Daily Frameworks for 08 August 2024

Istijlál, 09 Kamál (Perfection), 181 B.E.

Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth

Quotes for Reflection:

I desire that every one of the believers may become an ignited candle in the assemblage of the world of humanity, and conducive to others’ eternal life. Today the confirmations of the Kingdom of ‘Abhá are with those who renounce themselves, forget their own opinions, cast aside personalities and are thinking of the welfare of others. Whosoever has lost himself, has found the universe and the inhabitants thereof! Whosoever is occupied with himself is wandering in the desert of heedlessness and regret! The master-key of self-mastery is self-forgetfulness. The road to the palace of life is through the path of renunciation. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Little reflection, little admonition is necessary for us to realize the purpose of our creation. What a heavenly potentiality God has deposited within us! What a power God has given our spirits! He has endowed us with a power to penetrate the realities of things; but we must be self-abnegating, we must have pure spirits, pure intentions, and strive with heart and soul while in the human world to attain everlasting glory. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Wherefore must the veils of the satanic self be burned away in the fire of love, that the spirit may be cleansed and refined, and thus may apprehend the station of Him but for Whom the world would not have been created. — Bahá’u’lláh ³

Bahá’u’lláh has drawn the circle of unity, He has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples, and for the gathering of them all under the shelter of the tent of universal unity. This is the work of the Divine Bounty, and we must all strive with heart and soul until we have the reality of unity in our midst, and as we work, so will strength be given unto us. Leave all thought of self, and strive only to be obedient and submissive to the Will of God. In this way only shall we become citizens of the Kingdom of God, and attain unto life everlasting. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

Until a being setteth his foot in the plane of sacrifice, he is bereft of every favor and grace; and this plane of sacrifice is the realm of dying to the self, that the radiance of the living God may then shine forth. The martyr’s field is the place of detachment from self, that the anthems of eternity may be upraised. Do all ye can to become wholly weary of self, and bind yourselves to that Countenance of Splendors; and once ye have reached such heights of servitude, ye will find, gathered within your shadow, all created things. This is boundless grace; this is the highest sovereignty; this is the life that dieth not. All else save this is at the last but manifest perdition and great loss. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁵

Love accepteth no existence and wisheth no life: In death it seeth life, and in shame it seeketh glory. To merit the madness of love, one must abound in sanity; to merit the bonds of the Friend, one must be free in spirit. Blessed the neck that is caught in His noose, and happy the head that falleth on the dust in the path of His love. Wherefore, O friend, renounce thy self, that thou mayest find the Peerless One; and soar beyond this mortal world, that thou mayest find thy nest in the abode of heaven. Be as naught, if thou wouldst kindle the fire of being and be fit for the pathway of love. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁶

Even as the clouds let us shed down tears, and as the lightning flashes let us laugh at our coursings through east and west. By day, by night, let us think but of spreading the sweet savors of God. Let us not keep on forever with our fancies and illusions, with our analyzing and interpreting and circulating of complex dubieties. Let us put aside all thoughts of self; let us close our eyes to all on earth, let us neither make known our sufferings nor complain of our wrongs. Rather let us become oblivious of our own selves, and drinking down the wine of heavenly grace, let us cry out our joy, and lose ourselves in the beauty of the All-Glorious. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁷

O people of the world! Follow not the promptings of the self, for it summoneth insistently to wickedness and lust; follow, rather, Him Who is the Possessor of all created things, Who biddeth you to show forth piety, and manifest the fear of God. He, verily, is independent of all His creatures. Take heed not to stir up mischief in the land after it hath been set in order. Whoso acteth in this way is not of Us, and We are quit of him. Such is the command which hath, through the power of truth, been made manifest from the heaven of Revelation. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁸

Question for Consideration

Given the above passages, what attitudes should we adopt towards self, and how do they lend themselves to one’s development as a noble being and endow acts of service with power? ⁹

Gemini Response:

The provided excerpts offer a comprehensive understanding of the concept of self, its role in spiritual growth, and its impact on service. Here are some key attitudes to adopt toward the self:

Self-Transcendence

• To achieve spiritual growth, one must move beyond the confines of the ego and embrace a larger perspective.
• This involves recognizing the divine essence within oneself and aligning one’s actions with that higher purpose.
  

