Daily Frameworks for 23 March 2024

Daily Frameworks 6 Minutes

Jalál, 04 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E

Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1

Quotes for Reflection:

O My brother! A pure heart is as a mirror; cleanse it with the burnish of love and severance from all save God, that the true sun may shine therein and the eternal morning dawn. Then wilt thou clearly see the meaning of “Earth and heaven cannot contain Me; what can alone contain Me is the heart of him that believeth in Me” (From a Ḥadíth). And thou wilt take up thy life in thy hand and with infinite longing cast it before thy newly found Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh 1

O SON OF BEING! Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation. — Bahá’u’lláh 2

Nearness to God is dependent upon purity of the heart and exhilaration of the spirit through the glad tidings of the Kingdom. Consider how a pure, well-polished mirror fully reflects the effulgence of the sun, no matter how distant the sun may be. As soon as the mirror is cleaned and purified, the sun will manifest itself. The more pure and sanctified the heart of man becomes, the nearer it draws to God, and the light of the Sun of Reality is revealed within it. This light sets hearts aglow with the fire of the love of God, opens in them the doors of knowledge and unseals the divine mysteries so that spiritual discoveries are made possible. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3

First in a human being’s way of life must be purity, then freshness, cleanliness, and independence of spirit. First must the stream bed be cleansed, then may the sweet river waters be led into it. Chaste eyes enjoy the beatific vision of the Lord and know what this encounter meaneth; a pure sense inhaleth the fragrances that blow from the rose gardens of His grace; a burnished heart will mirror forth the comely face of truth. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá 4

Question for Consideration:

Based on the quotes above, how does the quality of purity relate to the life of a human being? 5

Google Gemini Response:

The passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize the central role of purity in a human being’s life. Here’s how it relates:

  • Spiritual Connection: Purity is portrayed as essential for establishing a connection with God. A pure heart is compared to a clean mirror reflecting the “true sun” (God). (This is highlighted in all the quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and the first quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.)
  • Spiritual Development: Purity is seen as a prerequisite for spiritual development. Just as a clean mirror reflects light, a pure heart is necessary to receive divine revelation and experience the “light of the Sun of Reality” (God). (This is emphasized in the quote from Abdu’l-Bahá, which mentions a “well-polished mirror” reflecting the sun.)
  • Moral Foundation: Purity likely encompasses aspects of moral and ethical behavior that align with living a God-centered life. Cleanliness and severance from negative influences are mentioned as steps towards achieving purity. (This is suggested in the first quote from Bahá’u’lláh mentioning “severance from all save God.”)
  • Love and Detachment: Purity involves cultivating a love for God and detaching oneself from worldly attachments. This allows one to fully embrace the divine. (This is highlighted in the first quote from Bahá’u’lláh that mentions “burnish of love and severance from all save God.”)
  • Spiritual Knowledge and Discovery: A pure heart is a gateway to spiritual knowledge and understanding. Just as a clean stream allows water to flow freely, a purified heart fosters “spiritual discoveries” and allows one to receive divine mysteries. (This is emphasized in the second quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.)
  • Spiritual Benefits: Living a life of purity is associated with various benefits, including experiencing the “beatific vision of the Lord,” inhaling the “fragrances” of God’s grace, and having a heart that reflects “the comely face of truth.” (These are mentioned in the last quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.)

Overall, purity in the Bahá’í teachings is more than physical cleanliness. It encompasses a holistic approach to living a life that fosters a deep connection with God, allows for spiritual development, and promotes moral and ethical behavior.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • The concept of purity may encompass different aspects, such as chastity, honesty, and freedom from negative thoughts and desires.
  • Achieving a state of complete purity is an ongoing process of striving and spiritual growth.
  • The concept of purity is not about self-denial or asceticism but about aligning oneself with God’s will and living a life filled with love, service, and detachment from worldly desires.

By understanding the importance of purity, individuals can strive to cultivate a life that is spiritually rich and morally sound and ultimately leads to a closer connection with the divine.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

The concept of purity holds profound significance in the life of a human being, as reflected in the wisdom shared by various spiritual leaders. Let’s explore how this quality relates to our existence:

Mirror of the Heart

Bahá’u’lláh beautifully likens a pure heart to a mirror. Just as a mirror reflects light, a pure heart reflects the divine presence. To achieve this, one must cleanse the heart through love and detachment from all except God.

The heart becomes a vessel capable of containing the ineffable, transcending earthly limitations. Through purity, the heart becomes a receptacle for divine revelation and spiritual insights.

Nearness to God

  • ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes that nearness to God depends on the purity of the heart. A well-polished mirror fully reflects the sun’s brilliance, regardless of distance. Similarly, a purified heart draws closer to the divine source.
    • Purity enables communion with God, igniting the fire of love within. It opens the doors to knowledge and unveils hidden mysteries. The light of truth shines forth, illuminating the seeker’s path.

Spiritual-Moral Dimension

  • Purity extends beyond physical cleanliness. It encompasses spiritual and moral aspects. It involves treating the body as a temple rather than a mere playground.
    • This spiritual-moral dimension transcends religious boundaries. It signifies a higher nature, resisting base desires and seeking divine elevation.

Life’s Foundation

  • ‘Abdu’l-Bahá underscores that purity precedes other virtues. It is foundational. Just as a stream bed must be cleansed before channeling pure water, the heart’s purity precedes spiritual growth.
    • Chaste eyes behold the divine, and a pure sense inhales the fragrances of grace. A burnished heart mirrors truth, reflecting authenticity and depth.

In summary, purity is not merely physical but a state of the heart and spirit. It leads to nearness to God, spiritual illumination, and the discovery of profound truths. As we cleanse our hearts, we become vessels for divine manifestation and experience the transformative power of purity in our lives.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2024

  1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Call of the Divine Beloved: Selected Mystical Works of Bahá’ú’lláh.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 22, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/call-divine-beloved/4#248504405. ↩
  2. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 22, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#804011987. ↩
  3. ’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, 146. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/11#021995680. ↩
  4. ’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#000943798. ↩
  5. 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, 12. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
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