Daily Frameworks for 18 January 2025

Jalál, 01 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers and mothers. Follow ye the path of Truth, which indeed is a straight path. Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such service be a path leading you to Me. This is My exhortation and command unto thee. Observe therefore that which thy Lord, the Mighty, the Gracious, hath prescribed unto thee. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Let deeds, not words, testify to thy faith, if thou art a man of true learning. Cease idly repeating the traditions of the past, for the day of service, of steadfast action, is come. Now is the time to show forth the true signs of God, to rend asunder the veils of idle fancy, to promote the Word of God, and to sacrifice ourselves in His path. Let deeds, not words, be our adorning! — Ṭáhirih ²

With such assuring Utterances and the unmistakable evidences of His sure and clear knowledge that His end was nigh, is there any reason why the followers of His Faith, the world over, should be perturbed? Are not the prayers He revealed for us sufficient source of inspiration to every worker in His Cause? Have not His instructions paved before us the broad and straight Path of Teaching? Will not His now doubly effective power of Grace sustain us, strengthen us and confirm us in our work for Him? Ours is the duty to strive by day and night to fulfill our own obligations and then trust in His Guidance and never failing Grace. Unity amongst the friends, selflessness in our labors in His Path, detachment from all worldly things, the greatest prudence and caution in every step we take, earnest endeavor to carry out only what is His Holy Will and Pleasure, the constant awareness of His Presence and of the example of His Life, the absolute shunning of whomsoever we feel to be an enemy of the Cause … these, and foremost among them is the need for unity, appear to me as our most vital duties, should we dedicate our lives for His service. Should we in this spirit arise to serve Him, what surer and greater promise have we than the one His Glorious Father, Bahá’u’lláh, gives us in His Most Holy Book:—“Verily, We behold you from Our Realm of Effulgent Glory, and shall graciously aid whosoever ariseth for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Celestial Concourse and a company of Our chosen angels.” — Shoghi Effendi ³

To follow a path of service, whatever form one’s activity assumes, requires faith and tenacity. In this connection, the benefit of walking that path in the company of others is immense. Loving fellowship, mutual encouragement, and willingness to learn together are natural properties of any group of youth sincerely striving for the same ends, and should also characterize those essential relationships that bind together the components of society. Given this, we hope the bonds you develop through association with other conference participants will prove abiding. Indeed, long after the gatherings close, may these ties of friendship and common calling help keep your feet firm. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

Questions for Consideration

Consider the phrase, “I walk a path of service.” What is the real identity of the “I” in this sentence? What is the nature of the path, and what does walking it entail? ⁵

Perplexity Pro Response ⁶

The concept of walking a path of service, central to the Bahá’í Faith, encompasses a transformative spiritual journey that shapes individual character, contributes to societal betterment, and deepens one’s connection with God through active engagement in selfless deeds and continuous personal growth.

The Spiritual Identity of ‘I’

The “I” in the context of walking a path of service represents the spiritual reality of an individual, transcending the ego or lower self. This higher self is the soul created with inherent nobility and the capacity to reflect divine attributes, as Bahá’u’lláh states: “O Son of Spirit! I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself?” [3] It is the entity that strives to align itself with God’s will and dedicate itself to service. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes the importance of developing the “divine susceptibilities” ⁷ in the soul, to such an extent that all may see that the ‘I’ is the temple of God, highlighting the spiritual nature of one’s true identity in the journey of service.

The Nature of Service Path

The path of service in the Bahá’í Faith is a spiritual journey characterized by continuous learning, selflessness, and steadfastness. It involves actively contributing to the betterment of society through concrete actions, such as teaching children’s classes or facilitating junior youth groups [4]. This path requires detachment from worldly attachments, regular reflection on one’s actions, and consultation with others to progress [3]. Despite challenges, walking this path brings profound joy, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, “Service to humanity is service to God.” ⁸ The journey demands perseverance and faith, with Shoghi Effendi emphasizing the need for “unity amongst the friends, selflessness in our labors in His Path, detachment from all worldly things, the greatest prudence and caution in every step we take.”

Elements of Walking the Path

Walking the path of service entails several key elements that transform both the individual and society. It requires active engagement in concrete actions to uplift communities, such as teaching children’s classes or facilitating junior youth groups [4]. This journey involves continuous spiritual transformation, aligning one’s will with God’s and developing virtues through selfless deeds [2]. Practitioners must cultivate detachment from worldly desires, regularly reflect on their actions, and engage in consultation with others to progress [3]. The path demands sacrifice, not necessarily physical martyrdom, but the willingness to prioritize the needs of others and the Faith above personal comfort [1]. Despite challenges, those who walk this path experience profound joy, as service to humanity is considered service to God [2] [3].

Unity in Service

Walking the path of service is not a solitary journey, but one enriched by the companionship of others. The Universal House of Justice emphasizes that “loving fellowship, mutual encouragement, and willingness to learn together” are essential qualities that characterize groups striving for common spiritual goals [4]. This collective approach to service fosters unity, a fundamental principle in the Bahá’í Faith, and strengthens the bonds between individuals and communities. By engaging in service activities together, participants develop lasting friendships and a shared sense of purpose that sustains their efforts long after formal gatherings have concluded [4]. This unity in action not only enhances the effectiveness of service initiatives but also contributes to the gradual transformation of society as a whole.

In essence, walking a path of service is a transformative journey that shapes the individual’s character, contributes to the betterment of society, and draws one closer to God. It is a lifelong process of learning, growing, and striving to translate the spiritual teachings of the Faith into practical reality.

Citations:

[1] Book 4: The Twin Manifestations (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

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

[3] Book 6: Teaching the Cause (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[4] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[5] Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth – Ruhi Institute

[6] Worship and Service – Bahá’í House of Worship, New Delhi, India

[7] Community and Collective Action – Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’í Center of Washtenaw County

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can I apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in my daily life?
• What are some practical ways to demonstrate faith through service?
• How can I foster unity and selflessness among my community?
• What are the key differences between idle words and deeds that testify to faith?
• How can I balance my personal desires with the need for detachment in serving others?
• How does the concept of crisis and victory apply to personal growth in service?
• What are the implications of separating “being” and “doing” in the context of service?
• How can one align themselves with forces like knowledge, justice, and love in their service?
• What are some exercises to help understand the complementarity of being and doing in service?
• How does service contribute to the development of one’s intellectual and spiritual capabilities?

1. Bahá’u’lláh Additional Tablets and Extracts from Tablets Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/additional-tablets-extracts-from-tablets-revealed-bahaullah/133114272/1#124264050. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Memorials of the Faithful. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 1st ed. 1971. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾ í Pub. Trust, 1975, 200. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/memorials-faithful/6#237708175 ↩
3. Effendi, Shoghi. Baháʾí Administration: Selected Messages, 1922-1932. 7. Ed. 1928. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Pub. Trust, 1974, 16. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/bahai-administration/3#501410580. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. “1 July 2013 – To the participants in the forthcoming 114 youth conferences throughout the world.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20130701_001/1#654387877. ↩
5. 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, 61-62. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
6. Perplexity Pro. “Walking the Path of Service.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 16, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/beware-lest-ye-commit-that-whi-wlqfIyBlQHOgMmieYZSSGg. ↩
7. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 23-24. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/2#040756887. ↩
8. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 8. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/2#408106924. ↩