Humility and Service

• Cultivating humility is essential for spiritual progress. It involves recognizing one’s limitations and the contributions of others.
• Service to humanity should be the primary focus, rather than personal gain or recognition.
  

Detachment

• Excessive attachment to material possessions and personal desires hinders spiritual growth.
• Letting go of these attachments allows one to focus on what truly matters.
  

Continuous Learning

• Seeking knowledge and wisdom is crucial for personal development and effective service.
• This involves a lifelong commitment to learning and growing.
  

Self-Discipline

• Overcoming self-centered tendencies requires self-discipline and perseverance.
• This involves making conscious choices to prioritize spiritual growth over personal gratification.
  

Positive Mental Attitude

• A positive outlook fosters resilience and hope, which are essential for overcoming challenges and serving others.
• Cultivating gratitude and optimism enhances one’s ability to contribute to the betterment of the world.
  

By adopting these attitudes, individuals can effectively overcome the limitations of the self and become more powerful agents of change. This empowers them to serve humanity with greater compassion, wisdom, and effectiveness.

ChatGPT Response:

The passages from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh emphasize the importance of self-renunciation, self-abnegation, and self-forgetfulness as essential attitudes for personal development and effective service to humanity. Here are some fundamental attitudes and how they contribute to one’s nobility and the empowerment of service:

Self-Renunciation and Forgetfulness

• Attitude: Let go of personal desires, opinions, and ego.
• Contribution: By renouncing the self, one becomes more receptive to divine guidance and the needs of others. This selflessness allows a person to act with greater purity of intention, attracting divine confirmations and support. It cultivates humility and openness to learning and growth.
  

Focus on the Welfare of Others

• Attitude: Prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of others over personal gain.
• Contribution: This altruistic mindset fosters a sense of unity and cooperation. It builds a supportive community where individuals uplift one another. Acts of service become more impactful and sincere, leading to the betterment of society.
  

Purity of Spirit and Intention

• Attitude: Strive for purity in thoughts, intentions, and actions.
• Contribution: A pure spirit is more attuned to higher spiritual realities and can penetrate the true essence of things. This clarity and insight enhance one’s ability to serve effectively and inspire others, leading to a more profound and lasting influence.
  

Detachment from Worldly Desires

• Attitude: Detach from materialism and the pursuit of worldly recognition.
• Contribution: Detachment allows one to focus on spiritual goals and the eternal aspects of life. This perspective brings inner peace and contentment, which empowers one to serve without being hindered by personal ambitions or disappointments.
  

Love and Sacrifice

• Attitude: Embrace love as a transformative force and be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
• Contribution: Love motivates selfless actions and unites people. The willingness to sacrifice personal comforts and desires for others fosters deep connections and trust. This creates an environment where collective efforts lead to significant advancements and the achievement of noble goals.
  

Obedience and Submission to the Will of God

1. Attitude: Submit to divine will and guidance, recognizing the limitations of personal understanding.
2. Contribution: This obedience aligns one’s actions with a higher purpose and divine wisdom. It ensures that efforts are directed towards true and lasting good, enhancing the efficacy and moral integrity of one’s service.
   

By adopting these attitudes, individuals cultivate humility, compassion, purity, and detachment. These virtues transform them into noble beings capable of significant acts of service, ultimately contributing to humanity’s unity and progress.

