Jamál, 08 Qudrat (Power), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection:
Say: O people! Spread not disorder on the earth nor dispute with your fellow men, for this would ill beseem them that occupy, beneath the shadow of their Lord, the station of such as are faithful to the one true God. Whensoever ye encounter a thirsty soul, give him to drink from the cup of everlasting life; and whensoever ye find a hearing ear, recite unto him the verses of God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Compassionate. Unloose your tongues with kindly words and, should ye find the people inclined towards the Sanctuary of God, summon them to the truth; otherwise leave them to their own selves and to that condition which is the reality of the nethermost fire. Beware lest ye cast the pearls of inner meaning before the blind and the barren in heart, inasmuch as they are deprived of beholding the light and are unable to distinguish the worthless pebble from the precious and gleaming pearl. Wert thou for a thousand years to recite unto a stone the verses of wondrous glory, would it ever be affected by them or comprehend their significance? Nay, by thy Lord, the All-Merciful, the Most Compassionate! Wert thou to recite unto the deaf all the verses of God, would they hear a single letter thereof? Nay, by His ancient and glorious Beauty! — Bahá’u’lláh 1
The training institute has no parallel as an instrument for the systematic exposure of limitless numbers of souls to the life-giving waters of the Revelation and the inexhaustible meaning of the Word of God. But the friends’ efforts to increase their understanding of the Faith and its teachings are of course not limited to participation in the institute process. Indeed, one strong indicator of an institute’s effectiveness is the thirst it cultivates within those who engage with its materials to continue to study the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh—individually, but also collectively, whether in formal spaces created by the institutions or in more informal settings. — Universal House of Justice 2
Bahá’u’lláh has commanded His followers to teach the Cause. Already thousands upon thousands are energetically applying the provisions of the Plan to open up avenues for them to guide souls to the Ocean of His Revelation. We look with expectant eyes to the day when teaching is the dominating passion in the life of every believer and when the unity of the community is so strong as to enable this state of enkindlement to express itself in unremitting action in the field of service. This, then, is our ardent hope for you and the object of our most fervent prayers at the Sacred Threshold. — Universal House of Justice 3
As a person cultivates the habit of study and deep reflection upon the Creative Word, this process of transformation reveals itself in an ability to express one’s understanding of profound concepts and to explore spiritual reality in conversations of significance. These capacities are visible not only in the elevated discussions that increasingly characterize interactions within the community, but in the ongoing conversations that reach well beyond—not least between the Bahá’í youth and their peers—extending to include parents whose daughters and sons are benefiting from the community’s programmes of education. Through exchanges of this kind, consciousness of spiritual forces is raised, apparent dichotomies yield to unexpected insights, a sense of unity and common calling is fortified, confidence that a better world can be created is strengthened, and a commitment to action becomes manifest. Such distinctive conversations gradually attract ever-larger numbers to take part in a range of community activities. — Universal House of Justice 4
A nurturing environment is being cultivated in which each individual is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace without the pressure of unreasonable expectations. At the heart of such developments is a growing awareness of the implications of the universality and comprehensiveness of the Faith. Collective action is governed more and more by the principle that Bahá’u’lláh’s message should be given liberally and unconditionally to humanity. Most gratifying are the endeavors being made to reach receptive populations with the teachings of the Faith. — Universal House of Justice 5
Question for Consideration
Based on the quotes above, what are the fundamental objectives when teaching the Cause? 6
Gemini Response:
Based on the quotes, the fundamental objectives when teaching the Cause are:
Spiritual Transformation
The primary goal is to inspire spiritual transformation in individuals, enabling them to connect with the divine and live meaningfully.
Building a Just and Peaceful Society
The teachings of the Faith provide a blueprint for a just and peaceful society. By spreading the message, we contribute to the betterment of the world.
Creating a Global Community
The Bahá’í Faith promotes the unity of humanity and the elimination of prejudice. By teaching the Cause, we contribute to building a global community.
Fulfilling the Divine Command
Bahá’u’lláh has commanded His followers to teach His Cause. This is a sacred duty that must be fulfilled.
Sharing the Gift of Faith
The Bahá’í Faith is a precious gift that should be shared with others. By teaching the Cause, we share this gift with the world.
It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply to convert people to the Bahá’í Faith but to inspire them to live a life of service, love, and justice.
ChatGPT Response:
The quotes emphasize that teaching the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is a profound act of service aimed not at achieving quick conversions or numerical growth but at fostering spiritual transformation and promoting unity through sincere engagement and compassionate guidance. Here are some of the fundamental objectives when teaching the Cause, based on these passages:
Awakening and Satisfying Spiritual Thirst
Just as Bahá’u’lláh likens spiritually receptive souls to thirsty ones seeking life-giving waters, the teaching effort aims to reach those open to spiritual truths and eager to deepen their understanding. The objective is to share the teachings in a way that cultivates and satisfies this thirst, inspiring seekers to continue exploring the Faith individually and collectively.
Uplifting and Educating in a Nurturing Environment
Teaching aims to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where individuals feel encouraged to grow spiritually at their own pace. This nurturing approach respects each person’s journey and avoids imposing undue expectations, helping people progress naturally as they explore the Faith’s teachings.
