Jamál, 07 Sharaf (Honor), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection
We found you, as We found most men, worshipping names which they mention during the days of their life, and with which they occupy themselves. No sooner do the Bearers of these names appear, however, than they repudiate them, and turn upon their heels. Thus have We found you, and thus have We reckoned up your actions and borne witness to all your doings in this day. Know ye that God will not, in this day, accept your thoughts, nor your remembrance of Him, nor your turning towards Him, nor your devotions, nor your vigilance, unless ye be made new in the estimation of this Servant, could ye but perceive it. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
In a world where creeds and ideologies are willing to employ any means possible to win adherents, someone unfamiliar with the Faith may have genuine questions about the intentions of the Ruhi Institute, most notably, “Am I being asked to change my religion?” or “Am I being asked to join a religion?” Such questions offer the tutor a chance to explain the purpose of the sequence of courses as outlined above. While it is natural that Bahá’ís would be eager to see their friends join the community, their own teachings prohibit them, a tutor may wish to add, from engaging in proselytization. Walking the path of service opened up by the institute courses calls for an ever-deepening understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, which the materials endeavor to set forth unequivocally; acceptance and faith are matters to be contemplated by each individual freely and without pressure.
Not surprisingly, then, it is with the question of understanding, so central to all the books in the sequence, that this first one begins. To read from the Holy Writings is not the same as reading the many thousands of pages that a person sees in a lifetime, and the unit, “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings,” seeks to foster the habit of reading passages from the Sacred Text every day and meditating on their meaning, a habit that will greatly aid participants as they embark on the path of service. To guide them in its study, the tutor must give a great deal of thought to the subject of understanding.
The Bahá’í Writings contain profound spiritual truths, and even as we strive to advance in our understanding of their infinite meaning, we know that we can never reach a definitive end. We generally gain a basic comprehension of the immediate meaning of a passage when reading it for the first time, and Section 1 of the unit takes this as a starting point. Thus, after reading the quotation, “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct,” 2 participants are simply asked, “How can the betterment of the world be accomplished?” At a glance, most of the questions and exercises of this kind appear to be too simple. But years of experience seem to justify the Institute’s decision to begin this way. We all need to be reminded that, in its haste to find the layers of truth in a passage, the mind should not overlook its obvious meaning. Attention to this first level of comprehension also proves vital to group consultation; it strengthens unity of thought, readily attainable when personal opinions are allowed to be illumined by Divine wisdom.
It is important to note here that understanding the immediate meaning of most passages does not benefit from a long discussion of single words out of context. That said, it may be necessary, on occasion, for a group to look up a word in the dictionary. What may be more fruitful, however, is for the participants to learn how to infer the meanings of words from whole sentences and paragraphs.
For understanding to expand beyond the realm of immediate meaning, examples that show how ideas find concrete expression can be helpful. All that is called for in this respect are straightforward exercises. In Section 2, for instance, participants are asked to determine, in light of a passage they have just read, whether certain characteristics are commendable. In a similar exercise in Section 4, they are encouraged to name five virtues and then decide whether it is possible to acquire any of them in the absence of truthfulness—described in the Writings as”the foundation of all human virtues.” 3
To achieve its purpose, the unit demands a further advance in understanding by challenging participants to think about some of the implications of the passages presented. In Section 2, they are required to determine whether the statement “There are so few good people in the world that their actions do not have any effect” is true. Here the intent is not to elicit mere opinion. The tutor must pause and query the reason for the participants’ answers. That the statement must necessarily be false because it contradicts the first quotation in the preceding section is the conclusion to which the group should come. The question of whether Bahá’ís may confess their sins to others is also an example of this kind of exercise. It refers to the prohibition in the teachings against confession as a means of absolving sin, which, not mentioned expressly in any of the passages studied, can be drawn out be exploring the meaning of the verse, “Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning.” 4 — Ruhi Institute Staff 5
An individual’s efforts in this respect must begin with earnest striving to develop attributes of the soul such as love, truthfulness, kindness, justice, and generosity; to purify the heart of selfishness, envy, and hate; and to align the mind with Bahá’u’lláh’s principles of unity. By striving to rid his or her thoughts, words, and actions of ethnic bias, an individual upholds his or her own nobility and the nobility of all of God’s children. Freedom from prejudice must then manifest itself in all aspects of an individual’s life—in private and public life, in the Bahá’í community, and in the wider society. The home environment must be free of attitudes, tendencies, expressions, and associations that give room for prejudice. In the Bahá’í community, God forbid that a loyal believer’s participation in the electoral processes of the Faith be swayed by narrow ethnic interests or that service on committees, agencies, and institutions be tainted by partiality and favouritism. In society, a believer’s freedom from prejudice must be evident in all the social spaces he or she enters—the school, the workplace, the cultural association, the professional organization. A believer’s duty at all times is to demonstrate the unifying power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings by associating with diverse peoples with a spacious heart, an all-embracing love, and a spirit of true friendship. As was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s injunction, “Let those who meet you know, without your proclaiming the fact, that you are indeed a Bahá’í.” — Universal House of Justice 6
Question for Consideration
How does gaining insights into the broader implications of passages from the Writings assist us in aligning our thoughts and actions with the teachings of the Faith? 7
Perplexity Pro Response 8
The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the importance of deepening one’s understanding of its sacred writings to align thoughts and actions with its teachings [2]. This process of gaining insights into the broader implications of Bahá’í scriptures is seen as crucial for personal spiritual growth, character transformation, and effective service to humanity.
