Daily Frameworks for 27 January 2025

Kamál, 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

Likewise, the divine religions of the holy Manifestations of God are in reality one, though in name and nomenclature they differ. Man must be a lover of the light, no matter from what dayspring it may appear. He must be a lover of the rose, no matter in what soil it may be growing. He must be a seeker of the truth, no matter from what source it come. Attachment to the lantern is not loving the light. Attachment to the earth is not befitting, but enjoyment of the rose which develops from the soil is worthy. Devotion to the tree is profitless, but partaking of the fruit is beneficial. Luscious fruits, no matter upon what tree they grow or where they may be found, must be enjoyed. The word of truth, no matter which tongue utters it, must be sanctioned. Absolute verities, no matter in what book they be recorded, must be accepted. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Bahá’u’lláh says that religion must be conducive to love and unity. If it proves to be the source of hatred and enmity, its absence is preferable; for the will and law of God is love, and love is the bond between human hearts. Religion is the light of the world. If it is made the cause of darkness through human misunderstanding and ignorance, it would be better to do without it.
Religion must conform to science and reason; otherwise, it is superstition. God has created man in order that he may perceive the verity of existence and endowed him with mind or reason to discover truth. Therefore, scientific knowledge and religious belief must be conformable to the analysis of this divine faculty in man. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

We will, therefore, investigate religion, seeking from an unprejudiced standpoint to discover whether it is the source of illumination, the cause of development and the animating impulse of all human advancement. We will investigate independently, free from the restrictions of dogmatic beliefs, blind imitations of ancestral forms and the influence of mere human opinion; for as we enter this question, we will find some who declare that religion is a cause of uplift and betterment in the world, while others assert just as positively that it is a detriment and a source of degradation to mankind. We must give these questions thorough and impartial consideration so that no doubt or uncertainty may linger in our minds regarding them. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Each one of the divine religions has established two kinds of ordinances: the essential and the accidental. The essential ordinances rest upon the firm, unchanging, eternal foundations of the Word itself. They concern spiritualities, seek to stabilize morals, awaken intuitive susceptibilities, reveal the knowledge of God and inculcate the love of all mankind. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

Man has two powers; and his development, two aspects. One power is connected with the material world, and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other power is spiritual, and through its development his inner, potential nature is awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight is impossible with one wing. Praise be to God! Material advancement has been evident in the world, but there is need of spiritual advancement in like proportion. We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with tireless energy to advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station. For the body of man is accidental; it is of no importance. The time of its disintegration will inevitably come. But the spirit of man is essential and, therefore, eternal. It is a divine bounty. It is the effulgence of the Sun of Reality and, therefore, of greater importance than the physical body. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁵

Furthermore, know ye that God has created in man the power of reason, whereby man is enabled to investigate reality. God has not intended man to imitate blindly his fathers and ancestors. He has endowed him with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real and true he must accept. He must not be an imitator or blind follower of any soul. He must not rely implicitly upon the opinion of any man without investigation; nay, each soul must seek intelligently and independently, arriving at a real conclusion and bound only by that reality. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁶

In further consideration of this subject, I wish you to be fair and reasonable in your judgment, setting aside all religious prejudices. We should earnestly seek and thoroughly investigate realities, recognizing that the purpose of the religion of God is the education of humanity and the unity and fellowship of mankind. Furthermore, we will establish the point that the foundations of the religions of God are one foundation. This foundation is not multiple, for it is reality itself. Reality does not admit of multiplicity, although each of the divine religions is separable into two divisions. One concerns the world of morality and the ethical training of human nature. It is directed to the advancement of the world of humanity in general; it reveals and inculcates the knowledge of God and makes possible the discovery of the verities of life. This is ideal and spiritual teaching, the essential quality of divine religion, and not subject to change or transformation. It is the one foundation of all the religions of God. Therefore, the religions are essentially one and the same. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁷

The religion of God consists of two parts: One is the very foundation and belongs to the spiritual realm; that is, it pertains to spiritual virtues and divine qualities. This part suffers neither change nor alteration: It is the Holy of Holies, which constitutes the essence of the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muḥammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh, and which will endure throughout all the prophetic Dispensations. It will never be abrogated, for it consists in spiritual rather than material truth. It is faith, knowledge, certitude, justice, piety, high-mindedness, trustworthiness, love of God, and charity. It is mercy to the poor, assistance to the oppressed, generosity to the needy, and upliftment of the fallen. It is purity, detachment, humility, forbearance, patience, and constancy. These are divine qualities. These commandments will never be abrogated, but will remain in force and effect for all eternity. These human virtues are renewed in every Dispensation; for at the close of each Dispensation the spiritual law of God, which consists in the human virtues, vanishes in substance and persists only in form. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁸

