Daily Frameworks for 19 February 2025

’Idál, 14 Mulk (Dominion), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

The divine Manifestations have been iconoclastic in Their teachings, uprooting error, destroying false religious beliefs and summoning mankind anew to the fundamental oneness of God. All of Them have, likewise, proclaimed the oneness of the world of humanity. The essential teaching of Moses was the law of Sinai, the Ten Commandments. Christ renewed and again revealed the commands of the one God and precepts of human action. In Muḥammad, although the circle was wider, the intention of His teaching was likewise to uplift and unify humanity in the knowledge of the one God. In the Báb the circle was again very much enlarged, but the essential teaching was the same. The Books of Bahá’u’lláh number more than one hundred. Each one is an evident proof sufficient for mankind; each one from foundation to apex proclaims the essential unity of God and humanity, the love of God, the abolition of war and the divine standard of peace. Each one also inculcates divine morality, the manifestation of lordly graces—in every word a book of meanings. For the Word of God is collective wisdom, absolute knowledge and eternal truth. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

And now, with the Cause purified and inwardly victorious, its principles vindicated, its enemies silenced and sunk in unspeakable misery, may we not, henceforth, direct all our efforts to collective action and constructive achievement, and, in utter disregard of the flickerings of their fast-fading light, arise to carry out those urgent measures that will secure the outward and complete triumph of the Cause. — Shoghi Effendi ²

Fundamental to any effective response to the immediate challenges facing the community are these requisites which are especially addressed to the individual and the Local Spiritual Assembly: On the one hand is the initiative that it is the duty and privilege of the individual to take in teaching the Cause and in obtaining a deeper understanding of the purpose and requirements of the Faith. Parallel with the exercise of such initiative is the necessity of the individual’s participation in collective endeavors, such as community functions and projects. On the other hand is the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly to welcome, encourage and accommodate the initiatives of individual believers to the maximum extent possible; and there is, too, the responsibility of the Assembly to devise or promote plans that will employ the talents and abilities of the individual members of its community, and that will involve individuals in collective action, such as teaching and development projects, institutes, and other group activities. The effects of conscientious attempts at realizing these inseparable requisites will be to expand and consolidate the community and to foster a climate of unified action. — Universal House of Justice ³

Central to the pattern of action evolving in a cluster is the individual and collective transformation effected through the agency of the Word of God. From the beginning of the sequence of courses, a participant encounters Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation in considering such weighty themes as worship, service to humanity, the life of the soul, and the education of children and youth. As a person cultivates the habit of study and deep reflection upon the Creative Word, this process of transformation reveals itself in an ability to express one’s understanding of profound concepts and to explore spiritual reality in conversations of significance. These capacities are visible not only in the elevated discussions that increasingly characterize interactions within the community, but in the ongoing conversations that reach well beyond—not least between the Bahá’í youth and their peers—extending to include parents whose daughters and sons are benefiting from the community’s programmes of education. Through exchanges of this kind, consciousness of spiritual forces is raised, apparent dichotomies yield to unexpected insights, a sense of unity and common calling is fortified, confidence that a better world can be created is strengthened, and a commitment to action becomes manifest. Such distinctive conversations gradually attract ever-larger numbers to take part in a range of community activities. Themes of faith and certitude surface naturally, prompted by the receptivity and experiences of those involved. What is clear, then, is that as the institute process in a cluster gains momentum, the act of teaching comes to assume greater prominence in the lives of the friends. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

To this end, the sections raise a number of questions that participants will consider: What is the nature of collective action? What does it mean for collective action to be unified? What are the features of the approach to the growth of the Faith worldwide, and what is the role of intensive campaigns? What are some of the characteristics of the people among whom they are working, whether the inhabitants of a village or a receptive population living in a neighborhood or dispersed throughout the cluster? How strong are the forces being generated by their collective action to propel the movement of the population towards the vision of Bahá’u’lláh’s Work Order? How intimately connected to the growth of the Faith is the capacity built through the educational process being promoted by the institute for children, junior youth, and youth and adults? Are the requisite conditions for effective collective action being created? Are bonds of fellowship continually being strengthened? Is unity of purpose being achieved among participants in collective action? Is it being made manifest in joyful and intense activity? To what extent is their approach to learning about growth being defined by actions, reflection on action, and consultation? The importance of this last question cannot be overstated, for it is the extent to which such an approach becomes the mode of operation among an expanding nucleus of friends that they will be able to build higher and higher degrees of unity of thought, so necessary if they are to discover what is needed to advance from one stage of growth to the next. — Ruhi Institute Staff ⁵

Question for Consideration

Based on the quotes above and from the third unit, “The Act of Teaching” of Book 6, Teaching the Cause, how is the growth of the Faith, in this moment in history, inseparable from the capacity built through the educational process promoted by the institute courses, particularly the capacity of youth as they advance through the main sequence? ⁶

Perplexity Pro Response ⁷

The growth of the Bahá’í Faith in the present era is intricately linked to the capacity-building educational process of the institute courses, particularly as it relates to youth advancing through the main sequence. This approach fosters individual and collective transformation, enhances teaching capabilities, and promotes a culture of learning that is essential for the systematic expansion and consolidation of the Faith worldwide.

