Daily Frameworks for 03 October 2024

Istijlál, 08 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

Hearken thou unto the Words of thy Lord and purify thy heart from every illusion so that the effulgent light of the remembrance of thy Lord may shed its radiance upon it, and it may attain the station of certitude. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

O servants! Eyes are needed if one is to see, and ears, if one is to hear. Whoso in this blessed Day hath not heard the divine call hath indeed no ear. By this is not meant that bodily ear that is perceived by the eye. Open your inner eye, that ye may behold the celestial Fire, and listen with the ear of inner understanding, that ye may hear the delightsome words of the Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

When a speaker’s brow shineth with the radiance of the love of God, at the time of his exposition of a subject, and he is exhilarated with the wine of true understanding, he becometh the centre of a potent force which, like unto a magnet, will attract the hearts. This is why the expounder must be in the utmost enkindlement. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá ³

I am much impressed and feel deeply gratified to learn of your devoted and unremitting labors, individually and collectively in the field of service to the Cause; of your constant vigilance and watchful care in upholding its fundamental principles and guarding its essential interests; of the efficiency, faithfulness and vigor with which you are conducting the administration of its affairs throughout that land. — Shoghi Effendi ⁴

Experience suggests that a discussion about contributing to the betterment of society fails to tap the deepest springs of motivation if it excludes exploration of spiritual themes. The importance of “doing”, of arising to serve and to accompany fellow souls, must be harmonized with the notion of “being”, of increasing one’s understanding of the divine teachings and mirroring forth spiritual qualities in one’s life. And so it is that, having been introduced to the vision of the Faith for humanity and the exalted character of its mission, the youth naturally feel a desire to be of service, a desire to which training institutes swiftly respond. Indeed, releasing the capacity of the youth is, for each training institute, a sacred charge. Yet fostering that capacity as it develops is a responsibility of every institution of the Cause. The readiness youth demonstrate to take initiative, whatever lines of action they choose, can obscure the fact that they need sustained support from institutions and agencies in the cluster beyond the early steps. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

At the heart of the divisions in society today is a crisis of identity. The way people think about who they are and how they see their place in the world determine how they relate to others and what they regard as their individual and collective purpose. For Bahá’ís, it is the Manifestation of God, the Voice of God to the world, who defines human nature and purpose. Bahá’u’lláh describes the purpose of human life as essentially spiritual in nature. An individual’s true self is to be found in the powers of the soul, which has the capacity to know God and to reflect His attributes. The soul has no gender, no ethnicity, no race. God sees no differences among human beings except in relation to the conscious effort of each individual to purify his or her soul and to express its full powers.” — Universal House of Justice ⁶

Question for Consideration

Based on the quotes above, how can “being” and “doing,” as complementary aspects of a life lived according to the Bahá’í teachings, pertain to the nature of enkindlement? ⁷

Gemini Response:

The quotes highlight the importance of “being” and “doing” in spiritual enkindlement. Here’s how these two aspects complement each other:

Being as a Foundation

• Spiritual Transformation: “Being” refers to the inner transformation and spiritual growth essential for effective service.
• Moral Development: Cultivating virtues such as love, compassion, and humility creates a strong foundation for action.
• Divine Connection: A deep connection with the divine inspires and motivates service.
  

Doing as a Manifestation

• Service to Humanity: “Doing” refers to the practical actions taken to serve others and contribute to the betterment of society.
• Expressing Spiritual Values: Service is a way to express one’s spiritual values and beliefs in concrete actions.
• Positive Impact: Service can positively impact the world and inspire others.
  

Interconnectedness

• Mutual Reinforcement: “Being” and “doing” are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Spiritual growth and transformation lead to more effective service, and service can contribute to spiritual growth.
• Harmonious Balance: A harmonious balance between “being” and “doing” is essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
  

Enkindlement

• Spiritual Fire: Enkindlement refers to the spiritual fire that inspires individuals to serve and contribute to the betterment of the world.
• Inner Transformation: This fire is rooted in inner transformation and spiritual growth.
• Outward Expression: Enkindlement leads to outward expression through service and action.
  

In conclusion, “being” and “doing” are essential components of enkindlement. By cultivating a strong spiritual foundation and engaging in meaningful service, individuals can become powerful forces for positive change and contribute to society’s transformation.