Understanding Bahá’í Writings
The Bahá’í approach to understanding sacred writings emphasizes a multi-layered process that goes beyond surface-level interpretation. Readers are encouraged to start with the immediate meaning of passages, as exemplified in the Ruhi Institute’s study materials, which ask simple questions to reinforce basic comprehension [1]. This foundational understanding serves as a springboard for deeper exploration, including examining concrete examples of how spiritual principles manifest in daily life and contemplating the broader implications of the teachings [4]. The goal is not to reach a definitive interpretation, but rather to engage in an ongoing process of reflection and application that transforms both individual character and collective understanding. [5] This deeper comprehension allows us to explain Bahá’í concepts more clearly to others, participate more meaningfully in community activities, and contribute more substantially to the process of building a new civilization [2] [5].
Developing Virtues, Fostering Unity, and Transforming Character
Developing virtues and attributes such as love, truthfulness, kindness, justice, and generosity forms the foundation of character transformation in the Bahá’í Faith [1]. This process involves aligning with Bahá’u’lláh’s principles of unity and inclusivity. purifying the heart from negative qualities like selfishness, envy, and hate and eliminating prejudice and bias, particularly in their thoughts, words, and actions related to ethnic diversity [2] [5]. Bahá’ís are encouraged to manifest these virtues in all aspects of life, including:
- Home environment: Creating a space free from attitudes and expressions that perpetuate prejudice
- Bahá’í community: Ensuring that participation in electoral processes and service on committees is not influenced by narrow ethnic interests
- Wider society: Demonstrating freedom from prejudice in schools, workplaces, and other social spaces
By embodying these virtues, believers strive to demonstrate the unifying power of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the oneness of humanity through genuine friendship and association with diverse peoples, fulfilling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s injunction to let others recognize their faith through actions rather than proclamations [2] [5].
Making Decisions and Choices Aligned with Principles
Deeper insights into the Writings provide guidance for decision-making in various aspects of life. Whether in our personal affairs, professional endeavors, or community service, a comprehensive understanding of Bahá’í principles helps us make choices that align with the Faith’s teachings [2] [5]. This alignment ensures that our actions serve the Cause effectively, contribute to the betterment of society, and advance Bahá’í ideals.
Continuous Spiritual Learning
The path of spiritual growth in the Bahá’í Faith is characterized by continuous learning and reflection. Believers are encouraged to develop the habit of reading passages from the Sacred Text daily and meditating on their meaning, a practice that aids in deepening understanding and service [4]. This process of study, action, and reflection creates a dynamic cycle of spiritual development, where insights gained from the Writings are applied in daily life, leading to new questions and further exploration. The Ruhi Institute’s approach exemplifies this method, challenging participants to think about the implications of passages and apply them to concrete situations, fostering a culture of ongoing spiritual education and growth [1].
In conclusion, gaining insights into the broader implications of the Bahá’í Writings is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative process that helps align our thoughts, words, and deeds with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh [2]. It enables us to internalize the spiritual truths, manifest them in our character, foster unity, make wise decisions, enhance our service, and engage in continuous learning – all of which contribute to the realization of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for a new world order [5] [6].
Citations:
[1] Reflections on the Life of the Spirit – Ruhi Institute
[3] Debate and Disagreement about Baha’i Writings — reddit r/bahai
[4] 1: Unit 1: Understanding the Baha’i Writings – Shareable Baha’i Resources
[5] Social Action – Bahá’í Reference Library
[6] The Baha’i Teachings and Homosexuality – Bahá’í of the United States
[8] How Our Thoughts Shape Our Reality – BahaiTEACHINGS.ORG
[9] Keep Your Eyes Fixed on the Exalted Kingdom – BahaiTEACHINGS.ORG
[10] Raising the Quality of Our Systematic Action: Reflection and Planning – Baha’i Blog
[12] Transcript of: Speaking on Learning and the Evolution of the Bahá’í Community (2008) – Bahai.works
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can daily meditation on the Bahá’í Writings influence my personal growth?
- What are some practical ways to apply the teachings of the Bahá’í Writings in daily life?
- How does the Ruhi Institute approach the study of the Bahá’í Writings?
- What role does group consultation play in understanding the Bahá’í Writings?
- How can one balance the immediate meaning of a passage with its broader implications?
- How can I integrate Bahá’í teachings into my daily life?
- What are the benefits of studying Bahá’í writings regularly?
- How do Bahá’í teachings address modern social issues?
- What are some effective methods for meditating on Bahá’í teachings?
- How can Bahá’í principles guide my personal decision-making?
- Baháʼuʼlláh. The Summons of the Lord of Hosts : Tablets. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st ed. Haifa: Baháʼí World Centre, 2002. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/summons-lord-hosts/12#855250034. ↩
- “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” — Bahá’u’lláh
Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#716325250. ↩ - “Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the human world, and without it prosperity and salvation are unattainable to any soul in all the worlds of God. Whensoever this holy attribute becometh securely established in one’s being, the acquisition of all heavenly virtues will be realized.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#293314070. ↩ - “O Son of Being! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds.”
Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#746355706. ↩ - Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, v-vii. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “1 November 2022 – To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20221101_001/1#575088081. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 42-43. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How does gaining insights into the broader implications of passages from the Writings assist us in aligning our thoughts and actions with the teachings of the Faith?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 3, 2025. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 