Kamál, 18 Qawl (Speech), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection
As to the most great characteristic of the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets of the past: It is the ordination and appointment of the Center of the Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has safeguarded and protected the religion of God against differences and schisms, making it impossible for anyone to create a new sect or faction of belief. To ensure unity and agreement He has entered into a Covenant with all the people of the world, including the interpreter and explainer of His teachings, so that no one may interpret or explain the religion of God according to his own view or opinion and thus create a sect founded upon his individual understanding of the divine Words. The Book of the Covenant or Testament of Bahá’u’lláh is the means of preventing such a possibility. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
The path that has brought your community to this point has been laid through the sacrifices of generations of devoted believers who have over the past seven decades laboured across your country to convey Bahá’u’lláh’s unifying message from one heart to another. Thus has emerged a community so remarkably assured in its mission to contribute to the betterment of society by applying spiritual principles. Today, in a myriad villages and neighbourhoods across your vast nation are unfolding endeavours of significant spiritual and social import. The friends are opening their homes to acts of collective worship; are engaging with everyone in conversations that uplift souls, illumine minds, and connect hearts; are sacrificing to provide for the spiritual and material education of young and old alike; are learning to apply spiritual insights together with scientific knowledge to promote social well-being; and are finding ways to share their resources in acts of humanitarian assistance. They are consecrating their energies to building communities that each succeeding day become truer expressions of the love of God and of human oneness. In these ways, and in many more, they are channelling the spirit of worship and service embodied in the House of Worship and are laying foundations in the towns and villages of their nation upon which, in the fullness of time, more Houses of Worship shall be raised. — Universal House of Justice 2
In every setting, there is pure joy in engaging other souls in meaningful and uplifting conversations that lead, whether quickly or gradually, to the stirring of spiritual susceptibilities. The brighter the flame kindled within the heart of the believer, the greater will be the force of attraction felt by those exposed to its warmth. And to a heart consumed with love for Bahá’u’lláh, what more fitting occupation can be imagined than to seek out kindred spirits, to encourage them as they enter the path of service, to accompany them as they gain experience and—perhaps the greatest joy of all—to see souls become confirmed in their faith, arise independently, and assist others on the same journey. These are among the most cherished of all the moments that this transitory life affords. — Universal House of Justice 3
As progress continues, the rising capacity for meaningful conversation is harnessed in the plans of the institutions. By the time cycles of activity have formally emerged, this capacity is being further stimulated through the expansion phase that does so much to determine the outcome of each cycle. The precise objectives of each expansion phase vary, of course, depending on conditions in the cluster and the circumstances of the Bahá’í community. In some instances, its main aim is to increase participation in the core activities; in others, readiness to enrol in the Faith is discovered. Conversations about the Person of Bahá’u’lláh and the purpose of His mission occur in a variety of settings, including firesides and visits to homes. The actions undertaken during this phase allow abilities developed through studying the relevant institute materials to be exercised and refined. As experience grows, the friends become more adept at discerning when they have found a hearing ear, at deciding when to be more direct in sharing the message, at removing obstacles to understanding, and at helping seekers to embrace the Cause. The approach of working in teams allows the friends to serve together, offer mutual support, and build confidence—but even when carrying out actions individually, they are coordinating their efforts to greater effect. Their focus and investment of time endow this short but decisive phase of the cycle with the intensity it demands. This spirit of high resolve serves to multiply the community’s powers, and in each cycle the friends learn to depend more and more on the potent confirmations from the divine realm that their actions attract. — Universal House of Justice 4
Question for Consideration
If there is no better than now to have meaningful and uplifting conversations about the spiritual principles of the Bahá’í Faith, with whom and how should one conduct them? 5
Perplexity Pro Response 6
The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful and uplifting conversations about spiritual principles, viewing the present moment as an opportune time for such exchanges. These conversations, which can be conducted with a diverse range of individuals in various settings, aim to foster unity, understanding, and spiritual growth within communities.
Engaging Friends and Neighbors
Initiating spiritual discussions with those closest to us provides a natural starting point for meaningful conversations. These exchanges can occur organically during everyday interactions or in more structured settings like devotional gatherings [4]. By engaging friends, family, and neighbors, Bahá’ís create opportunities to share the Faith’s teachings and foster a sense of community. This approach aligns with the Bahá’í principle of building unity from the grassroots level, as exemplified by the community-building activities taking place across various nations [1].
Connecting with Diverse Groups
Reaching out to individuals from various backgrounds, beliefs, and age groups enriches the spiritual discourse and aligns with the Bahá’í principle of unity in diversity. Engaging with diverse community members, including seekers and those expressing curiosity about the Faith, creates opportunities for mutual learning and growth. For instance, in Minnesota, Bahá’ís like David Keller have joined interfaith discussion groups to offer their perspectives while learning from others [7]. This approach fosters an inclusive environment where every viewpoint is valued in the search for deeper spiritual truths, as exemplified by the Meaningful Conversations Raleigh meetup group [6].
Creating Safe Conversation Spaces
Creating a safe and open environment is crucial for fostering meaningful spiritual conversations. This approach encourages participants to share their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment, allowing for deeper exploration of Bahá’í principles. To facilitate such discussions, resources can offer discussion guides on diverse topics [5]. These tools can be utilized in both online and in-person settings, providing a structured framework for elevated group discussions that promote unity and understanding.
Host Devotional Gatherings
Devotional gatherings serve as powerful platforms for fostering spiritual connections and engaging in meaningful conversations. These informal prayer meetings bring together friends, families, and neighbors in a spirit of worship, creating natural opportunities for discussing Bahá’í principles. Participants can share prayers, meditations, and reflections from various faith traditions, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and unity. Such gatherings not only deepen spiritual understanding but also strengthen community bonds, as they often lead to discussions on how to apply spiritual insights to promote social well-being [1] [4].
By engaging in these meaningful conversations with a diverse range of people and using these approaches, Bahá’ís and their friends can contribute to the spiritual and social development of their communities, fostering unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Citations
[1] Kalamazoo Bahá’ís encourage Meaningful Conversations to promote spiritual growth, community action
[2] How do you practice your Spirituality? A Bahá’í Perspective
[3] Backbiting-free Conversation
[4] BUILDING COMMUNITY – Love in Action
[5] Baha’i Tools: A Resource for Elevated Group Discussions
[6] Meaningful Conversations – Raleigh
[7] Practice, practice! Minnesotans learn the art of meaningful conversation
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- What are some effective ways to start a meaningful conversation about spiritual principles?
- How can I create a safe and open space for discussing deep spiritual topics?
- What are some examples of topics that have been successfully discussed in “meaningful conversations” hosted by Bahá’ís?
- How can I encourage others to participate in spiritual discussions without feeling pressured?
- What are some practical steps to apply spiritual principles to community service?
- What are some creative ways to host devotional gatherings in a small space?
- How can I incorporate meaningful conversations into devotional gatherings?
- What are some tips for creating a welcoming atmosphere for devotional gatherings?
- How can I involve all participants in devotional gatherings?
- What are some examples of successful devotional gatherings in different communities?
- ’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, 455-456. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/33#510080411. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “25 March 2023 – To the Friends Gathered in Kinshasa.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20230325_001/1#786953260. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2019 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20190420_001/1#425893761. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 7, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20151229_001/1#219993528. ↩
- 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, 116-118. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “If there is no better than now to have meaningful and uplifting conversations about the spiritual principles of the Bahá’í Faith, with whom and how should one conduct them?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 7, 2024. https://www.perplexity.ai/page/discussing-baha-i-spiritual-pr-647AX6FQSEKJ3kbxhQps7g. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 