Daily Frameworks for 21 February 2025

Istiqlál, 16 Mulk (Dominion), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

With the utmost friendliness and in a spirit of perfect fellowship take ye counsel together, and dedicate the precious days of your lives to the betterment of the world and the promotion of the Cause of Him Who is the Ancient and Sovereign Lord of all. He, verily, enjoineth upon all men what is right, and forbiddeth whatsoever degradeth their station. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

A distinguishing feature of study circles is that in many countries, and across diverse cultures, they have created a new dynamic within the community and have become nuclei of community life and catalysts for teaching, service, and community development. In addition to study of the institute courses, the members of the study circle, both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, often participate in service and extracurricular activities that bind the group together in fellowship and attract others to this mode of learning. Having experienced the participatory learning style of the courses, the members of the study circle gradually take on a stronger commitment to actively serve and apply the knowledge and skills they are gaining to the work of the Faith. Some members of study circles are eventually trained as tutors and then initiate their own study circles. — Universal House of Justice ²

Across the Bahá’í world there is an increased depth of understanding about what is required to further extend the process of community building and effect profound social transformation. But with every passing day, we see too the condition of the world grow more desperate, its divisions more severe. The escalating tensions within societies and between nations affect peoples and places in a myriad ways. — Universal House of Justice ³

The coherence thus achieved through the establishment of study circles, devotional meetings and children’s classes provides the initial impulse for growth in a cluster, an impulse that gathers strength as these core activities multiply in number. Campaigns that help a sizeable group of believers advance far enough in the main sequence of courses to perform the necessary acts of service lend impetus to this multiplication of activity. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

Yet, above all, it is reliance on God that sustains them in their endeavors. How abundant the accounts of believers who enter the teaching field with trepidation only to find themselves bolstered by confirmations on all sides. Seeing the possibilities and opportunities before them with new eyes, they witness first hand the power of Divine assistance, as they strive to put into practice what they are learning and achieve results far exceeding their expectations. That the spirit of faith born out of intimate contact with the Word of God has such an effect on souls is by no means a new phenomenon. What is heartening is that the institute process is helping such large numbers experience the transforming potency of the Faith. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

One of the most effective instruments at your disposal in this respect is the training institute. It strives to engage the individual in an educational process in which virtuous conduct and self-discipline are developed in the context of service, fostering a coherent and joyful pattern of life that weaves together study, worship, teaching, community building and, in general, involvement in other processes that seek to transform society. At the heart of the educational process is contact with the Word of God, whose power sustains every individual’s attempts to purify his or her heart and to walk a path of service with “the feet of detachment”. ⁶ — Universal House of Justice ⁷

Without exception, having witnessed the transformative effects of the institute process first hand, the friends in such clusters are striving to gain a fuller appreciation of the dynamics that underlie it—the spirit of fellowship it creates, the participatory approach it adopts, the depth of understanding it fosters, the acts of service it recommends, and, above all, its reliance on the Word of God. Every effort is being exerted to ensure that the process reflects the complementarity of “being” and “doing” the institute courses make explicit; the centrality they accord to knowledge and its application; the emphasis they place on avoiding false dichotomies; the stress they lay on memorization of the Creative Word; and the care they exercise in raising consciousness, without awakening the insistent self. — Universal House of Justice ⁸

Question for Consideration

Based on the quotes above and source files in the “Walking Together on a Path of Service” space, what is the nature of the educational process that the Ruhi Institute courses seek to foster related to the spirit of fellowship, participatory approach, depth of understanding, acts of service, and reliance on the Word of God? ⁹

Perplexity Pro Response ¹⁰

The Ruhi Institute courses offer a transformative educational process that integrates spiritual study with practical community service, fostering a spirit of fellowship, participatory learning, and reliance on sacred texts to develop individuals capable of contributing to societal progress.

