Jamál, 14 Sharaf (Honor), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection
In truth I have created Thee through Thyself, then at My Own behest I have fashioned all things through the creative power of Thy Word. We are All-Powerful. I have appointed Thee to be the Beginning and the End, the Seen and the Hidden. Verily We are the All-Knowing. — The Báb 1
The Ruhi Institute curriculum had been tested and adapted over many years. It has enabled the friends in different countries to get the institute system up and running in a short time. Rather than having the participants be passive listeners to a wide array of unconnected talks, the Ruhi Institute materials seek to engage the friends fully in the process of learning. Bahá’ís with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds have found the curriculum’s deceptively simple approach, based heavily on connecting the believers to the Creative Word, both appealing and empowering. — Universal House of Justice 2
Thousands upon thousands, embracing the diversity of the entire human family, are engaged in systematic study of the Creative Word in an environment that is at once serious and uplifting. As they strive to apply through a process of action, reflection and consultation the insights thus gained, they see their capacity to serve the Cause rise to new levels. Responding to the inmost longing of every heart to commune with its Maker, they carry out acts of collective worship in diverse settings, uniting with others in prayer, awakening spiritual susceptibilities, and shaping a pattern of life distinguished for its devotional character. As they call on one another in their homes and pay visits to families, friends and acquaintances, they enter into purposeful discussion on themes of spiritual import, deepen their knowledge of the Faith, share Bahá’u’lláh’s message, and welcome increasing numbers to join them in a mighty spiritual enterprise. Aware of the aspirations of the children of the world and their need for spiritual education, they extend their efforts widely to involve ever-growing contingents of participants in classes that become centres of attraction for the young and strengthen the roots of the Faith in society. They assist junior youth to navigate through a crucial stage of their lives and to become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization. And with the advantage of a greater abundance of human resources, an increasing number of them are able to express their faith through a rising tide of endeavours that address the needs of humanity in both their spiritual and material dimensions. Such is the panorama before us as we pause this Riḍván to observe the progress of the worldwide Bahá’í community. — Universal House of Justice 3
Question for Consideration
You are a tutor of a Study Circle. Select three sections from the units in Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, 4 review the exercises, and decide which ones are likely to elicit discussions by Study Circle participants that may require some guidance from you the tutor. 5
Perplexity Pro Response 6
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, the first book in the Ruhi Institute’s sequence of courses, explores profound spiritual concepts that often require thoughtful guidance in a study circle setting. This introduction examines three key sections from the book, highlighting exercises that are likely to spark meaningful discussions and necessitate careful facilitation by the tutor.
Unit 3: Life and Death, Section 5: The Soul’s Influence
The concept of the soul’s influence, as presented in Section 5 of Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, challenges participants to grapple with abstract spiritual ideas. Exercises in this section explore how the soul, despite not occupying physical space, exerts power both through and beyond the body [1]. This notion often prompts thought-provoking discussions about the nature of consciousness and spiritual influence. As a tutor, it’s crucial to guide participants in understanding these complex concepts, using analogies and examples to illustrate how the soul’s power can manifest in tangible ways, while encouraging them to share their own interpretations and experiences.
Unit 3: Life and Death, Section 13: Humanity’s Purpose
Section 13 of Reflections on the Life of the Spirit delves into the profound concept of humanity’s unique capacity to know and love God, presenting exercises that often spark deep discussions among study circle participants. When asked to identify attributes of God that the human soul can reflect, participants may offer varying interpretations, leading to rich conversations about divine qualities and human potential [2]. Guiding these discussions requires careful facilitation to help participants connect abstract concepts to practical actions in their daily lives, encouraging them to explore how they can manifest these attributes in tangible ways. This exploration of purpose often challenges participants to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the practical implications of striving to reflect divine qualities in their interactions with others.
Unit 3: Life and Death, Section 20: The Soul’s Journey After Death
Section 20 of Reflections on the Life of the Spirit explores the soul’s progression after physical death, a topic that often elicits profound questions and reflections from study circle participants. The exercises in this section present challenging concepts, such as the idea of veils falling away and hidden truths becoming clear after death, which may require careful explanation and guidance [3]. Participants might struggle to envision this spiritual transformation, necessitating the use of analogies to bridge understanding. One such analogy compares the soul’s development in this world to a fetus’s growth in the womb, illustrating how our current existence prepares us for a vastly different reality beyond physical life [3]. As a tutor, it’s essential to foster an atmosphere of open dialogue, encouraging participants to explore these concepts deeply while providing context from Bahá’í writings to support their understanding.
Guiding Challenging Discussions
As a Study Circle tutor, guiding discussions on complex spiritual concepts requires a delicate balance of wisdom and patience. When addressing challenging topics, it’s crucial to:
- Encourage participants to share personal insights and experiences
- Use relatable analogies to illustrate abstract ideas
- Reference Bahá’í writings for clarity and context
- Create an atmosphere of open, respectful dialogue
By employing these strategies, tutors can help participants navigate the profound spiritual concepts presented in Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, fostering a deeper understanding of the soul’s nature, humanity’s purpose, and the journey beyond physical existence.
Citations:
[1] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute, 34-35
[2] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute, 41-42
[3] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute, 49
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- Which exercises in the sections you selected are most likely to spark intense discussions?
- How can you guide participants to explore the relationship between the soul and the body?
- What strategies can you use to help participants understand the purpose of life as discussed in the book?
- How can you facilitate a deeper understanding of the journey of the soul after death?
- What are some effective ways to encourage participants to reflect on their own spiritual progress?
- How can I effectively facilitate challenging discussions in a group setting?
- What strategies can help in managing conflicts during discussions?
- How can active listening improve the outcome of challenging discussions?
- What are some techniques to keep discussions on track and productive?
- How can emotional intelligence be utilized to guide difficult conversations?
- The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1. ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976, 159. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-bab/selections-writings-bab/7#210191724. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. Turning Point: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice and Supplementary Material, 1996–2006. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/turning-point/13#842286889. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2008 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 26, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20080421_001/1#421159402. ↩
- 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. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS. ↩
- 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, 52-53. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “You are a tutor of a Study Circle. Select three sections from the units in Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, review the exercises, and decide which ones are likely to elicit discussions by Study Circle participants that may require some guidance from you the tutor.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 10, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/you-are-a-tutor-of-a-study-cir-OJSnhyDETl.2gKfUaV6p3g. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 