.
  

Overall, the service rendered by teachers in the Bahá’í faith is considered invaluable. Teachers are seen as agents of positive change, shaping future generations and contributing to the betterment of the world. Their role is likened to worship due to its sacred nature and potential for lasting positive impact.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The Bahá’í teachings emphasize the importance of teachers’ spiritual development, as they serve as role models for their students.
• Effective teaching methods that foster critical thinking, independent learning, and moral development are encouraged.
• The value of teachers extends beyond academic knowledge, encompassing nurturing a child’s spiritual and emotional well-being.
  

By recognizing the immense value of teachers, the Bahá’í faith encourages communities to support and appreciate their educators, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to fulfill their critical role.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

The quotes you’ve shared beautifully emphasize the sacred and profound nature of the services rendered by teachers. Let’s explore the key characteristics that underscore their immense value:

• Divine Calling: Teachers are not mere educators; they are servants of God. Their work is elevated to a form of worship. By nurturing young minds, they contribute to the spiritual development of humanity.
• Spiritual Nurturing: The education and training of children are likened to tending to young plants of the Abhá Paradise. Teachers foster grace, knowledge, and virtues within these precious souls, preparing them for a life of service and purpose.
• Abiding Glory: Just as pearls grow within the protective shell, children nurtured through education will one day adorn the crown of abiding glory. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping these future gems of humanity.
• Indispensable Obligation: Teaching children is not optional; it is indispensable and obligatory. Teachers are entrusted with a sacred duty—to guide young hearts toward truth, compassion, and understanding.
• Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment: Teachers contribute to enriching civilization. They impart knowledge, values, and ethics, ensuring that each generation carries forward the torch of progress and enlightenment.
• Character and Service: Beyond academics, teachers model character, resilience, and kindness. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, impacting families, communities, and society.
• Praise and Gratitude: As educators, teachers deserve our unceasing praise. Their selfless dedication echoes through eternity, shaping the destiny of nations and fostering unity among diverse souls.
  

In summary, teachers are beacons of light, illuminating the path toward knowledge, virtue, and service. Their legacy transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those they nurture. 🌟📚✨

1. Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. “Bahá’í Education.” Bahá’í Library Online, 1991. https://bahai-library.com/compilationbahaieducation/. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 133. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/6#385574615. ↩
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/055832403/1#229525813. ↩
4. Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.2.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 3-4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