ChatGPT Response:

The interplay of “being” and “doing” as complementary aspects of a life guided by Bahá’í teachings is central to achieving a state of enkindlement, where inner spiritual qualities and outward actions harmonize to produce profound effects on individuals and communities. Enkindlement, in the Bahá’í context, refers to the state of being spiritually awakened, alive, and aflame with the love and knowledge of God. Let’s explore how “being” and “doing” contribute to this state:

“Being” – The Inner State of Spiritual Receptivity and Purity

The process of “being” involves cultivating inner spiritual qualities, such as purity of heart, certitude, humility, and the love of God. Bahá’u’lláh states, “purify thy heart from every illusion” so that the “effulgent light of the remembrance of thy Lord may shed its radiance upon it.” This purification and inner illumination are prerequisites for enkindlement, as they allow the soul to be receptive to divine inspiration and guidance. Furthermore, developing a sincere, detached, and radiant inner condition can reflect God’s attributes and enable one to approach service with a purpose rooted in spiritual reality.

“Being” also includes an awareness of one’s identity as a spiritual being. The Universal House of Justice notes that true identity is found in “the powers of the soul, which has the capacity to know God and to reflect His attributes.” This understanding fosters an inner transformation that informs one’s sense of self and inspires a longing to be a channel of divine light and love.

“Doing” – Manifestation of Spiritual Attributes through Action

“Doing” pertains to the practical application of one’s spiritual state in service to humanity. When the individual’s inner state is enkindled, it naturally expresses itself in actions infused with the love of God and the desire to serve others. This aligns with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement that when a speaker’s heart is radiant with the love of God and true understanding, he or she “becometh the centre of a potent force which, like unto a magnet, will attract the hearts.” The potency of one’s actions stems from the degree of enkindlement and true understanding achieved through “being.”

The quotes also emphasize that the outward actions of service should not be devoid of spiritual intention. Instead, the quality and impact of these actions are heightened when one is inwardly alive with the spirit of faith and devotion. The Universal House of Justice highlights that the “importance of ‘doing’ must be harmonized with the notion of ‘being,’” indicating that effective action arises from a spiritually developed character and is sustained by the inner qualities of love, humility, and compassion.

The Role of Enkindlement in Harmonizing “Being” and “Doing”

Enkindlement is the catalyst that unites “being” and “doing.” When an individual’s heart is enkindled, the radiance of their inner condition naturally manifests in their outward deeds. Bahá’u’lláh urges us to “hearken unto the Words of thy Lord” and “open [our] inner eye” to spiritual realities, suggesting that when one achieves true inner vision and understanding, their outer actions are transformed into a form of worship and service that reflects divine will.

Therefore, enkindlement is not merely a passive condition of inner illumination but an active force that propels one to serve with vigor and love. The Universal House of Justice mentions the “potent force” of enkindlement, indicating that when youth and others “arise to serve” in a state of spiritual readiness, their efforts are imbued with a transformative power that draws on both the energies of their inner condition and the efficacy of their outer actions.

Support and Accompaniment in Cultivating Enkindlement

Enkindlement is nurtured through systematic study, prayer, reflection, and active service. The role of training institutes and Bahá’í institutions is to accompany individuals, particularly youth, in developing this state of being and channeling it into practical service. As the Universal House of Justice notes, institutions must support youth beyond their early steps in service, ensuring that their inner and outer capacities are fostered in tandem.

Conclusion

The quotes collectively illustrate that enkindlement is achieved through the dynamic interplay of “being” and “doing,” where an individual’s inner spiritual condition energizes their outward actions, which reinforce their spiritual state. By cultivating the attributes of the soul and expressing them through acts of service, one becomes a “centre of a potent force” that contributes to personal growth and the transformation of society, fulfilling the Bahá’í vision for the betterment of the world.

Claude Response:

The quotes offer profound insights into the Bahá’í perspective on spiritual growth, service, and the nature of enkindlement. Let’s explore how “being” and “doing” relate to enkindlement in this context.

Enkindlement, as suggested by these passages, appears to be a state of spiritual illumination and fervor that arises from a deep connection with the divine. This state seems to be both an inner condition (“being”) and a catalyst for action (“doing”).

