Daily Frameworks for 13 July 2024

Jalál, 02 Kalimát (Words), 181 B.E.

Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth

Quotes for Reflection:

We have counselled all people, in the most clear and eloquent language, to adorn their characters with trustworthiness and godliness, and with such qualities as are conducive to the elevation of man’s station in the world of being. This Wronged One testifieth that the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony. Dissension and strife have always been, and shall remain, rejected by God. The Books, the Scriptures and Holy Writings of previous ages have all proclaimed the joyful tidings that the purpose underlying this most mighty Revelation is none other than the rehabilitation of the world and its nations; that perchance the power of utterance may prevail over the power of arms, and the world’s affairs be administered through the potency of love. We ask God, the True One, to invest all with the mantle of trustworthiness, for that is the world’s comeliest garment. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Consider carefully: all these highly varied phenomena, these concepts, this knowledge, these technical procedures and philosophical systems, these sciences, arts, industries and inventions—all are emanations of the human mind. Whatever people has ventured deeper into this shoreless sea, has come to excel the rest. The happiness and pride of a nation consist in this, that it should shine out like the sun in the high heaven of knowledge. “Shall they who have knowledge and they who have it not, be treated alike?” (Qur’án 39:12) And the honor and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

How long shall we drift on the wings of passion and vain desire; how long shall we spend our days like barbarians in the depths of ignorance and abomination? God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living. He has given us ears, that we may hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it. Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good; so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labor at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge. We should continually be establishing new bases for human happiness and creating and promoting new instrumentalities toward this end. How excellent, how honorable is man if he arises to fulfill his responsibilities; how wretched and contemptible, if he shuts his eyes to the welfare of society and wastes his precious life in pursuing his own selfish interests and personal advantages. Supreme happiness is man’s, and he beholds the signs of God in the world and in the human soul, if he urges on the steed of high endeavor in the arena of civilization and justice. “We will surely show them Our signs in the world and within themselves.” (Qur’án 41:53) — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

In one of the Tablets these words have been revealed: O people of God! Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behavior. Valiant acts will ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power. Cleave unto righteousness, O people of Bahá! This, verily, is the commandment which this Wronged One hath given unto you, and the first choice of His unrestrained Will for every one of you. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁴

The Daystar of Truth that shineth in its meridian splendor beareth Us witness! They who are the people of God have no ambition except to revive the world, to ennoble its life, and regenerate its peoples. Truthfulness and goodwill have, at all times, marked their relations with all men. Their outward conduct is but a reflection of their inward life, and their inward life a mirror of their outward conduct. No veil hideth or obscureth the verities on which their Faith is established. Before the eyes of all men these verities have been laid bare, and can be unmistakably recognized. Their very acts attest the truth of these words. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁵

Question for Consideration

Having a vision of the great opportunities open to humanity at this stage of development, when its unification into one common family is a real possibility, shapes and directs an individual’s sense of purpose. An individual’s sense of purpose is reinforced by the knowledge that humanity is on a long evolutionary path leading to a Divine civilization. How do the quotes above apply to these two statements? ⁶

Gemini Response:

The quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá strongly support the statements about the opportunities for human unity and humanity’s path towards a divine civilization. Here’s how:

Opportunities for Unity

• World Betterment and Harmony: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the purpose of humanity as working for the “betterment of the world” and living in “concord and harmony.” This highlights the potential for a unified world where people collaborate for a common good.
• Power of Utterance Over Arms: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speaks of a world where “the power of utterance may prevail over the power of arms,” suggesting the possibility of resolving conflicts through communication and cooperation.
• Global Family: The concept of a “wronged one” testifying to humanity as one family stepping into being signifies the potential for global unity.
  

