Daily Frameworks for 23 October 2024

’Idál, 09 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

By the righteousness of God! Whoso openeth his lips in this Day and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. On him shall also descend the Concourse on high, each bearing aloft a chalice of pure light. Thus hath it been foreordained in the realm of God’s Revelation, by the behest of Him Who is the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

He, verily, will aid everyone that aideth Him, and will remember everyone that remembereth Him. To this beareth witness this Tablet that hath shed the splendor of the loving-kindness of your Lord, the All-Glorious, the All-Compelling. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Say: Beware, O people of Bahá, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent might. — Bahá’u’lláh ³

By God besides Whom is none other God! Should any one arise for the triumph of our Cause, him will God render victorious though tens of thousands of enemies be leagued against him. And if his love for Me wax stronger, God will establish his ascendancy over all the powers of earth and heaven. Thus have We breathed the spirit of power into all regions. — Bahá’u’lláh ⁴

He will come to your aid with invisible hosts, and support you with armies of inspiration from the Concourse above; He will send unto you sweet perfumes from the highest Paradise, and waft over you the pure breathings that blow from the rose gardens of the Company on high. He will breathe into your hearts the spirit of life, cause you to enter the Ark of salvation, and reveal unto you His clear tokens and signs. Verily is this abounding grace. Verily is this the victory that none can deny. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá ⁵

O Ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshaled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service. Well is it with that fearless warrior, who armed with the power of true Knowledge, hastens unto the field, disperses the armies of ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who holds aloft the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the Clarion of Victory. By the righteousness of the Lord! He hath achieved a glorious triumph and obtained the true victory. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá ⁶

Question for Consideration

Based on the quotes above, how can one call upon Divine inspiration when teaching the Cause, and how is that assistance delivered? ⁷

Gemini Response:

Based on the quotes provided, one can call upon Divine inspiration when teaching the Cause in the following ways:

• Invoking God’s Name: Mentioning God’s name with sincerity and reverence opens the channel for Divine inspiration to flow.
• Trusting in God: Total reliance on God’s guidance and protection is essential for receiving Divine assistance.
• Being Fearless: Overcoming fear and approaching teaching with courage and conviction is crucial for attracting Divine inspiration.
• Loving God: A deep love for God and His Cause is a powerful catalyst for receiving Divine assistance.
• Seeking Knowledge: Acquiring a deep understanding of the teachings of the Cause is necessary for effectively conveying them to others.
  

The assistance provided by Divine inspiration is described in the quotes as follows:

• Descent of Heavenly Hosts: The Concourse on high, bearing chalices of pure light, descends upon those who teach the Cause.
• Divine Remembrance: God remembers those who remember Him and aids those who aid Him.
• Victory through Truth: God grants victory to those who teach the Cause with truth and righteousness.
• Spiritual Empowerment: God breathes the spirit of power into the hearts of those who teach the Cause.
• Invisible Support: God provides invisible hosts and armies of inspiration to support those who teach the Cause.
• Heavenly Blessings: God sends sweet perfumes, pure breathings, and the spirit of life to those who teach the Cause.
  

Divine inspiration is a powerful force that can be accessed through devotion, trust, knowledge, and courage. It provides the necessary guidance, strength, and blessings to effectively teach the Cause and spread the message of God’s love and unity.

ChatGPT Response:

Based on the quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, calling upon Divine inspiration while teaching the Cause involves turning to God with complete trust, sincerity, and devotion. Here are key insights from the quotes on how one can call upon and receive divine assistance:

Opening the Lips in Remembrance of God

Simply speaking the name of God with sincerity and devotion can attract divine inspiration. Bahá’u’lláh explains that when one mentions the name of their Lord, “hosts of Divine inspiration” descend upon them, bringing pure light and guidance from the spiritual realms. This suggests that divine support is immediately drawn to the person by engaging in the act of teaching with heartfelt remembrance of God.

Trust and Confidence in God’s Power

Bahá’u’lláh encourages believers to trust God completely and not be deterred by worldly powers or opposition. This trust in God’s might and a fearless and confident heart enable the believer to receive divine assistance. God, “through the power of truth,” will render such a person victorious, no matter the challenges.

The Role of Divine Hosts

Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá refer to the assistance of “invisible hosts” and “armies of inspiration” from the Concourse on high. These celestial forces aid and empower the believer in their efforts, providing guidance, strength, and inspiration from spiritual realms. This support may be unseen but is always present for those who arise with courage and conviction.

Spiritual Victory through Love and Knowledge

When a person arises to teach the Cause, their love for God can increase, and with this growing love comes divine aid, even in the face of opposition. Armed with “the power of true Knowledge” and love for God, they are empowered to “disperse the armies of ignorance” and bring clarity and truth to those around them.