The Nature of Enkindlement in “Being”

Enkindlement in “being” relates to an individual’s inner spiritual state and understanding. This involves:

• Purification of the heart: As Bahá’u’lláh mentions, purifying one’s heart from illusions allows the “effulgent light” of divine remembrance to illuminate it.
• Inner sight and hearing: The quote about “inner eye” and “ear of inner understanding” suggests that enkindlement involves developing spiritual perception beyond physical senses.
• Spiritual understanding: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to being “exhilarated with the wine of true understanding,” indicating that enkindlement is closely tied to deep spiritual insight.
• Self-awareness: The Universal House of Justice emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s true spiritual nature, transcending superficial identities.
  

The Expression of Enkindlement in “Doing”

Enkindlement also manifests in outward actions and service:

• Attraction of hearts: An enkindle speaker becomes “the centre of a potent force which, like unto a magnet, will attract the hearts.”
• Service and accompaniment: The youth’s desire to serve and accompany others is a natural outgrowth of understanding the Faith’s vision.
• Vigilance and care: Shoghi Effendi praises the “devoted and unremitting labors” and “constant vigilance” in service to the Cause.
• Mirroring spiritual qualities: The Universal House of Justice speaks of “mirroring forth spiritual qualities in one’s life.”
  

The Complementarity of “Being” and “Doing” in Enkindlement

The quotes suggest that “being” and “doing” are intrinsically linked in the context of enkindlement:

• Inner transformation leads to outer action: As one’s understanding deepens and spiritual qualities develop, there’s a natural desire to arise and serve.
• Action reinforces inner growth: Engaging in service and accompaniment furthers one’s spiritual development and understanding.
• Harmonization: The Universal House of Justice explicitly states the need to harmonize “doing” (arising to serve) with “being” (increasing understanding and mirroring spiritual qualities).
• Sustained support: While individuals, especially youth, may feel enkindled to take the initiative, the institutions play a crucial role in fostering and sustaining this capacity.
• Collective purpose: Enkindlement appears to have individual and collective dimensions, with individuals finding their place within a larger, divinely ordained purpose for humanity.
  

In conclusion, enkindlement in the Bahá’í context seems to be a dynamic interplay between inner spiritual awakening and outward expression through service. It involves developing one’s spiritual perception and understanding, which naturally leads to action, deepening one’s spiritual state. This creates a virtuous cycle of growth and service, with both “being” and “doing” continually reinforcing and elevating each other.

Pi Response:

“Being” and “doing” as complementary aspects of Bahá’í life, relate to the nature of enkindlement in the following ways:

• Purification of the heart: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of purifying one’s heart from every illusion, allowing the light of divine remembrance to shine. This process of purification, a component of “being,” leads to spiritual enkindlement and enables the individual to radiate God’s attributes in their actions (“doing”).
• Developing spiritual perception: Bahá’u’lláh also highlights the need to open one’s inner eye to perceive the celestial Fire and listen with the ear of inner understanding. This deepening of spiritual insight, an aspect of “being,” fosters a greater connection with the divine and fuels one’s motivation to serve humanity (“doing”).
• Enkindlement and inspiration in service: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentions that when an individual’s brow shines with the radiance of God’s love during exposition, they become a potent force attracting hearts. This enkindlement is a product of both spiritual growth (“being”) and active engagement in sharing the divine teachings (“doing”).
• Supporting the development of capacity: The Universal House of Justice underscores the importance of balancing “doing” (service) with “being” (developing one’s understanding of the divine teachings). By nurturing the youth’s capacity for service while encouraging their spiritual growth, institutions, and agencies create an environment where enkindlement can flourish.
• Spiritual identity and purpose: The Universal House of Justice explains that God defines human nature and purpose. By aligning one’s “being” with the spiritual nature and purpose intended by the divine, individuals become enkindled with the desire to express their full powers through “doing” or acts of service.
  

In summary, “being” and “doing” are interconnected aspects that contribute to enkindlement. As individuals cultivate their spiritual identity and deepen their understanding of divine teachings, they become enkindled with the desire to serve humanity, fostering unity and transformation in the world.

1. 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, 183. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/6#007310572. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. The Tabernacle of Unity. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2006. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tabernacle-unity/6#059694709. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/023205019/1#987441266. ↩
4. Effendi, Shoghi. Baháʾí Administration: Selected Messages, 1922-1932. 7. Ed. 1928. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Pub. Trust, 1974, 45. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/bahai-administration/4#305360262 ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20151229_001/1#907512290. ↩
6. Universal House of Justice. “1 November 2022 – To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20221101_001/1#238280030. ↩
7. Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 8-9. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.