Daily Frameworks for 29 January 2025

’Idál, 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

As difference in degree of capacity exists among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore, individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony. Even though each soul has its own individual perfume and color, all are reflecting the same light, all contributing fragrance to the same breeze which blows through the garden, all continuing to grow in complete harmony and accord. Become as waves of one sea, trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Thus should it be among the children of men! The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and color from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different colored roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Consider: Unity is necessary to existence. Love is the very cause of life; on the other hand, separation brings death. In the world of material creation, for instance, all things owe their actual life to unity. The elements which compose wood, mineral, or stone are held together by the law of attraction. If this law should cease for one moment to operate, these elements would not hold together, they would fall apart, and the object would in that particular form cease to exist. The law of attraction has brought together certain elements in the form of this beautiful flower, but when that attraction is withdrawn from this center the flower will decompose, and, as a flower, cease to exist. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Bahá’u’lláh has drawn the circle of unity, He has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples, and for the gathering of them all under the shelter of the tent of universal unity. This is the work of the Divine Bounty, and we must all strive with heart and soul until we have the reality of unity in our midst, and as we work, so will strength be given unto us. Leave all thought of self, and strive only to be obedient and submissive to the Will of God. In this way only shall we become citizens of the Kingdom of God, and attain unto life everlasting. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

Question for Consideration

Section 6 of the second unit, “Uplifting Conversations,” in Book 2 Arising to Serve concerns the oneness of humanity based, in part, on the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá quoted above. ⁵ 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 “uniting all the peoples” of the world? ⁶

Perplexity Pro Response ⁷

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings on the oneness of humanity offer profound insights into Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of unity, using vivid metaphors and natural examples to illustrate how diversity enhances rather than hinders global harmony and cooperation.

Unity in Diversity Metaphors

‘Abdu’l-Bahá employs powerful metaphors to illustrate the beauty and necessity of diversity within unity. He likens humanity to a vibrant garden with varied flowers, each contributing its unique beauty to create a harmonious whole. This analogy helps us appreciate that differences in human capacities, ideas, and cultures are essential elements of a rich global community. Similarly, he compares human diversity to musical notes blending into a perfect chord, emphasizing how our differences can create harmony rather than discord. These metaphors provide a compelling framework for initiating conversations about unity, encouraging us to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the inherent oneness of humanity.

Interdependence as Life’s Law

‘Abdu’l-Bahá presents unity as a fundamental law of existence, essential for life itself. He illustrates this concept through examples from nature, explaining how elements in wood, minerals, and flowers are held together by the law of attraction [1]. This natural interdependence serves as a powerful metaphor for human society, demonstrating that cooperation and unity are not merely ideals but necessities for survival and flourishing. By drawing parallels between the physical world and human relationships, these teachings encourage us to view global unity as an extension of natural laws, inspiring conversations about our shared responsibility in fostering a harmonious world community.

Overcoming Prejudice Through Kindness

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings emphasize the importance of actively overcoming prejudice through kindness and openness to those different from ourselves. He urges us to “be glad and show them kindness” to people of different races and colors, rather than withdrawing into our “shell of conventionality.” This approach challenges us to move beyond mere tolerance and actively embrace diversity, seeing it as a source of joy and enrichment in the “beautiful garden of humanity.”

By framing diversity as a cause for celebration rather than division, these teachings provide a powerful foundation for initiating conversations that address and dismantle prejudices. They encourage us to view encounters with those different from ourselves as opportunities for growth and connection, fostering a mindset that is essential for building truly inclusive communities and advancing the cause of global unity.

Spiritual and Active Unity

Unity transcends social and political realms, embodying a spiritual imperative that calls for active pursuit and dedicated effort. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes becoming “citizens of the Kingdom of God,” suggesting that true unity is rooted in our shared spiritual nature and requires us to “strive with heart and soul” to manifest it in our midst. This spiritual dimension elevates the concept of unity, transforming it from an abstract ideal into a concrete goal that demands practical action and personal transformation. By framing unity as “the work of the Divine Bounty,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá inspires us to view our efforts towards unity as a participation in a greater, divinely-ordained process, imbuing our actions with profound purpose and potential for social change.

Citations:

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

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can I apply the teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to foster unity in my community?
• What are some practical ways to promote harmony among people of different backgrounds?
• How can I use the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the importance of diversity and unity?
• What role does love play in achieving unity according to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings?
• How can I incorporate the concept of unity into my daily conversations?
• How can we integrate spiritual practices into our daily activities?
• What are some examples of active unity in different cultures?
• How does service to others contribute to personal spiritual growth?
• What are the challenges of maintaining unity in diverse communities?
• How can we foster a sense of cooperation in professional settings?

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, 24. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/2#862373562. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 53. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/2#268841058. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 139. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/5#471776836. ↩
4. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 54. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/2#317342905. ↩
5. 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, 23-24. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
6. 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. ↩
7. Perplexity Pro. “Unity in Diversity: Conversations on Oneness.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 27, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/as-difference-in-degree-of-cap-QzvBkrcqQNi9ywDg0SlH9w. ↩