Fidál, 01 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 181 B.E
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection:
The betterment of the world 1 can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, 2 through commendable and seemly conduct 3. — Bahá’u’lláh 4
The purpose of this first unit, “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings” of Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, is to assist you in developing and strengthening the habit of reading passages from the Holy Writings every day and reflecting on their meaning. The unit begins with a simple exercise that asks you to read a one-sentence statement from the Writings and respond to a question, the answer to which is the statement itself. Though easy to carry out, the exercise will help you to reflect on the meaning of the statement cited and to memorize them. — Ruhi Institute Staff 5
Question for Consideration
As a tutor, you have just initiated a study circle with eight youth. Their ages range from 16 to 19. After devotions, you say a few words on the nature of the Ruhi Institute courses in general and then ask whether they have any thoughts they wish to share. Only three of them offer any comments and, seeing the reluctance of the others, you do not insist on their doing so. You proceed to introduce the first unit, “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings” of Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit explaining its purpose and its content. What do you say? 6
Perplexity Pro Response 7
As a tutor introducing the first unit of Book 1, I would say something like this to the youth study circle:
“Welcome everyone to our study of Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. We’ll begin with the first unit called ‘Understanding the Bahá’í Writings’. The main purpose of this unit is to help us develop the habit of reading passages from the Bahá’í sacred texts every day and reflecting on their meaning. This is a spiritual practice that can bring great joy and insight to our lives.
We’ll start with some simple but powerful exercises. You’ll read short quotations from Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings and answer questions about them. Though the exercises may seem straightforward, they’re designed to help us really contemplate the meaning of these sacred words and commit them to memory.
One of the first passages we’ll look at is this beautiful statement from Bahá’u’lláh:
‘The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.’
As we go through the unit, we’ll explore how to apply these teachings to our own lives and reflect on how they can guide us in contributing to the betterment of the world.
The goal is for all of us to strengthen our connection to the Writings and develop the spiritual habit of daily reading and reflection. This will provide a strong foundation as we continue on our path of service.
Does anyone have any initial thoughts or questions before we begin?”
Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive
The Ruhi Institute’s Book 1, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” introduces participants to the practice of daily reading and reflection on Bahá’í sacred texts, aiming to develop spiritual habits and deepen understanding of the Faith’s teachings on personal and societal transformation.
Purpose of Understanding Bahá’í Writings
The first unit of Book 1 aims to cultivate a transformative spiritual practice among participants. By engaging with concise, powerful statements from Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings, students are encouraged to:
- Develop a daily habit of reading sacred texts
- Reflect deeply on the meaning of these passages
- Memorize key quotations to internalize their wisdom
- Apply these teachings to their personal lives and community service
This approach fosters a deeper connection with the Bahá’í Writings, enabling participants to draw strength and guidance from these spiritual insights as they strive to contribute to the betterment of the world through their actions and conduct [1].
Exercises in Daily Reflection
The unit employs a simple yet effective exercise to engage participants with the Bahá’í Writings. Students read short, impactful statements from Bahá’u’lláh and answer questions directly related to the text [1]. This approach serves multiple purposes:
- Encourages careful reading and comprehension
- Facilitates memorization of key passages
- Prompts deeper reflection on the meaning and implications of the teachings
- Builds confidence in understanding and discussing spiritual concepts
By starting with accessible exercises, the unit creates a supportive environment for youth to explore profound spiritual truths, gradually developing their capacity for independent study and application of the Writings in their daily lives.
Applying Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings
The opening quotation from Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the transformative power of virtuous actions and conduct in improving the world [1]. This foundational principle guides participants to reflect on how their daily choices and behaviors can contribute to positive change. The study circle format encourages youth to:
- Explore practical applications of spiritual teachings
- Share personal experiences and insights
- Develop a sense of collective purpose in service to humanity
- Cultivate an environment of mutual support and encouragement
By engaging with this concept, participants begin to see themselves as active agents of change, capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities through the application of Bahá’í principles in their daily lives.
Youth Engagement in Study Circles
Study circles provide a unique opportunity for youth to engage with spiritual concepts in a supportive, collaborative environment. The tutor’s approach of not insisting on participation from reluctant members fosters a comfortable atmosphere where participants can contribute at their own pace [1]. This method encourages organic engagement and allows youth to gradually build confidence in exploring and discussing profound spiritual truths. By introducing the unit’s purpose and content, the tutor sets clear expectations while emphasizing the practical benefits of daily scripture study and reflection, making the learning process relevant and applicable to the youth’s lives [2].
Citations
[1] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[2] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can I encourage the quieter members to participate in the study circle?
- What are some effective ways to introduce the first unit to a group of youth?
- How can I make the daily reading and reflection exercise more engaging for the participants?
- What are some common challenges faced by tutors in the Ruhi Institute courses and how can they be overcome?
How can I help the youth understand the significance of the Bahá’í Writings in their daily lives? - How can study circles be designed to attract more youth?
- What are some successful youth engagement strategies in Bahá’í study circles?
- How can technology be used to enhance youth engagement in study circles?
- What role do mentors play in fostering youth engagement in study circles?
- How can study circles be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups?
- “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. 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. ↩ - “O Children of Adam! Holy words and pure and goodly deeds ascend unto the heaven of celestial glory. Strive that your deeds may be cleansed from the dust of self and hypocrisy and find favor at the court of glory; for ere long the assayers of mankind shall, in the holy presence of the Adored One, accept naught but absolute virtue and deeds of stainless purity. This is the daystar of wisdom and of divine mystery that hath shone above the horizon of the divine will. Blessed are they that turn thereunto.”
Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#810818726. ↩ - “Whether in the discharge of their personal spiritual obligations or in their commitment to the call for “pure and goodly deeds” and for “commendable and seemly conduct”, whether through their participation in the fruitful discourses of society—perhaps through writing articles as you suggest—or through their involvement in activities of social and economic development, Bahá’ís should recognize the numerous ways in which they can work alongside their fellow citizens to promote the welfare of their country.”
Universal House of Justice. “22 January 2010 – To an individual.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 23, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20100122_001/1#861061928. ↩ - 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#716325250. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
- 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, 105-106. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Introducing Understanding the Bahá’í Writings.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 23, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-betterment-of-the-world-ca-W1Q4JTVBQBKyf8uk_Cwvow. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 