Evolving Towards a Divine Civilization

• Emanations of the Human Mind: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes the human mind’s vast potential for progress, stating that “all these highly varied phenomena” of knowledge and progress are its creations. This suggests humanity’s capacity to build a better world.
• Sharing Knowledge and Wisdom: He emphasizes the importance of nations and individuals sharing knowledge and wisdom for collective advancement. This highlights the collaborative nature of building a divine civilization.
• Promoting Social Good: Both Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá see the individual’s purpose as contributing to “social good” and becoming a “source of peace and well-being.” This emphasizes the role of individuals in building a better world.
• Signs of God in the World and Soul: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speaks of humanity recognizing the “signs of God in the world and in the human soul,” suggesting that humanity’s journey towards a divine civilization aligns with a spiritual purpose.
• Rehabilitation of the World: Bahá’u’lláh calls upon the “people of God” to focus on “rehabilitating the fortunes of mankind.” This emphasizes humanity’s transformative potential.
  

The Importance of Action

• Pure and Holy Deeds: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of “pure and holy deeds” to achieve the “rehabilitation” of the world. This highlights the need for action to turn vision into reality.
• Valiant Acts and Saintly Character: He speaks of “valiant acts” and “saintly character” as essential for the “triumph” of the Cause. This emphasizes the importance of both courage and moral excellence in building a better world.
  

Overall

The quotes paint a vision of humanity standing at a pivotal point with the potential to achieve global unity and build a divine civilization. The vast potential of the human mind and spirit fuels this vision. However, achieving this requires individual action, focusing on contributing to the betterment of the world through virtuous deeds and promoting harmony. The Bahá’í teachings provide a framework and inspiration for individuals to dedicate themselves to this noble goal.

ChatGPT Response:

The quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá illustrate core principles that directly align with the statements about the opportunities and purposes open to humanity. Let’s break down how each quote supports the given statements:

Vision of Great Opportunities and Unification into One Common Family

Bahá’u’lláh “The purpose for which mortal men have… stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.”

This quote emphasizes the unity and harmony that humanity should strive for, aligning with the vision of unification into one human family. The emphasis on betterment and concord speaks to the opportunities humanity has to elevate itself collectively.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá “Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual… has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men?”

This highlights the individual’s role in contributing to the collective well-being, reinforcing that each person’s efforts are crucial in achieving global unification and peace.

An Individual’s Sense of Purpose and the Path to Divine Civilization:

Bahá’u’lláh ”Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men.”

This encourages individuals to focus on the greater good rather than personal interests, thereby finding purpose in contributing to the collective evolution towards a Divine civilization.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá “How excellent, how honorable is man if he arises to fulfill his responsibilities; how wretched and contemptible, if he… wastes his precious life in pursuing his own selfish interests and personal advantages.”

This statement reinforces that true purpose and fulfillment come from serving society and advancing civilization, aligning with the evolutionary path toward a Divine state.

Overall, the quotes underscore that humanity’s potential for unity and progress lies in collective efforts for the common good and individual dedication to noble purposes. These principles guide the vision of unifying humanity and advancing towards a higher, Divine civilization.

Claude Response:

The quotes you’ve shared from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá beautifully illustrate and reinforce the two statements you’ve presented about humanity’s potential for unification and progress toward a Divine civilization. Let’s explore how these quotes relate to and support these ideas:

Vision of humanity’s unification and great opportunities

Bahá’u’lláh’s first quote emphasizes that the purpose of human existence is “the betterment of the world” and living “together in concord and harmony.” This directly supports the vision of humanity unifying into “one common family.” He further states that the purpose of his revelation is “the rehabilitation of the world and its nations,” reinforcing the idea of global unity and progress.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s quotes expand on this, highlighting that human knowledge, sciences, arts, and inventions are all “emanations of the human mind” contributing to civilization’s advancement. He encourages people to become “a source of social good” and to work for “the welfare of society,” which aligns with the idea of recognizing the significant opportunities available to humanity at this stage of development.