Question for Consideration

Section 4 of the second unit, “Uplifting Conversations,” in Book 2 Arising to Serve concerns the oneness of religion based, in part, on the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá quoted above. ⁹ How can one draw on His explanations to better understand the significance and implications of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and feel encouraged to initiate and sustain meaningful and uplifting conversations with others about how “religion must be the source of unity and fellowship in the world?” ¹⁰

Perplexity Pro Response ¹¹

The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize the essential oneness of religion and its potential to foster unity and fellowship in the world. These principles provide a foundation for meaningful conversations about how religious teachings can be applied to promote harmony, encourage independent investigation of truth, and contribute to humanity’s spiritual and material advancement.

The Oneness of Religion

The concept of the oneness of religion is a cornerstone of Bahá’í teachings, emphasizing that all divine religions share the same spiritual foundation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that while religions may differ in name and outward forms, their essential truths are one [1]. This understanding encourages believers to:

• Look beyond superficial differences and focus on common spiritual truths
• Appreciate universal values taught by all faiths, such as love, justice, and service
• Engage in dialogue that highlights commonalities rather than emphasizing differences
• Recognize that the purpose of religion is the education of humanity and the promotion of unity [2]
  

By embracing this perspective, individuals can foster meaningful conversations that bridge religious divides and promote a more unified global community.

Religion as Unity’s Source

Bahá’u’lláh’s fundamental principle that religion must be a source of unity and fellowship in the world offers a transformative approach to spiritual discourse. This teaching encourages believers to view religion as a unifying force rather than a divisive one, emphasizing that if religious practices lead to enmity or hatred, their absence would be preferable. To initiate uplifting conversations on this topic, one can:

• Explore how religious teachings can be applied to foster harmony and cooperation in society
• Discuss practical ways to translate spiritual principles into actions that bring people together
• Address misconceptions that lead to religious prejudice and division
• Share experiences of how faith communities can contribute to solving global challenges
• Highlight examples of interfaith cooperation and its positive impact on communities
  

By focusing on these aspects, individuals can engage in meaningful dialogues that demonstrate religion’s potential to unite humanity and contribute to a more peaceful and just world.

Harmony of Religion and Reason

‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes that true religion must conform to science and reason, rejecting superstition and blind imitation. This principle encourages believers to:

• Engage in open-minded investigation of religious truths
• Explore how spiritual and scientific understanding can complement each other
• Use reason and faith together to advance human knowledge and well-being
• Critically examine religious teachings and practices in light of modern scientific discoveries
  

By promoting this harmony between religion and reason, individuals can foster meaningful conversations that bridge the perceived gap between faith and science, leading to a more holistic understanding of reality and human progress [1] [2].

Independent Search for Truth

Encouraging individuals to independently investigate truth is a key principle in fostering unity through religious understanding. This approach, emphasized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, empowers people to examine spiritual teachings free from prejudice and blind imitation [1]. By engaging in personal spiritual search, individuals can:

• Develop a deeper appreciation for the common truths underlying different faiths
• Cultivate critical thinking skills in matters of belief
• Overcome inherited biases and misconceptions about other religions
• Arrive at conclusions based on their own reasoning and spiritual insights
  

This process of independent investigation not only enriches one’s own spiritual life but also promotes mutual understanding and respect among people of diverse religious backgrounds, contributing to the broader goal of unity and fellowship in the world.

Citations:

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

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

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can I apply the teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to foster unity and fellowship in my community?
• What are some practical ways to seek truth independently without being influenced by dogmatic beliefs?
• How can I differentiate between essential and accidental ordinances in different religions?
• What role does reason play in understanding religious teachings according to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
• How can I encourage others to investigate reality and discover truth for themselves?

1. ’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, 151-153. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/11#270449351. ↩
2. ’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, 287. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/20#313899142. ↩
3. ’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, 361. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/27#791128140. ↩
4. ’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, 338-339. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/26#987408459. ↩
5. ’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, 60. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/3#470126563. ↩
6. ’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, 291-292. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/20#922984742. ↩
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, 364-365. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/27#979752616. ↩
8. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed January 25, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/5#562157525. ↩
9. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, v, 20-22. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
10. 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, 70-72. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
11. Perplexity Pro. “Oneness of Religion: Unity Through Faith.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 25, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/likewise-the-divine-religions-ZJfDq61fTqiSwBWzT.ccNA. ↩