Fidál, 09 Sharaf (Honor), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection
O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the Rose Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom, compared to which every other flower is but a thorn, and before the brightness of Whose glory the very essence of beauty must pale and wither. Arise, therefore, and, with the whole enthusiasm of your hearts, with all the eagerness of your souls, the full fervor of your will, and the concentrated efforts of your entire being, strive to attain the paradise of His presence, and endeavor to inhale the fragrance of the incorruptible Flower, to breathe the sweet savors of holiness, and to obtain a portion of this perfume of celestial glory. Whoso followeth this counsel will break his chains asunder, will taste the abandonment of enraptured love, will attain unto his heart’s desire, and will surrender his soul into the hands of his Beloved. Bursting through his cage, he will, even as the bird of the spirit, wing his flight to his holy and everlasting nest. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
The everlasting Candle shineth in its naked glory. Behold how it hath consumed every mortal veil. O ye moth-like lovers of His light! Brave every danger, and consecrate your souls to its consuming flame. O ye that thirst after Him! Strip yourselves of every earthly affection, and hasten to embrace your Beloved. With a zest that none can equal make haste to attain unto Him. The Flower, thus far hidden from the sight of men, is unveiled to your eyes. In the open radiance of His glory He standeth before you. His voice summoneth all the holy and sanctified beings to come and be united with Him. Happy is he that turneth thereunto; well is it with him that hath attained, and gazed on the light of so wondrous a countenance. — Bahá’u’lláh 3
I swear by Thy glory, O my God! I am astonished at them and at that which they have manifested in the path of Thy love. Blessings and joy be upon them!… Methinks Thou didst fashion them for Thy love and didst single them out for attraction to Thee; Thou didst infuse into them the spirit of Thy Cause and didst reveal unto them the beauty of Thy oneness. — Bahá’u’lláh 4
MORTAL charm shall fade away, roses shall give way to thorns, and beauty and youth shall live their day and be no more. But that which eternally endureth is the Beauty of the True One, for its splendor perisheth not and its glory lasteth forever; its charm is all-powerful and its attraction infinite. Well is it then with that countenance that reflecteth the splendor of the Light of the Beloved One! The Lord be praised, thou hast been illumined with this Light, hast acquired the pearl of true knowledge, and hast spoken the Word of Truth. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 5
The blessings of the Ancient Beauty are being showered upon the followers of the Greatest Name. Our efforts to serve Him and humanity are being crowned with victories throughout the world. As we give thanks for these splendid achievements, as the Cause of God spreads in every land, as our institutions become more perfected, as the number of believers increases over the face of the planet, our individual lives must increasingly mirror forth each day the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and we must so live our lives that all will see in us a different people. The acts we perform, the attitudes we manifest, the very words we speak should be an attraction, a magnet, drawing the sincere to the Divine Teachings. — Universal House of Justice 6
Question for Consideration
How can study of the Ruhi Institute courses help participants see the sublimity of God’s Revelation, appreciate the attractiveness of the revealed Word, and feel the motivation that comes from experiencing glimpses of the Beauty of the Beloved? 7
Perplexity Pro Response 8
The Ruhi Institute [1] [8] courses offer a structured approach to studying Bahá’í teachings, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of God’s Revelation and inspire them to translate spiritual insights into practical service. Through a combination of textual study, reflection, and application, these courses aim to unveil the beauty of Bahá’u’lláh’s words and cultivate a lasting motivation for community engagement.
Unveiling the Beauty of the Revelation
The Ruhi Institute courses employ a multi-layered approach to help participants uncover the profound beauty and significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. This process involves three levels of comprehension:
- Basic understanding of the literal meaning of sacred texts
- Exploration of how teachings apply to real-world situations
- Consideration of broader implications and significance
By progressing through these levels, students gradually deepen their connection to the Writings, enabling them to perceive the “sublimity of God’s Revelation” in increasingly profound ways [9]. The courses emphasize memorization of key passages, allowing participants to internalize the beauty of the language and carry these words in their hearts [6]. Through this systematic study, individuals are guided to not only intellectually grasp the Bahá’í teachings but to experience their transformative power firsthand, offering glimpses of the “Beauty of the Beloved” that ignite a deep motivation for service [3] [6].
Appreciating the Revealed Word
The Ruhi Institute’s methodology fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of the revealed Word through various approaches. Participants engage in reflection on profound spiritual concepts, exploring themes such as the nature of the soul, the purpose of prayer, and the meaning of life and death [9]. This reflection helps illuminate the depth and wisdom contained in the Writings. Additionally, the incorporation of artistic expression in the learning process allows individuals to connect with the beauty of the teachings through creative means [6]. By encouraging the memorization of key passages, the courses enable participants to internalize the language and carry these words in their hearts, cultivating a lasting appreciation for the revealed Word [6].
Motivation through Spiritual Dynamics
Participants in Ruhi Institute courses often experience personal transformation as they study and apply the teachings, serving as a powerful motivator for continued engagement. The collaborative nature of study circles fosters a sense of spiritual companionship, encouraging individuals to support each other on their path of service [4]. By recognizing their latent potential and developing divine attributes through education and service, participants are awakened to the spiritual dynamics that inspire them to arise and contribute to the betterment of their communities [6]. This experiential approach allows individuals to not only intellectually understand the Bahá’í teachings but to feel their transformative power, igniting a deep motivation to share Bahá’u’lláh’s life-giving message with others.
Practical Application and Service
The Ruhi Institute courses emphasize immediate application of learned concepts through specific acts of service, such as hosting devotional gatherings or teaching children’s classes. This practical approach allows participants to feel increasingly empowered as they build capacity for various forms of community service [6] [2]. The courses systematically develop skills for working with different age groups, including children and junior youth, fostering a continuous pattern of study and action that renews participants’ motivation and deepens their appreciation for the teachings [7] [6]. By engaging in these practical applications, individuals not only internalize the spiritual concepts but also contribute tangibly to the betterment of their communities, embodying the Bahá’í principle of service to humanity.
By engaging with the Ruhi Institute courses, participants are guided to not only intellectually understand the Bahá’í teachings but to experience their transformative power in their own lives. This experiential approach allows individuals to glimpse the Beauty of the Beloved, igniting a deep motivation to arise and serve, and to share the life-giving message of Bahá’u’lláh with others.
Citations:
[2] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[3] Book 9: Gaining an Historical Perspective – Bahá’í Books Australia
[5] Family and community: Reflections on Book 12 in Houston – Bahá’í of the United States
[6] Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[7] Walking a path of service – Instituto Ruhí
[8] Ruhi Institute – Wikipedia
[9] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How do the Ruhi Institute courses help participants develop a deeper connection with Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings?
- What specific spiritual principles are emphasized in the Ruhi Institute courses?
- How does the Ruhi Institute approach the concept of progressive revelation?
- What role does memorization play in the Ruhi Institute courses?
- How do the Ruhi Institute courses foster a sense of community among participants?
- How do the Ruhi Institute courses enhance community service skills?
- 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/3#775762706. ↩
- 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/8#871483407. ↩
- 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/8#537870931. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Additional Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Bahá’í World Centre. Bahá’í Reference Library, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/additional-prayers-revealed-bahaullah/826600391/1#324741469. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 204. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#256948997. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “13 July 1972 – To all National Spiritual Assemblies.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 5, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19720713_001/1#788508697. ↩
- 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, 45-46. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How can study of the Ruhi Institute courses help participants see the sublimity of God’s Revelation, appreciate the attractiveness of the revealed Word, and feel the motivation that comes from experiencing glimpses of the Beauty of the Beloved?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 5, 2025. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 