Daily Frameworks for 08 October 2024

Fidál, 13 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath bestowed the government of the earth upon the kings. To none is given the right to act in any manner that would run counter to the considered views of them who are in authority. That which He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts; and of these the loved ones of Him Who is the Sovereign Truth are, in this Day, as the keys. Please God they may, one and all, be enabled to unlock, through the power of the Most Great Name, the gates of these cities. This is what is meant by aiding the one true God—a theme to which the Pen of Him Who causeth the dawn to break hath referred in all His Books and Tablets. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Know thou that We have annulled the rule of the sword, as an aid to Our Cause, and substituted for it the power born of the utterance of men. Thus have We irrevocably decreed, by virtue of Our grace. Say: O people! Sow not the seeds of discord among men, and refrain from contending with your neighbor, for your Lord hath committed the world and the cities thereof to the care of the kings of the earth, and made them the emblems of His own power, by virtue of the sovereignty He hath chosen to bestow upon them. He hath refused to reserve for Himself any share whatever of this world’s dominion. To this He Who is Himself the Eternal Truth will testify. The things He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts, that He may cleanse them from all earthly defilements, and enable them to draw nigh unto the hallowed Spot which the hands of the infidel can never profane. Open, O people, the city of the human heart with the key of your utterance. Thus have We, according to a preordained measure, prescribed unto you your duty. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Regarding, in particular, teaching the Cause of God, from a letter written on behalf of the beloved Guardian, we are reminded that it is a sacred obligation enjoined upon every believer.
Bahá’u’lláh has enjoined upon the Bahá’ís the sacred obligation of teaching. We have no priests, therefore the service once rendered by priests to their religions is the service every single Bahá’í is expected to render individually to his religion. He must be the one who enlightens new souls, confirms them, heals the wounded and the weary upon the road of life, and gives them to quaff from the chalice of everlasting life—the knowledge of the Manifestation of God in His Day.
Further, Bahá’u’lláh exhorts us to “Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will cause the bushes to be enkindled, and the call ‘Verily, there is no God but me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained’ to be raised therefrom.” ³
While living the Bahá’í life, good works and service to our fellow men are important aspects in exemplifying and promoting the Faith, ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá emphasizes that these alone are not sufficient. He states:
“It is at such times that the friends of God avail themselves of the occasion, seize the opportunity, rush forth and win the prize. If their task is to be confined to good conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw irrefutable conclusions establishing the truth of the manifestation of the Sun of Reality.” ⁴
The relevant guidance provided in messages and letters from the House of Justice can best be understood in light of the knowledge that teaching the Faith is each individual’s sacred duty, ⁵ prescribed by God, and is fundamental for the advancement of the Cause and our own spiritual progress. — Universal House of Justice ⁶

Question for Consideration

In what sense is teaching sacred? ⁷

Gemini Response:

The provided quotes emphasize the sacred nature of teaching the Cause of God. Here’s a breakdown of the critical aspects:

Divine Command

• God’s Mandate: Teaching the Cause is a direct command from God, making it a sacred obligation for all believers.
• Spiritual Duty: It is considered a spiritual duty, similar to prayer and worship.
  

Spiritual Transformation

• Inner Growth: Teaching the Cause can lead to personal spiritual growth and transformation.
• Connection with the Divine: It can deepen one’s connection with God and the divine purpose.
  

Service to Humanity

• Benefiting Others: Teaching the Cause can benefit others by providing spiritual guidance and inspiration.
• Contributing to Society: It can contribute to the betterment of society and the creation of a more just and peaceful world.
  

Divine Grace

• Spiritual Empowerment: Teaching the Cause can be a source of divine grace and empowerment.
• Overcoming Challenges: It can provide the strength and courage to overcome challenges and obstacles.
  

Legacy of Faith

• Preserving the Faith: Teaching the Cause helps to preserve the Faith for future generations.
• Contributing to the Divine Plan: It fulfills the divine plan for transforming humanity.
  

In conclusion, teaching the Cause of God is a sacred duty that involves personal transformation, service to humanity, and the preservation of the Faith. It is a powerful way to connect with the divine, contribute to the betterment of the world, and leave a lasting legacy.

ChatGPT Response:

Teaching is a sacred obligation in the Bahá’í Faith because it connects to a higher spiritual purpose and is rooted in God’s divine will and guidance. From the perspective provided in the quotes, this sacredness emerges in several ways:

Divine Trust and Responsibility

The first quote from Bahá’u’lláh clarifies that God has entrusted the world’s government to its rulers, but the governance of hearts has been reserved for His loved ones. Teaching, therefore, is seen as the key to unlocking the “cities of men’s hearts,” a responsibility that Bahá’u’lláh’s followers are expected to fulfill. It is not a worldly task but a spiritual one, focused on transforming hearts and guiding people toward spiritual truths.

Replacement of the Sword with Utterance

The second quote from Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that He has annulled the use of force, “the rule of the sword,” and instead has ordained “the power born of the utterance of men.” This underscores that teaching is now the primary means of advancing God’s Cause, indicating that the power of speech, love, and guidance replaces any form of coercion. Thus, teaching is considered sacred because it uses the most refined human capacities—speech and expression—imbued with the wisdom and grace of divine revelation.

Service Once Rendered by Priests

In the third quote, the Guardian’s letter points out that Bahá’ís do not have a clergy; every believer is responsible for teaching and sharing the Faith. This service is described as healing the wounded, guiding the weary, and offering spiritual sustenance—roles traditionally associated with priests. Teaching is thus sacred because it fulfills a function of spiritual leadership and nurturing, qualities highly revered in many religious traditions.

