Jamál, 05 Masáʼil (Questions), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection:
God willing thou art sustained by His lordly favours and art occupied with such deeds as befit His Day. Regard faith as a tree: its fruits and leaves, its branches and boughs are, and ever have been, truthfulness, trustworthiness, rectitude of conduct, and forbearance. Be assured of God’s sustaining grace, and engage thyself with service to His Faith. We have designated thee a trustee of God, have bidden thee to observe that which shall exalt the Cause of Him Who is the Lord of the worlds… Consort with the people in a spirit of amity and concord, and be unto them a loyal counsellor and a loving companion. Content thyself then with that which We have ordained for thee. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
See ye, therefore, to your own tasks: guide ye the people and educate them in the ways of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá. Deliver to mankind this joyous message from the Abhá Realm. Rest not, by day or night; seek ye no moment’s peace. Strive ye with all your might to bring to men’s ears these happy tidings. In your love for God and your attachment to ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, accept ye every tribulation, every sorrow. Endure the aggressor’s taunts, put up with the enemy’s reproaches. Follow in the footsteps of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, and in the pathway of the Abhá Beauty, long at every moment to give up your lives. Shine out like the daystar, be unresting as the sea; even as the clouds of heaven, shed ye life upon field and hill, and like unto April winds, blow freshness through those human trees, and bring them to their blossoming. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2
Seventh is utter self-effacement, by which is meant that man should so surrender his will to God, and become so oblivious of his own pursuits, that he may attain unto the station of living sacrifice: Thus, if he sleepeth, it should not be for the sake of bodily repose, but solely to recuperate his strength in order that his discourse may be clearer, his utterance more pleasing, and that he may serve God’s creatures and expound His proofs; and if he waketh, he should remain alert, engage in service to the Cause of God, and utterly submerge his own desires and inclinations in the will of God. When he attaineth unto this station, the confirmations of the Holy Spirit shall surround him, and, armed with such a power, he shall be capable of withstanding all the peoples of the earth. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3
I hope, from the bounties of the Exalted, the Quickener of the souls, that thou mayest not rest for one moment but pulsate constantly like unto the pulsation of an artery in the body of the world, to infuse the spirit of life in the souls and suffer the people to soar up the the zenith of the Kingdom. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 4
These shall labor ceaselessly, by day and by night, shall heed neither trials nor woe, shall suffer no respite in their efforts, shall seek no repose, shall disregard all ease and comfort, and, detached and unsullied, shall consecrate every fleeting moment of their lives to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God’s holy Word. Their faces will radiate heavenly gladness, and their hearts be filled with joy. Their souls will be inspired, and their foundation stand secure. They shall scatter in the world, and travel throughout all regions. They shall raise their voices in every assembly, and adorn and revive every gathering. They shall speak in every tongue, and interpret every hidden meaning. They shall reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom, and manifest unto everyone the signs of God. They shall burn brightly even as a candle in the heart of every assembly, and beam forth as a star upon every horizon. The gentle breezes wafted from the garden of their hearts shall perfume and revive the souls of men, and the revelations of their minds, even as showers, will reinvigorate the peoples and nations of the world. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 5
Question for Consideration
How can one overcome the desire for comfort and self-indulgence to invest time and energy in advancing their understanding and capacity for service to the Bahá’í Faith? 6
Perplexity Pro Response 7
Overcoming the desire for comfort and self-indulgence to advance in service within the Bahá’í Faith involves cultivating spiritual qualities, embracing challenges, and fostering a deep sense of purpose. Drawing on principles from the Bahá’í writings and the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, individuals are encouraged to prioritize service as a path to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Cultivating a Spiritual Mindset
Developing a spiritual mindset is crucial for overcoming self-indulgence and dedicating oneself to service. This perspective shift involves recognizing that the true purpose of life extends beyond material comforts to encompass spiritual growth and service to humanity. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that knowing and worshipping God is intimately connected with serving others, transforming the act of service from a sacrifice to a fulfilling spiritual endeavor. By internalizing this understanding, individuals can find greater motivation to invest time and energy in advancing their capacity for service, viewing it as an essential part of their spiritual journey rather than a burden or inconvenience.
