Istijlál, 02 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E
Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1
Quote for Reflection:
What a wonderful meeting this is! These are the children of the Kingdom. The song we have just listened to was very beautiful in melody and words. The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure, and melodies have great influence in them. The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed will find expression through the medium of music. Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them proficient; teach them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise, it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Why is it important for children to learn to sing beautiful songs from the time they are very young? 2
Google Gemini Response:
According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the passage, there are several reasons why children need to learn to sing beautiful songs from a young age:
Nurturing the Soul and Spirit
- Food of the soul and spirit: Music is seen as a form of nourishment, providing a way to uplift and enrich a child’s inner life.
- Uplifting the spirit: Beautiful music can elevate a child’s spirit, promoting joy, peace, and inspiration.
Unlocking Potential
- Expression of latent talents: Music provides a platform for children to express their innate talents and creativity.
- Development of musical skills: Learning to sing helps children develop their vocal abilities and musical understanding.
Positive Influence on the Heart
- Pure hearts of children: Children’s openness and receptivity make them particularly susceptible to the positive influence of music.
- Sway and effect on hearts: Beautiful melodies can profoundly affect a child’s heart, shaping their emotions and values.
Appreciation of Music
- Enjoying melodies: Learning to sing helps Children develop a deeper appreciation for music and the ability to enjoy it more fully.
- Importance of musical knowledge: Basic knowledge of music allows children to understand and appreciate music on a more informed level.
Overall Well-being and Joy
- Vivified and exhilarated souls and hearts: Music is seen as a way to invigorate and uplift children’s spirits, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
- Brightened lives: Learning music can bring enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment to children’s lives.
In essence, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes that exposure to beautiful music from a young age goes beyond just learning a skill. It’s a way to nurture a child’s spiritual and emotional well-being, unlock their creative potential, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and power of music.
ChatGPT 3.5 Response:
According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, learning to sing beautiful songs from a young age holds several significant benefits:
- Upliftment of the Spirit: Music possesses a divine quality that uplifts the spirit and nourishes the soul. Exposing children to beautiful melodies and lyrics gives them a means to elevate their inner selves, fostering a sense of spiritual well-being.
- Influence on the Heart: Children, with their pure hearts, are particularly receptive to the influence of music. Melodies have a profound effect on them, shaping their emotions and thoughts. Immersing them in beautiful music enriches their hearts and makes them more attuned to the beauty of the world around them.
- Expression of Talents: Children often possess latent talents waiting to be expressed. Music serves as a medium through which these talents can find expression. By teaching children to sing with excellence and effect, educators and caregivers help them unlock their potential and develop their artistic abilities.
- Enhanced Enjoyment of Life: Knowledge of music enriches one’s enjoyment of life. The full beauty of musical compositions cannot be appreciated without an understanding of this art form. Teaching children about music equips them with a tool for finding joy and fulfillment in the world around them.
- Vivification and Exhilaration: Exposure to music vivifies and exhilarates the souls and hearts of individuals. Integrating music into educational curricula enlivens the learning experience, making it more engaging and enriching. It brightens students’ lives, fostering a sense of joy and enthusiasm for learning.
In summary, learning to sing beautiful songs from a young age is important because it nurtures children’s spiritual well-being, influences their hearts in positive ways, allows them to express their talents, enriches their enjoyment of life, and vivifies their souls, contributing to their overall development and happiness.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 52. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/3#004219341. ↩
- 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, 9. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
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