Strengthening Unity and Engaging in Meaningful Conversations
The Faith fosters unity by encouraging elevated, spiritually significant conversations that bridge gaps, dissolve misunderstandings, and promote insights. These discussions not only deepen understanding within the Bahá’í community but also extend outward, fostering a sense of shared purpose and encouraging others to engage with Bahá’í principles.
Modeling the Faith in Actions and Character
As Bahá’u’lláh urges against disorder and contentiousness, teaching aims to embody His teachings through personal conduct, radiating kindness, patience, and dignity. This “silent teaching” through example complements verbal teaching and is a powerful means of attracting receptive souls to the Faith.
Promoting a Commitment to Service and Transformation
The ultimate goal is to inspire action, where spiritual understanding translates into constructive service for humanity. By raising awareness of spiritual realities, the Faith encourages believers and seekers alike to contribute to the betterment of society, fostering a shared commitment to positive change.
Reaching Receptive Souls with Sensitivity and Discernment
The teachings encourage believers to share the message with receptive people and exercise discernment when a person may not yet be ready. This avoids fruitless discussions, focusing instead on genuinely seeking souls who yearn for spiritual guidance.
Recognizing and Embracing Bahá’u’lláh’s Universal Message
Finally, teaching aims to fulfill Bahá’u’lláh’s call to share His universal message liberally, without discrimination. The Faith’s teachings are offered as a gift to all humanity, honoring the universality of Bahá’u’lláh’s message and encouraging everyone to partake in the transformative power of His Revelation.
In summary, the primary objectives of teaching the Cause are to foster meaningful engagement with Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, facilitate a nurturing environment, inspire action, and serve humanity through words and example. This approach aligns teaching efforts with the universal, inclusive spirit of the Bahá’í Faith, ensuring that they are characterized by compassion, discernment, and a genuine desire to uplift humanity.
Claude Response:
The passages provide profound insights into the fundamental objectives and spirit that should characterize our efforts to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. A few key points emerge:
Spiritual Transformation, Not Mere Propagation
The goal is not just the outward spread of the Faith but the cultivation of a profound, transformative connection to the “life-giving waters of the Revelation” and the “inexhaustible meaning of the Word of God.” The aim is to nurture souls and raise consciousness.
Unconditional Sharing of the Message
As Bahá’u’lláh instructs, we should share the teachings “liberally and unconditionally” with all, without discrimination or preconditions. The focus is on meeting the spiritual thirst of every soul, not imposing our agendas.
Fostering Elevated Discourse
The ultimate goal is to elevate the quality of collective discourse within the Bahá’í community and in the broader sphere of society. This involves cultivating the capacity for “conversations of significance” that explore profound spiritual realities.
Avoiding Conflict and Imposing Beliefs
We are cautioned against “spreading disorder” or “disputing with your fellow men.” Instead, we should endeavor to guide receptive souls while leaving those unreceptive to their chosen path, avoiding the impulse to force the Faith upon the “blind and the barren in heart.”
Empowering Individual and Collective Transformation
The aim is to nurture an environment where individuals can progress at their own pace while the community is galvanized into “unremitting action in the field of service.” The ultimate fruit is a “fortified sense of unity and common calling.”
In essence, the teaching enterprise is not about numerical growth alone but about catalyzing genuine spiritual awakening, elevated discourse, and a collective commitment to constructive action – all motivated by an unconditional, compassionate desire to share the life-transforming message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Pi Response:
The fundamental objectives when teaching the Cause, as indicated by the provided quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, the Universal House of Justice, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, can be summarized as follows:
Guiding souls to the Ocean of His Revelation
The primary objective is to share Bahá’u’lláh’s message with receptive individuals, allowing them to recognize and embrace the transformative power of the Faith.
Uniting humanity through a common calling
By engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing the teachings of the Faith, believers aim to foster a sense of unity, harmony, and collective purpose among people of diverse backgrounds.
Cultivating a passion for teaching
Encouraging Bahá’ís to develop a deep love for teaching and an unwavering commitment to sharing the Faith with others strengthens the Bahá’í community.
Developing understanding and exploring spiritual reality
By studying and reflecting upon the Bahá’í writings, individuals gain insights into profound spiritual concepts and can engage in elevated discussions, attracting others to the Faith through their understanding.
Creating a nurturing environment
Ensuring that individuals feel supported and encouraged to progress at their own pace fosters an atmosphere of compassion, understanding, and non-judgment within the community.
Reaching receptive populations
Directing teaching efforts towards those open to hearing and embracing the message of Bahá’u’lláh, ensuring that the message is given freely and unconditionally to all.
In essence, the fundamental objectives of teaching the Cause center on sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh with the world, fostering unity and spiritual growth, and creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all who seek to embrace the Faith.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Days of Remembrance. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/days-remembrance/6#084042143. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “30 December 2021 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20211230_001/1#758524503. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2007 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20070421_001/1#452413059. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20151229_001/1#577166452. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “27 December 2005 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20051227_001/1#774522652. ↩
- 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, 75. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 