Humanity’s evolutionary path toward a Divine civilization

The concept of humanity being on a long evolutionary path toward a Divine civilization is evident in several quotes. Bahá’u’lláh speaks of the “elevation of man’s station in the world of being,” suggesting an ongoing process of spiritual and social evolution.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement about continually “establishing new bases for human happiness and creating and promoting new instrumentalities toward this end” implies a progressive, evolutionary approach to building a better world. His reference to the “arena of civilization and justice” also suggests an ongoing process of societal development.

Bahá’u’lláh’s call to “work for the betterment of the world” and his emphasis on “pure and holy deeds” and a “virtuous life” as means to “rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind” all point toward the gradual establishment of a Divine civilization through human effort and spiritual development.

Shaping individual purpose

Both statements you’ve presented show how this vision shapes an individual’s sense of purpose. The quotes strongly support this idea:

• Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that individuals should “not busy yourselves in your own concerns” but instead focus on what will “rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind.”
• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that the “honor and distinction of the individual” lies in becoming “a source of social good.”
• He also asserts that supreme happiness comes to those who “urge on the steed of high endeavor in the arena of civilization and justice.”
  

These teachings provide a clear framework for individuals to align their personal purpose with the greater goal of humanity’s advancement and unification.

Reinforcing purpose through knowledge

The idea that knowledge of humanity’s evolutionary path reinforces an individual’s sense of purpose is reflected in Abdu’l-Bahá’s emphasis on education, understanding, and the application of knowledge. He encourages us to use our God-given faculties to “lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization” and to “hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it.”

In conclusion, these quotes powerfully support and expand upon the two statements you’ve presented. They offer a vision of human unity, emphasize the importance of individual contribution to collective progress, and provide a spiritual and practical framework for understanding humanity’s journey toward a Divine civilization. This understanding, in turn, shapes and reinforces an individual’s sense of purpose within the greater context of human evolution and spiritual development.

Pi Response:

The quotes relate to the two statements by emphasizing the importance of working toward the betterment of the world, living in harmony, and recognizing the potential for humanity’s unification. They also highlight the significance of focusing on social good and contributing to the well-being of others as a means to shape and direct an individual’s sense of purpose. Here’s a breakdown of how each quote applies to these statements:

• Bahá’u’lláh’s quote states that the very purpose of human existence is to work towards the betterment of the world and live in harmony with one another. This quote underlines the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and contributing to the world’s progress as a guiding principle for shaping an individual’s sense of purpose.
• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s first quote emphasizes that an individual’s true honor and distinction lie in becoming a source of social good and positively impacting the lives of others. This quote shows that by working for the welfare of society, individuals can find a greater sense of purpose and personal fulfillment.
• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s second quote contrasts the honor of fulfilling one’s responsibilities and contributing to societal well-being with the misery of pursuing selfish interests. This quote highlights the idea that focusing on the welfare of others and dedicating oneself to the betterment of society enhances an individual’s sense of purpose.
• Bahá’u’lláh’s second quote calls upon individuals to direct their attention towards the betterment of humanity rather than being preoccupied with personal concerns. This quote emphasizes the importance of transcending self-interest and dedicating one’s efforts to the rejuvenation of the world, thus reinforcing the idea that an individual’s sense of purpose is tied to the larger goal of advancing human progress.
• Bahá’u’lláh’s third quote asserts that those who God guides aspire to revive and ennoble the world, emphasizing the transformative potential of individuals who embrace a higher purpose. This quote supports the idea that individuals can find a sense of purpose in contributing to developing a divine civilization.
  

In conclusion, these quotes collectively emphasize the importance of working toward the betterment of humanity and the unification of the human family as critical factors in shaping an individual’s sense of purpose. They underscore the idea that by focusing on the welfare of others and contributing to society’s progress, individuals can find meaning and fulfillment in their lives.

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/trustworthiness/2#363538019. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 2-3. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/2#006593911. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 3-4. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/2#574361742 ↩
4. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 86. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/3#477099463. ↩
5. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#476869976. ↩
6. Ruhi Institute. Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth. 2.1.21.PE July 2022. Vol. Book 5. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 21-22. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#JY1.