A Sacred Duty Prescribed by God

The Universal House of Justice highlights that teaching the Faith is a “sacred duty, prescribed by God.” It is not merely an option or an external activity but an essential part of spiritual practice and growth. This divine prescription elevates teaching to a sacred obligation because it is explicitly enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh and fundamental for both the individual’s and the community’s spiritual progress.

Catalyst for Spiritual Transformation

‘Abdu’l-Bahá stresses that while good deeds and service are important, they are insufficient. Teaching is how souls are directly invited to recognize the Manifestation of God and embrace spiritual truths. The call to “expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments” is considered sacred because it is a direct service to the soul’s awakening and enlightenment, reflecting a love that wishes for every soul to partake in the knowledge of God.

Instrument for Establishing the Kingdom of God

Finally, teaching is sacred because it is an instrument through which the “Kingdom of God” is established on earth—not through political or physical power, but through the transformation of hearts. As Bahá’u’lláh states, it is through opening the “city of the human heart with the key of your utterance” that believers assist God in manifesting His will.

In summary, teaching is sacred in the Bahá’í Faith because it is a divinely ordained act that serves a purpose far beyond the material realm. It is an exercise of spiritual power, a fulfillment of divine trust, and connecting hearts to the Source of all light and life.

Claude Response:

Based on these passages, teaching the Bahá’í Faith is considered sacred in several vital senses:

• Divine Mandate: Teaching is described as a “sacred obligation enjoined upon every believer” by Bahá’u’lláh himself. This divine prescription elevates the act of teaching to a sacred duty.
• Spiritual Responsibility: In the absence of a priesthood, every Bahá’í is expected to enlighten and confirm new souls. This democratization of spiritual responsibility makes teaching a sacred act for all believers.
• Transformation of Hearts: The passages speak of God reserving the “cities of men’s hearts” for Himself. Teaching is seen as a means to help cleanse these hearts from “earthly defilements” and draw them closer to God, making it a sacred process of spiritual transformation.
• Manifestation of Divine Power: Teaching is described as using “the power born of the utterance of men” rather than force. This power of speech is portrayed as a divine gift, making its use in teaching a sacred exercise of God-given abilities.
• Fulfillment of Divine Purpose: Teaching is presented as a way to “aid the one true God” and fulfill His purpose. This alignment with divine will imbues the act of teaching with sacred significance.
• Spiritual Progress: The final quote suggests that teaching is fundamental not only for the advancement of the Bahá’í Cause but also for the spiritual progress of the individual believer, linking personal spiritual growth to this sacred duty.
• Opening Hearts: Teaching is metaphorically described as opening the “city of the human heart with the key of your utterance.” This imagery presents teaching as a sacred act of unlocking spiritual potential in others.
• Conveying Divine Knowledge: Teaching is characterized as giving others “to quaff from the chalice of everlasting life—the knowledge of the Manifestation of God in His Day.” Sharing this divine knowledge is portrayed as a sacred service.
  

These passages present teaching as sacred because it is divinely ordained, spiritually transformative, aligned with God’s purpose, and central to individual and collective spiritual advancement in the Bahá’í Faith.

Pi Response:

The act of teaching in the Bahá’í Faith is considered sacred for several reasons, as highlighted in the quotes provided:

• Divinely Ordained Responsibility: The responsibility of teaching the Cause of God is bestowed upon every individual believer by Bahá’u’lláh Himself. This duty is not exclusive to a specific group or clergy but is a responsibility shared by all Bahá’ís, making it a unifying and sacred act within the community.
• Unlocking the Cities of Men’s Hearts: Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that the “cities of men’s hearts” are reserved for God, and the key to unlocking them lies in the utterance of His followers. Through teaching the Cause, individuals contribute to the spiritual transformation and purification of others, which is a divinely guided process and, therefore, considered sacred.
• Substitution of the Power of Utterance for the Rule of the Sword: Bahá’u’lláh has abolished force or coercion in spreading the Faith and has instead emphasized the power of speech and utterance. This substitution elevates the act of teaching to a spiritual level, making it a noble and sacred undertaking.
• Enkindling the Fire of Faith: Teaching, when done with sincerity and utterance, can ignite the love of God in people’s hearts. This spiritual awakening is a divine blessing and a testament to the transformative power of the Word of God, further emphasizing the sacred nature of teaching.
• Essential for Personal Spiritual Growth: The Universal House of Justice highlights that teaching is crucial for the advancement of the Faith and for the spiritual progress of the individual. Engaging in this sacred duty helps Bahá’ís deepen their understanding of the teachings and strengthens their connection with the Divine.
  

Teaching the Bahá’í Faith is sacred because it is divinely ordained, contributes to spiritual transformation, replaces force with the power of words, ignites faith in others, and fosters personal spiritual growth. It is a profound responsibility that each believer is called to fulfill and a testament to the enduring power of the Word of God.

1. 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/6#765601023. ↩
2. 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#715034234. ↩
3. 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, 143. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/5#969741149. ↩
4. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 268. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/9#908363467. ↩
5. Effendi, Shoghi. “To Mrs. Ivy Edwards, Secretary of the Eliot Spiritual Assembly, March 27, 1933.” Baha’i News, May 1933, 2. https://bahai.works/Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_News/Issue_73/Text#pg2 ↩
6. Universal House of Justice. “22 April 1996 – [To an individual]” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19960422_001/1#230060563. ↩
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, 14-15. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.