The Spirit of Life and Divine Signs

’Abdu’l-Bahá explains that God will send invisible spiritual assistance, filling the hearts of those who teach with the “spirit of life” and surrounding them with the “sweet perfumes” of divine grace. This signifies that teaching the Cause is not only a mental or physical effort but one that engages the soul, with inspiration and life-giving energy coming directly from the spiritual realms.

Summary of How Assistance is Delivered:

• Divine Inspiration: Speaking God’s name and teaching in His Cause attracts divine inspiration from the spiritual realms.
• Invisible Hosts and Armies: These forces of light and guidance support and empower the believer from the realms of the unseen.
• Strength in the Face of Adversity: God promises victory to those who arise with trust in Him, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
• Spiritual Knowledge and Love: These are the tools with which one disperses ignorance and spreads truth, aided by divine forces.
• Heartfelt Connection with the Divine: Through deepening one’s love for God and acting with sincere trust, divine aid is received through spiritual vitality and guidance.
  

By maintaining a sustained connection to God through prayer, trust, and selfless service, divine inspiration and assistance naturally flow, ensuring the success and victory of those who teach the Cause.

Claude Response:

Based on these profound quotes, calling upon Divine assistance in teaching appears to work in several ways:

Remembrance and mention of God

• Sincerely opening one’s lips to mention God’s name calls down “Divine inspiration.”
• Remembering God leads to being remembered by Him
• The act of mentioning God’s name itself seems to create a connection to spiritual forces
  

Trust and reliance on God:

• Putting complete trust in God rather than fearing worldly powers
• Committing affairs to God’s keeping
• Not being intimidated by opposition or those who seem powerful
  

Arising to serve:

• Taking action and arising “for the triumph of the Cause”
• Entering “the arena of service” with confidence
• Being a “valiant horseman” and “fearless warrior” in spiritual endeavors
  

The assistance is described as being delivered through multiple channels:

Direct spiritual support:

• “Hosts of Divine inspiration” descend
• The “Concourse on high” brings “chalices of pure light”
• “Armies of inspiration from the Concourse above.”
• “Spirit of power” breathed into all regions
  

Spiritual protection and empowerment:

• Victory over “tens of thousands of enemies”
• Ascendancy “over all the powers of earth and heaven”
• Entry into the “Ark of salvation”
  

Subtle spiritual reinforcement:

• “Sweet perfumes from the highest Paradise”
• “Pure breathings” from celestial realms
• The “spirit of life” breathed into hearts
• “Clear tokens and signs” revealed
  

The quotes suggest that this assistance is assured and powerful but requires certain conditions from the seeker:

• Sincere love for God that grows stronger
• Confidence and fearlessness in service
• Being “armed with the power of true Knowledge”
• Taking the initiative to arise and act
  

The imagery suggests that the celestial forces are “ready and expectant” to assist but await human initiative—like armies prepared to support a warrior who enters the arena. The assistance combines subtle spiritual reinforcement with powerful divine protection and empowerment.

Pi Response:

The passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá provide invaluable guidance on how one can call upon Divine inspiration when teaching the Cause and how this assistance is delivered:

• Mentioning the name of God: As stated in the first passage, when one speaks about God and mentions His name during teaching, they open the door to receiving Divine inspiration.
• Putting trust in God: As emphasized in the third passage, placing trust in God and committing one’s affairs to Him, individuals can overcome fear and obstacles and receive the necessary support to teach the Cause effectively.
• Strengthening love for Bahá’u’lláh: The stronger one’s love for Bahá’u’lláh becomes, the more God will aid them in their endeavors to teach the Cause. This love acts as a driving force that attracts Divine assistance, as mentioned in the fourth passage.
• Embracing the spirit of life: When individuals engage in teaching the Cause with pure intentions, the Concourse on high will descend upon them, as described in the second and fifth passages. This Divine assistance will come in the form of inspiration, sweet perfumes, and the pure breathings of the Company on high, rejuvenating the teacher’s spirit.
• Embodying genuine knowledge and courage: As highlighted in the sixth passage, those who embody spiritual knowledge, courage, and determination to serve the Cause will receive support from the “armies of inspiration” and achieve victory in their teaching efforts.
  

In summary, calling upon Divine inspiration involves mentioning God’s name, trusting in His support, strengthening one’s love for Bahá’u’lláh, embracing the spirit of life, and embodying true knowledge and courage. Through these actions, teachers of the Cause can receive Divine assistance through inspiration, guidance, and spiritual upliftment, empowering them to spread the teachings effectively and overcome challenges.

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/7#737440909. ↩
2. The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, ed. The Power of Divine Assistance. Revised July 1990., 1981.https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/power-divine-assistance/2#658230091. ↩
3. The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, ed. The Power of Divine Assistance. Revised July 1990., 1981. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/power-divine-assistance/2#634726733. ↩
4. The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, ed. The Power of Divine Assistance. Revised July 1990., 1981. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/power-divine-assistance/2#657779533. ↩
5. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 186-187. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#504809732. ↩
6. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 264. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/9#222296965. ↩
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, 30-31. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.