Daily Frameworks for 13 January 2025

Kamál, 15 Sharaf (Honor), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

By no means do the exercises in the unit attempt to encompass the range of meaning enshrined in the passages under consideration. One question every tutor must contemplate is how much discussion should go into any given exercise. Here it is important to bear in mind that prolonging deliberations by introducing many related but peripheral concepts tends to diminish the effectiveness of the material. Every group needs to establish a reasonable rhythm of progress; participants should feel a distinct sense that they are advancing steadily according to their own possibilities. The tutor must, however, stay attentive, lest sections are passed over quickly and superficially without the thoughtful analysis of exercises; groups that have proceeded in this way, merely filling in answers, have never attained lasting results. — Ruhi Institute Staff ²

Question for Consideration

Given the quote above, what two tendencies should a Study Circle tutor avoid in taking a group through each section of books in the Ruhi Institute series in order to ensure that the purpose of the material is achieved? ³

Perplexity Pro Response ⁴

The Ruhi Institute series emphasizes the importance of effective tutoring in study circles, where tutors must navigate between the extremes of prolonging discussions unnecessarily and rushing through material superficially to ensure meaningful engagement and lasting results for participants.

Avoid Excessive Deliberations

To maintain the effectiveness of the Ruhi Institute material, tutors must resist the temptation to prolong deliberations by introducing numerous related but peripheral concepts [2]. This approach can diminish the material’s impact and impede the group’s progress. Instead, tutors should focus on establishing a reasonable rhythm of advancement, allowing participants to feel a sense of steady progress according to their individual capabilities [2]. By avoiding excessive discussions on tangential topics, tutors can ensure that the core concepts are thoroughly explored without overwhelming participants or detracting from the main objectives of each exercise.

Prevent Superficial Progress

Tutors must be vigilant against the tendency to rush through sections without thoughtful analysis of exercises. Groups that merely fill in answers without proper reflection fail to achieve lasting results [2]. This superficial approach undermines the purpose of the material and hinders participants’ ability to internalize key concepts. To prevent this, tutors should encourage participants to engage deeply with each exercise, fostering an environment where questions are explored thoroughly and insights are shared. By maintaining a careful balance between progress and depth, tutors can ensure that participants gain a meaningful understanding of the material, rather than simply completing exercises for the sake of advancement.

Striking a Balanced Approach

To strike a balanced approach, tutors should foster an environment that encourages thoughtful analysis while maintaining steady progress. This requires careful attention to the group’s dynamics and individual needs. Tutors can achieve this balance by:

• Guiding discussions to explore the core concepts without veering into peripheral topics
• Ensuring each participant has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully
• Adapting the pace to accommodate different learning styles and capabilities
• Regularly assessing the group’s understanding and adjusting the approach as needed
  

By maintaining this equilibrium, tutors can help participants feel a sense of advancement while also engaging deeply with the material, leading to more effective and lasting learning outcomes [1] [2].

Ensuring Meaningful Engagement

To ensure meaningful engagement in Ruhi Institute study circles, tutors should encourage exploration and open discussion among participants. Rather than insisting on rigid yes or no answers, tutors should help participants reflect on the application and implications of concepts presented in the material1. This approach allows for deeper understanding of complex issues in light of the Writings. While new tutors may initially feel timid about guiding such discussions, experience will help them develop the skills to facilitate productive exploration without letting the conversation stray too far off course [1].

Citations:

[1] Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[2] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can a tutor balance discussion and progress in a Study Circle?
• What strategies can a tutor use to keep the group focused on the main themes?
• How does the tutor’s role differ from that of a traditional teacher in the Ruhi Institute approach?
• What are some common pitfalls that tutors might encounter when leading a Study Circle?
• How can a tutor ensure that all participants are actively engaged in the learning process?
• How can a tutor encourage meaningful participation without pressuring individuals?
• What techniques can a tutor use to keep the discussion engaging and relevant?
• How can a tutor ensure that every member of the group feels valued and included?
• What strategies can a tutor use to prevent the discussion from becoming too rigid or too free-form?
• How can a tutor create an atmosphere where consultation leads to increased understanding?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 168. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/5#545364905. ↩
2. 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, vii. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS. ↩
3. 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. ↩
4. Perplexity Pro. “Given the quote above, what two tendencies should a Study Circle tutor avoid in taking a group through each section of books in the Ruhi Institute series in order to ensure that the purpose of the material is achieved?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 10, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/by-no-means-do-the-exercises-i-YQyR6tn4QQ61hWvrSBWdBg. ↩