Kamál, 18 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E
Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1
Quotes for Reflection:
THOU didst write as to the children: from the very beginning, the children must receive divine education and must continually be reminded to remember their God. Let the love of God pervade their inmost being, commingled with their mother’s milk. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Every child is potentially the light of the world—and at the same time its darkness; wherefore must the question of education be accounted as of primary importance. From his infancy, the child must be nursed at the breast of God’s love, and nurtured in the embrace of His knowledge, that he may radiate light, grow in spirituality, be filled with wisdom and learning, and take on the characteristics of the angelic host. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá 2
AS to thy question regarding the education of children: it behooveth thee to nurture them at the breast of the love of God, and urge them onward to the things of the spirit, that they may turn their faces unto God; that their ways may conform to the rules of good conduct and their character be second to none; that they make their own all the graces and praiseworthy qualities of humankind; acquire a sound knowledge of the various branches of learning, so that from the very beginning of life they may become spiritual beings, dwellers in the Kingdom, enamored of the sweet breaths of holiness, and may receive an education religious, spiritual, and of the Heavenly Realm. Verily will I call upon God to grant them a happy outcome in this. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá 3
Question for Consideration:
Based on the quotes above, what is the significance of a child’s spiritual education, and when should it begin? 4
Google Gemini Response:
Based on the quotes from ’Abdu’l-Bahá, a child’s spiritual education holds immense significance and should ideally begin from the very earliest stages of life:
Significance of Spiritual Education
- Foundation for a moral life: Instilling a love for God and spiritual values from a young age lays the groundwork for ethical behavior and a life guided by principles.
- Developing a connection with the divine: Spiritual education fosters a connection with a higher power, providing comfort, purpose, and guidance throughout life.
- Nurturing the potential for good: By nurturing a child’s spirit with love and knowledge, we cultivate their potential to become a positive force in the world, “the light of the world.”
- Building a solid foundation: Spiritual education, combined with intellectual and moral development, provides a well-rounded foundation for a child’s growth.
Importance of Early Start
- Openness and receptivity: Children in their early years are highly receptive to new ideas and influences. Early exposure to spiritual concepts fosters lifelong understanding and connection.
- Building lifelong habits: Just like learning a language, introducing spiritual practices and values early makes it more likely that these practices will become ingrained in the child’s life.
- Modeling and setting an example: Spiritual education is most effective when parents and caregivers embody the values they want to instill. It’s a continuous process that starts with daily interactions and modeling.
The quotes emphasize that spiritual education should be:
- Incorporated into daily life: It’s not about separate lessons but about weaving them into everyday interactions, stories, prayers, and activities.
- Nurturing with love and guidance: Creating a safe and loving environment where children feel comfortable exploring their spirituality without judgment is vital.
- Balanced with intellectual and moral development: Spiritual education complements, not replaces, intellectual and moral development.
Overall, the message is clear: a child’s spiritual education is crucial for holistic development. By starting early, fostering a loving environment, and setting positive examples, we can help children cultivate their potential for good and contribute to a more peaceful and meaningful world.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
The significance of a child’s spiritual education is profound and multifaceted. Let us explore this important topic:
Foundation of Character and Values:
- Spiritual education lays the foundation for a child’s character and values. It shapes their understanding of right and wrong, compassion, empathy, and integrity.
- Children learn to embody virtues such as love, kindness, honesty, and humility by nurturing spiritual awareness from an early age.
Connection with the Divine:
- Spiritual education helps children establish a connection with the divine, whether through religious teachings, meditation, or inner reflection.
- It encourages them to seek meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging beyond the material world.
Inner Strength and Resilience:
- Spiritually educated children develop inner strength and resilience. They learn to face challenges with courage, trust, and hope.
- Spiritual grounding provides comfort during difficult times and fosters emotional well-being.
Guidance for Decision-Making:
- Children equipped with spiritual knowledge make better decisions. They consider ethical implications and seek guidance from their inner compass.
- Spiritual education empowers them to choose wisely and act in alignment with their values.
Holistic Development:
- Spiritual education complements intellectual, emotional, and physical development. It nurtures the whole child.
- Children who understand their spiritual nature grow into balanced individuals who appreciate both material and immaterial aspects of life.
Cultivation of Virtues:
- Spiritual education emphasizes virtues such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.
- These virtues shape a child’s character, influencing their interactions with others and their impact on the world.
Early Beginnings Matter:
- Spiritual education should begin from infancy. Just as a child is nourished physically, they must also be nurtured spiritually.
- Parents, caregivers, and educators play a crucial role in fostering spiritual awareness through stories, prayers, and positive examples.
Integration into Daily Life:
- Spiritual education is not separate from other aspects of learning. It should be seamlessly integrated into a child’s daily life.
- Children learn spirituality through everyday experiences, relationships, and moments of wonder.
In summary, a child’s spiritual education is essential for holistic growth, character development, and connection to the divine. It should commence from the earliest stages of life, enveloping them in love, wisdom, and the pursuit of higher truths.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/17/2024
- Children’s life and spirituality development and their educations: sensing, spaces, and sources of influence | International Journal of Children’s Spirituality
- The Importance of Spiritual Development in Early Childhood | DailyU
- What You Need to Know About Kids’ Spiritual Development | Children’s Ministry
- Research Shows That Spiritual Maturity Process Should Start at a Young | Barna
- How Does Spirituality Grow in Children? | Greater Good
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 127. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/6#702372553. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 130-131. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/6#872286222. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 142. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/6#915305475. ↩
- 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, 7. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 