’Idál, 15 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E.
Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1
Quotes for Reflection:
The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men. The ocean of divine wisdom surgeth within this exalted word, while the books of the world cannot contain its inner significance. Were mankind to be adorned with this raiment, they would behold the daystar of the utterance, “On that day God will satisfy everyone out of His abundance,” (Qur’án 4:129) shining resplendent above the horizon of the world. Appreciate ye the value of this utterance; it is a noble fruit that the Tree of the Pen of Glory hath yielded. Happy is the man that giveth ear unto it and observeth its precepts. Verily I say, whatever is sent down from the heaven of the Will of God is the means for the establishment of order in the world and the instrument for promoting unity and fellowship among its peoples. Thus hath the Tongue of this Wronged One spoken from His Most Great Prison. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
No radiance…can compare with that of justice. The organization of the world and the tranquillity of mankind depend upon it. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the House of Justice that the members thereof may act according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which God hath revealed in His Book. — Bahá’u’lláh 3
O SON OF SPIRIT! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes. — Bahá’u’lláh 4
Question for Consideration:
What is the significance of justice in the life of an individual and the efforts of a spiritual education teacher? 5
Google Gemini Response:
The passages by Bahá’u’lláh emphasize the profound significance of justice in two aspects:
In the Life of an Individual
- Clarity and Moral Compass: Justice is described as the “light of men,” providing clarity and guidance for ethical behavior. It allows individuals to see the world objectively and distinguish right from wrong.
- Unity and Harmony: Justice is seen as the foundation for unity among people. When individuals treat each other fairly, it fosters a sense of peace and harmony in society.
- Inner Peace and Confidence: Acting justly allows individuals to live with a clear conscience and promotes inner peace and self-respect.
- Divine Favor: The quotes suggest that practicing justice is a way to connect with the divine and receive God’s blessings.
In the Efforts of a Spiritual Education Teacher
- Central Pillar of Spiritual Education: Justice isn’t just a concept; it’s a core principle that should guide all aspects of spiritual education.
- Promoting Order and Unity: A spiritual education grounded in justice can contribute to a more orderly and peaceful world.
- Developing Independent Thinkers: By teaching the principles of justice, educators can empower individuals to think critically and make their judgments.
- Role Model and Setting an Example: Spiritual educators are called upon to embody justice in their own lives and interactions with students.
Key Takeaways for a Spiritual Education Teacher
- Weaving Justice into Curriculum: Spiritual educators should integrate themes of fairness, equality, and respect into their teaching materials and discussions.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: Encourage students to question, analyze, and form their understanding of justice in different contexts.
- Promoting Empathy and Service: Help students develop empathy for others and encourage them to promote justice in their communities actively.
- Living the Principles: Teachers, by treating students with respect and fairness, model the importance of justice in their everyday interactions.
Overall, the message is clear: Justice is not just a societal ideal; it’s a core principle for individual growth and spiritual development. By integrating these principles into their teachings, spiritual education teachers can empower individuals to lead more meaningful and impactful lives.
ChatGPT 3.5 Response:
The significance of justice in the life of an individual and the efforts of a spiritual education teacher is profound, as emphasized in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh:
- Foundation of Unity and Tranquility: Justice serves as the foundation for unity and tranquility in both individual lives and society at large. It ensures fairness, equality, and balance, fostering harmony among individuals and promoting peaceful coexistence within communities.
- Source of Divine Radiance: Bahá’u’lláh describes justice as a radiant light that surpasses all other forms of radiance. It is a divine attribute that illuminates the path towards righteousness and guides individuals towards spiritual growth and fulfillment.
- Organizer of the World: Justice is depicted as the organizing principle of the world. It establishes order, resolves conflicts, and maintains the equilibrium necessary for the functioning of society. Without justice, chaos and discord prevail, hindering progress and development.
- Instrument of Divine Will: Justice is described as an instrument through which the divine will is manifested in the world. It is the means by which God’s purpose for humanity, including the establishment of unity and fellowship, is realized.
- Essential Component of Governance: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of justice in governance and decision-making processes. He calls upon individuals in positions of authority to uphold justice, ensuring that laws and policies are fair and equitable for all members of society.
For a spiritual education teacher, the significance of justice lies in their role as facilitators of moral and ethical development in children and youth. By teaching the principles of justice and modeling just behavior, teachers help students cultivate a sense of fairness, empathy, and responsibility towards others. They guide students in understanding the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, resolving conflicts peacefully, and working toward the common good. Through their efforts, spiritual education teachers contribute to establishing a more just and compassionate society in alignment with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾuʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 126. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/3#549730774. ↩
- Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#990670022. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾuʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 126. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/4#380202926. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#099947277. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.1.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 38-39. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 