Detachment and Overcoming Comfort
Letting go of material attachments and personal desires is a transformative process that enables one to prioritize service over comfort. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá highlights the importance of detachment, urging individuals to “die to self and live in God,” which involves subordinating personal inclinations to divine will [1]. This detachment fosters resilience, as true fulfillment is found in spiritual growth rather than worldly pleasures. By embracing this mindset, one can navigate challenges with a sense of purpose, finding joy in advancing the greater good [2] [4].
Practical Steps for Service
Practical steps to enhance one’s capacity for service include starting with manageable commitments and gradually expanding efforts.
- Small, consistent acts of service help build momentum and demonstrate the spiritual rewards of selflessness, making it easier to prioritize service over personal comfort [1].
- Regular engagement with Bahá’í writings, particularly those emphasizing service and sacrifice, provides ongoing inspiration and a deeper understanding of its significance [5].
- Prayer and meditation strengthen inner resolve, fostering the spiritual discipline needed to overcome self-indulgence and dedicate oneself to advancing the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advises: “Exert thyself night and day until spiritual powers may penetrate thy heart and soul” [5].
- View difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Challenges in service can help purify the soul and develop resilience [7]. By embracing these tests, one can build the capacity to overcome self-indulgence and find joy in service.
- Cultivate a genuine love for all people. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encourages us to “Let your heart overflow with love for His creatures” [6]. This love can serve as a powerful motivator to overcome personal comfort for the sake of serving others.
Reflect on the Example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Reflecting on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá provides profound inspiration for overcoming self-indulgence and embracing service. His unwavering commitment to assisting the poor, sick, and underprivileged exemplifies a life devoted to others [2]. He encouraged believers to endure hardships with patience, comparing their efforts to “shining out like the daystar” and “shedding life upon field and hill.” His teachings emphasize self-effacement, urging individuals to surrender personal desires entirely to God’s will, thereby attaining the station of a “living sacrifice” empowered by the Holy Spirit [1].
By consistently applying these approaches, one can gradually overcome the desire for comfort and self-indulgence, developing instead a joyful orientation towards service in the Bahá’í Faith.
Citations
[1] Unraveling the Mystery of Confidence | Bahai Blog
[2] Learning from Abdu’l-Baha’s Commitment to Service | BahaiTeachings.org
[3] Advice for a young, burnt out Baha’i | Reddit
[4] Walking a path of service | Instituto Ruhí
[6] Overcoming Loneliness – A Bahá’í Approach – Part 1 | Violence and Abuse: Reasons and Remedies
[7] We Grow When We’re Uncomfortable | BahaiTeachings.org
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- What practical steps can I take to shift my focus from self-interest to service?
- How can I develop true confidence in my abilities through prayer and action?
- What role does humility play in overcoming the ego and advancing my service to the Bahá’í Faith?
- How can I balance my need for comfort with the demands of spiritual growth and service?
- What are some examples of how others have successfully transitioned from self-indulgence to service?
- How can I embody the qualities of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in my daily life?
- What are some practical ways to spread the message of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of amity and concord in my interactions with others?
- What are the key teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that I should focus on?
- How can I use ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings to guide my personal growth?
- Bahá’u’lláh Additional Tablets and Extracts from Tablets Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/additional-tablets-extracts-from-tablets-revealed-bahaullah/820095014/1#284407584. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 245-246. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/8#616884570. ↩
- ’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/826608209/1#954281597. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas. 2nd ed. Vol. 3. 3 vols. Chicago: Bahá’í Publishing Center, 1919, 727. https://bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/tab/3.html#727. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 251-252. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/9#570413445. ↩
- 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, 128-129. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How can one overcome the desire for comfort and self-indulgence to invest time and energy in advancing their understanding and capacity for service to the Bahá’í Faith?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 13, 2024. https://www.perplexity.ai/page/overcoming-comfort-for-service-zJNlBOv1ScCGgIvMAkaV3w. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 