Claude Response:

These passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize several core attitudes toward the self that are seen as conducive to spiritual growth and effective service:

• Self-abnegation: The writings strongly encourage letting go of self-centeredness and ego. This is described as “self-forgetfulness,” “renunciation,” and “dying to the self.”
• Detachment: There’s an emphasis on detaching from personal desires, opinions, and worldly concerns to focus on higher spiritual goals.
• Sacrifice: Sacrificing one’s interests for the greater good is a noble pursuit, even as entering “the martyr’s field.”
• Unity: There’s a call to transcend individual identities to achieve a greater sense of oneness with humanity and the divine.
• Purity of intention: The passages stress the importance of having “pure spirits” and “pure intentions” in one’s actions.
• Obedience and submission to a higher will: Rather than following one’s inclinations, one is encouraged to align with what is perceived as God’s will.
• Love and joy: Despite the emphasis on self-denial, there’s also a focus on cultivating love and experiencing spiritual elation.
  

These attitudes are seen as contributing to one’s development as a noble being in several ways:

• Spiritual growth: By transcending the limitations of the ego, one is believed to access higher spiritual capacities.
• Character development: These practices refine one’s character, making one more virtuous and altruistic.
• Unity with others: By focusing less on the self, one can connect more deeply with others and contribute to collective harmony.
• Accessing divine assistance: By aligning oneself with these principles, one gains spiritual strength and confirmation.
  

Regarding how these attitudes endow acts of service with power:

• Purity of motive: Service performed without self-interest is seen as more potent and spiritually compelling.
• Channeling divine energy: By removing the barriers of self, one is believed to become a more open channel for divine assistance in service.
• Dedication and perseverance: The willingness to sacrifice personal comfort can increase commitment to service projects.
• Inspiration to others: Those who embody these qualities in their service are thought to inspire and influence others more profoundly.
• Unity in action: When individuals come together in a spirit of selflessness, their collective service is seen as more impactful.
• Wisdom in service: By detaching from personal agendas, one might gain a clearer insight into the actual needs of those served.
  

These passages present a spiritual philosophy that sees the transcendence of self-centeredness as key to personal development and effective service to humanity.

Pi Response:

The passages from the Bahá’í writings emphasize the importance of renouncing self-centeredness and adopting attitudes of self-forgetfulness, self-abnegation, and humility to foster spiritual growth, nobility of character, and empower acts of service. Here are some basic attitudes one should cultivate towards the self:

• Self-forgetfulness: By shifting focus away from personal desires and concerns, individuals can better connect with the divine and recognize their true purpose. This self-forgetfulness allows one to act with pure intentions and be receptive to spiritual guidance.
• Self-abnegation: Renouncing personal opinions and preferences enables an individual to align their actions with God’s will and prioritize the welfare of others. This self-abnegation leads to a greater capacity for empathy, understanding, and compassion, fostering moral development and enhancing the quality of service.
• Humility: Recognizing the ego’s inherent limitations and embracing humility allows individuals to learn from others, grow spiritually, and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and self-righteousness. Humility fosters an environment conducive to personal growth and transformative service.
• Obedience and submission to the will of God: By surrendering personal desires and submitting to divine guidance, individuals can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. This obedience strengthens one’s connection to the spiritual realm and empowers acts of service.
• Self-awareness and reflection: Regular introspection helps individuals identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments in their attitudes and actions. Recognizing and addressing self-centered tendencies promotes spiritual growth and effective service.
  

These attitudes toward the self contribute to developing noble character by fostering virtues such as selflessness, empathy, and humility. When individuals prioritize the well-being of others and act with genuine concern for the common good, their acts of service become more impactful and transformative. Ultimately, renouncing self-centeredness and adopting these attitudes enables individuals to connect more deeply with the divine, experience personal growth, and contribute positively to the world around them.

1. Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Scriptures: Selections from the Utterances of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Edited by Horace Holley. Second. New York: Baha’i Publishing Committee, 1928, 548. https://bahai-library.com/compilations/bahai.scriptures/9.html#548 ↩
2. ’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, 187. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/14#547874697. ↩
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4. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 54. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/2#317342905. ↩
5. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 76-77. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/4#102782392 ↩
6. Bahá’u’lláh. The Call of the Divine Beloved: Selected Mystical Works of Bahá’ú’lláh. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/call-divine-beloved/4#855521265. ↩
7. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 236. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/8#530803407 ↩
8. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/6#353988951. ↩
9. 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, 54-56. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#JY1.