Spirit of Fellowship in Study Circles

Study circles foster a unique spirit of fellowship that transcends cultural boundaries, creating a new dynamic within communities worldwide. Participants, both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, engage in a collaborative learning environment that extends beyond the study of institute courses [1]. This fellowship is strengthened through:

• Shared extracurricular activities and service projects
• Bonds of friendship that develop among group members
• A collective commitment to community development
• The gradual transformation of participants into active contributors to the Faith’s work
  

As members experience the supportive atmosphere of study circles, they often become inspired to take on greater responsibilities, with some eventually becoming tutors and initiating their own circles [1]. This organic growth of fellowship and leadership contributes to the study circles becoming nuclei of community life and catalysts for broader social transformation.

Participatory Learning Approach

The Ruhi Institute courses employ a highly interactive and engaging learning methodology that empowers participants to take ownership of their educational journey. This approach eschews traditional lecture-style teaching in favor of:

• Active discussions and collaborative exercises
• Encouragement for all participants to share insights and experiences
• Practical application of concepts through real-world activities
• Development of critical thinking and analytical skills
  

By fostering an environment where every voice is valued, the courses build confidence and capacity among learners. This participatory style not only deepens understanding but also prepares individuals to become active agents of change in their communities, applying their knowledge to address social challenges and contribute to the betterment of society [1] [2].

Acts of Service and Application

The Ruhi Institute courses are designed to inspire and equip participants for meaningful acts of service within their communities. This service-oriented approach is integral to the learning process, encouraging individuals to:

• Apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to practical community-building activities
• Engage in teaching efforts that contribute to the growth of the Faith
• Participate in children’s classes, junior youth groups, and devotional gatherings
• Initiate and support social and economic development projects
  

By integrating study with action, the courses foster a dynamic interplay between theory and practice, allowing participants to witness the transformative power of their efforts firsthand [1]. This practical application not only reinforces learning but also cultivates a sense of purpose and commitment to the betterment of society, often leading to results that exceed initial expectations [2].

Reliance on the Word of God

At the heart of the Ruhi Institute’s educational process lies a profound engagement with the Sacred Writings, particularly those of Bahá’u’lláh. This emphasis on the Creative Word serves as a spiritual foundation, nurturing the inner life of participants and guiding their outer actions. The courses encourage:

• Daily prayer and meditation on the Bahá’í Writings
• Memorization of key passages to internalize spiritual truths
• Application of scriptural insights to daily life and service
• Recognition of the transformative power inherent in the Revelation
  

By fostering intimate contact with the Word of God, the institute process helps large numbers of individuals experience the Faith’s transforming potency, sustaining their efforts to purify their hearts and walk a path of service with detachment [1] [2].

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 do study circles contribute to community building and social transformation?
• What role do service activities play in the dynamics of study circles?
• How does the Ruhi Institute approach foster a spirit of fellowship among participants?
• What are the key elements of the educational process in the Ruhi Institute courses?
• How does the institute process help individuals develop a stronger commitment to serving the Faith?
• How can one deepen their reliance on the Word of God in daily life?
• What are some practical steps to strengthen one’s faith in the Word of God?
• How does relying on the Word of God impact personal decision-making?
• What role does the Word of God play in guiding community actions?
• How can one’s reliance on the Word of God influence their interactions with others?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/5#877427947. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. Turning Point: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice and Supplementary Material, 1996–2006. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/turning-point/13#267859330. ↩
3. Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2024 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20240419_001/1#240931745. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. “17 January 2003 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20030117_001/1#762705152. ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “27 December 2005 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20051227_001/1#381406812. ↩
6. “A race of men, incomparable in character, shall be raised up which, with the feet of detachment, will tread under all who are in heaven and on earth, and will cast the sleeve of holiness over all that hath been created from water and clay.” — Bahá’u’lláh
   Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#870655891. ↩
7. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “The National Spiritual Assembly.” Bahá’í Reference Library, October 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/national-spiritual-assembly/4#592615947. ↩
8. Universal House of Justice. “28 December 2010 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20101228_001/1#480227756. ↩
9. 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, 100-101. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
10. Perplexity Pro. “The Ruhi Institute Educational Approach.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/with-the-utmost-friendliness-a-hN9SG25JSUCNyGwHzaHqhg. ↩