Jamál, 05 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E
Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1
Quote for Reflection:
Say: From My laws the sweet-smelling savor of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of Victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed to My creation these words: “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.” Happy is the lover that hath inhaled the divine fragrance of his Best-Beloved from these words, laden with the perfume of a grace which no tongue can describe. By My life! He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favor will circle around My commandments that shine above the Dayspring of My creation. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
O My servants! Deprive not yourselves of the unfading and resplendent Light that shineth within the Lamp of Divine glory. Let the flame of the love of God burn brightly within your radiant hearts. Feed it with the oil of Divine guidance, and protect it within the shelter of your constancy. Guard it within the globe of trust and detachment from all else but God, so that the evil whisperings of the ungodly may not extinguish its light. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
O SON OF BEING! My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish. — Bahá’u’lláh 3
Question for Consideration:
Based on the quotes above, how should a person act according to God’s revealed teachings? 4
Google Gemini Response:
The passages from Bahá’u’lláh offer several core points on how a person should act according to God’s revealed teachings:
- Following God’s Laws with Love: Obedience to God’s laws is emphasized, but it should be motivated by love for God’s beauty rather than fear. (This is highlighted in the first quote.) Following these laws is seen as a path to victory and spiritual progress.
- Cultivating Love for God: Developing a deep and abiding love for God is central to living according to His teachings. This love is described as a “divine fragrance” and a “choice wine of fairness.” (This is emphasized in all three quotes.)
- Living a Moral and Ethical Life: Following God’s laws likely encompasses living a moral and ethical life that aligns with God’s will. These are called “standards of Victory” and “My commandments.” (This is mentioned in the first and second quotes.)
- Spiritual Growth and Guidance: The teachings encourage continuous spiritual growth and development. This can be achieved by seeking and following divine guidance, compared to “oil” that fuels the “flame of love of God.” (The second quote highlights this.)
- Detachment from Worldly Desires: The passages emphasize the importance of detachment from worldly desires and focusing one’s attention on God. This detachment is described as a “shelter of constancy” and a “globe of trust.” (This is highlighted in the second quote.)
- Steadfastness and Faith: Living according to God’s teachings requires steadfastness and unwavering faith. This is referred to as “constancy” and “entering the stronghold” of God’s love. (The second and third quotes highlight this.)
Overall, the passages portray a life guided by God’s teachings as one filled with love for God, adherence to ethical principles, a continuous pursuit of spiritual growth, and a detachment from worldly distractions. It is a life that offers security, purpose, and the potential for spiritual victory.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- The specific content of God’s laws may be found in sacred texts or the teachings of Prophets and Messengers.
- Living according to God’s teachings is a path to happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
- The Bahá’í faith emphasizes the importance of consulting scripture and seeking guidance from authorized sources to fully understand God’s teachings.
By following these principles and actively seeking knowledge and understanding, individuals can strive to live a life that aligns with God’s will.
ChatGPT Response:
According to the teachings revealed in the quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, a person should act in the following manner:
- Observe God’s Commandments: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of observing His commandments out of love for His beauty. This implies obedience to the laws and teachings laid down by God. Following these laws is described as planting the standards of victory upon the highest peaks, indicating that adherence to divine commandments leads to spiritual triumph.
- Inhale the Divine Fragrance: Bahá’u’lláh encourages individuals to deeply engage with His words and teachings, inhaling the divine fragrance contained within them. This suggests a profound spiritual absorption and appreciation of God’s guidance, leading to spiritual joy and enlightenment.
- Nurture the Flame of God’s Love: Individuals are instructed to keep the flame of love for God burning brightly within their hearts. This entails actively nurturing this love through spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and adherence to divine guidance. By feeding this flame with the oil of Divine guidance, individuals can safeguard it against the influences of doubt and negativity.
- Seek Refuge in God’s Love: Bahá’u’lláh teaches that His love is a stronghold, offering safety and security to those who enter therein. Therefore, individuals should seek refuge in God’s love, finding solace, protection, and guidance within it. Turning away from this love leads to spiritual peril and astray from righteousness.
- Cultivate Trust and Detachment: It’s essential for individuals to cultivate trust in God and detachment from worldly desires and distractions. By guarding the flame of God’s love within the globe of trust and detachment, individuals can shield themselves from the negative influences that threaten to extinguish its light.
According to these teachings, individuals should obey God’s commandments and deep spiritual engagement with His teachings, nurturing and safeguarding the flame of God’s love within their hearts, seeking refuge in His love, and cultivating trust and detachment from worldly distractions.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 23, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#087466198. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 23, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#413529355. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 23, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#204970481. ↩
- 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, 13. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 