Transformation Through God’s Word

The institute process initiates a profound transformation in participants through their engagement with Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. From the outset, individuals encounter weighty themes such as worship, service to humanity, and the education of children and youth. This immersion in the Creative Word cultivates the ability to articulate profound concepts and explore spiritual realities in meaningful conversations. These elevated discussions extend beyond the Bahá’í community, reaching peers and parents of those involved in educational programs, raising spiritual consciousness and fostering unity [1] [2].

Youth Teaching Capacities

As youth progress through the sequence of institute courses, they develop increasing capacity to teach the Faith, naturally assuming a more prominent role in sharing its message. This enhanced ability contributes directly to the growth of the Faith by expanding the pool of individuals actively engaged in teaching activities. The educational process fosters a sense of common purpose and unity among participants, enabling them to work collectively and consult effectively. This unity of thought and action is crucial for coordinated efforts to advance the systematic growth of the Faith in diverse settings [1] [2].

• Youth develop skills to engage in meaningful conversations with peers and community members
• Outward-looking orientation attracts new people to participate in community activities
• Heightened spiritual consciousness strengthens faith and motivates persistent efforts
• Creation of a dynamic environment conducive to discovering new insights for advancing growth
  

Unity Through Collective Action

Collective action forms the cornerstone of the Bahá’í approach to community development and Faith expansion. The Universal House of Justice emphasizes the importance of individuals participating in community functions and projects, while Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to devise plans that harness the talents of community members [1]. This synergy between individual initiative and institutional guidance creates a climate of unified action, fostering:

• Expansion and consolidation of the community
• Strengthened bonds of fellowship
• Achievement of unity of purpose among participants
• Manifestation of joyful and intense activity
• A learning approach defined by action, reflection, and consultation
  

As friends work together in an expanding nucleus, they build higher degrees of unity of thought, essential for advancing through successive stages of growth [1].

Systematic Growth Approach

The institute courses provide a framework for systematic action that aligns individual and collective efforts towards the growth of the Faith. This approach emphasizes continuous learning through action, reflection, and consultation, creating a dynamic environment conducive to discovering new insights for advancing the Cause. As participants, particularly youth, progress through the main sequence, they develop the capacity to:

• Reflect on action and apply insights gained from experience
• Engage in meaningful conversations about the teachings with a wider community
• Contribute to an evolving understanding of effective growth strategies in local contexts
• Raise consciousness of spiritual forces at work in the world
  

This systematic approach, fostered by the educational process, strengthens the friends’ ability to build higher degrees of unity of thought, essential for discovering what is needed to advance from one stage of growth to the next [1].

Citations

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

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How does the Ruhi Institute’s educational process contribute to the growth of the Bahá’í Faith?
• What role do youth play in the educational process promoted by the Ruhi Institute?
• How does the concept of enkindlement relate to the act of teaching in the Bahá’í Faith?
• What are the key themes explored in Book 6 of the Ruhi Institute’s main sequence?
• How do the courses of the Ruhi Institute help participants develop spiritual qualities and attitudes essential for teaching?
• What are the main principles of the “systematic growth” approach?
• How does the “systematic growth” approach differ from other growth strategies?
• What are some practical applications of the “systematic growth” approach in education?
• How can the “systematic growth” approach be adapted for different age groups?
• What are the benefits of using the “systematic growth” approach in community service projects?

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, 154. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/12#218331438. ↩
2. Effendi, Shoghi. Baháʾí Administration: Selected Messages, 1922-1932. 7. Ed. 1928. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Pub. Trust, 1974, 51. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/bahai-administration/5#964073205. ↩
3. Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 152 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19950421_001/1#747543150. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20151229_001/1#577166452. ↩
5. Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, ix. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH. ↩
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, 98-99. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
7. Perplexity Pro. “The Growth of Faith and Educational Capacity.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 17, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-divine-manifestations-have-Pl4Tx.D_T22CKo2oJv68oA. ↩