Daily Frameworks for 03 March 2025

Kamál, 03 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquility of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts, offereth the cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable benefits upon mankind. It behooveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, to endeavor to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent upon them to inquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in their dominions. We call upon the manifestations of the power of God—the sovereigns and rulers on earth—to bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may banish discord from this world and illumine it with the light of concord. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

The key to resolving these social ills rests in the hands of a youthful generation convinced of the nobility of human beings; eagerly seeking a deeper understanding of the true purpose of existence; able to distinguish between divine religion and mere superstition; clear in the view of science and religion as two independent yet complementary systems of knowledge that propel human progress; conscious of and drawn to the beauty and power of unity in diversity; secure in the knowledge that real glory is to be found in service to one’s country and to the peoples of the world; and mindful that the acquisition of wealth is praiseworthy only insofar as it is attained through just means and expended for benevolent purposes, for the promotion of knowledge and toward the common good. Thus must our precious youth prepare themselves to shoulder the tremendous responsibilities that await them. And thus will they prove immune to the atmosphere of greed that surrounds them and press forward unwavering in the pursuit of their exalted goals. — Universal House of Justice ²

Thousands upon thousands, embracing the diversity of the entire human family, are engaged in systematic study of the Creative Word in an environment that is at once serious and uplifting. As they strive to apply through a process of action, reflection and consultation the insights thus gained, they see their capacity to serve the Cause rise to new levels. Responding to the inmost longing of every heart to commune with its Maker, they carry out acts of collective worship in diverse settings, uniting with others in prayer, awakening spiritual susceptibilities, and shaping a pattern of life distinguished for its devotional character. As they call on one another in their homes and pay visits to families, friends and acquaintances, they enter into purposeful discussion on themes of spiritual import, deepen their knowledge of the Faith, share Bahá’u’lláh’s message, and welcome increasing numbers to join them in a mighty spiritual enterprise. Aware of the aspirations of the children of the world and their need for spiritual education, they extend their efforts widely to involve ever-growing contingents of participants in classes that become centres of attraction for the young and strengthen the roots of the Faith in society. They assist junior youth to navigate through a crucial stage of their lives and to become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization. And with the advantage of a greater abundance of human resources, an increasing number of them are able to express their faith through a rising tide of endeavours that address the needs of humanity in both their spiritual and material dimensions. Such is the panorama before us as we pause this Riḍván to observe the progress of the worldwide Bahá’í community. — Universal House of Justice ³

… the time has come for attention to be focused on the task of raising up human resources for the work of the Faith from among the believers in the Dananè region itself. If this implies that for some time the geographic expansion of the Faith through the opening of new localities has to come to a halt, it is entirely understandable. It would also be acceptable for the rate of expansion—that is, the number of fresh recruits—to drop dramatically for a period as a balanced process of expansion and consolidation is allowed to gather momentum. What is needed at this stage is to gradually expand the institute’s coverage so that the many capable friends in the region can have access to a systematic program of training aimed at enhancing their capacity to perform the tasks that an accelerated process of growth demands. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

Furthermore, Bahá’ís are engaged in cities and villages across the globe in establishing a pattern of life in which increasing numbers, irrespective of background, are invited to take part. This pattern, expressive of the dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual dimensions of life, includes classes for the spiritual education of children in which they also develop a deep appreciation for the fundamental unity of the various world religions; groups that assist young people to navigate a crucial stage of their lives and to withstand the corrosive forces that especially target them; circles of study wherein participants reflect on the spiritual nature of existence and build capacity for service to the community and society; gatherings for collective worship that strengthen the devotional character of the community; and, in time, a growing range of endeavours for social and economic development. This pattern of community life is giving rise to vibrant and purposeful new communities wherein relationships are founded on the oneness of mankind, universal participation, justice, and freedom from prejudice. All are welcome. The process which is unfolding seeks to foster collaboration and build capacity within every human group—with no regard to class or religious background, with no concern for ethnicity or race, and irrespective of gender or social status—to arise and contribute to the advancement of civilization. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

Questions for Consideration

Your study circle of high school students in your village or neighborhood completed their study of Book 2: Arising to Serve, and the time has come for them to put into practice what they have learned by visiting homes and entering into discussions with families around a series of themes. Bearing in mind the circumstances where you reside, how will each of the youth be accompanied in preparing for and in carrying out such visits, particularly in the early stages, as their capacity is being built? How will it be possible to ensure that their participation in a systematic program of home visits serves to strengthen the pattern of community life? ⁶

Perplexity Pro Response ⁷

To ensure that the youth in your study circle are effectively accompanied in preparing for and carrying out home visits, particularly as they are building their capacity, a structured and supportive approach is essential. Below are practical steps and considerations to guide this process:

Preparation for Home Visits

Deepening Understanding of Themes

• Begin by reviewing the themes outlined in Unit 3 of Book 2: Arising to Serve, which focuses on meaningful conversations around spiritual and social topics. Youth should practice articulating these themes clearly and naturally, drawing on memorized passages from the Bahá’í Writings [1].
• Encourage role-playing exercises where youth simulate home visits, practicing how to introduce themes, quote passages, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
  

Cultivating Spiritual Attitudes

• Emphasize the importance of humility, love, and detachment during visits. Youth should approach conversations with a prayerful attitude, asking for divine assistance to illumine hearts and minds [1].
• Reflect on qualities such as patience, optimism, and gratitude, which are foundational to joyful service [1].
  

Practical Preparation

• Plan visits in pairs or small groups to foster mutual support and confidence.
• Discuss logistical details such as scheduling visits at convenient times for families and ensuring materials (e.g., printed quotations) are prepared.
  

Accompanying Youth During Visits

Initial Accompaniment

• In the early stages, experienced tutors or older youth should accompany the less experienced participants. This allows them to observe how conversations unfold and gain confidence [1] [2].
• Tutors can gently guide discussions if needed but should primarily encourage youth to take the lead.
  

Reflection After Each Visit

• After each visit, gather the youth to reflect on their experiences. Questions such as “What went well?” and “What could be improved?” help deepen learning.
• Reinforce positive aspects of their interactions while offering constructive suggestions for improvement.
  

Gradual Independence

• As youth gain confidence, reduce direct supervision while remaining available for support. Encourage them to take greater initiative in planning and conducting visits.
  

Ensuring Systematic Impact

Strengthening Community Life

• Use home visits as a means to strengthen the pattern of community life by fostering relationships based on unity and mutual support [1]. For example:
  
  • Share uplifting spiritual principles that resonate with families.
  • Discuss ways families can contribute to community-building efforts like devotional gatherings or children’s classes.
    

Integrating Reflection into Action

• Incorporate insights from home visits into ongoing community-building activities. For instance:
  
  • If families express interest in spiritual education for their children, connect them with children’s class teachers or junior youth animators [1].
  • Address specific needs or concerns raised by families through follow-up visits or consultations with other community members.
    

Building Capacity Over Time

• Encourage youth to view home visits as part of a larger process of growth in service. As they advance through additional Ruhi courses (e.g., Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth), they will develop further capacities to contribute to both spiritual and material progress in their communities [2].
  

Sustaining Momentum

• Regularly consult with the group about their progress and challenges, fostering a sense of collective purpose.
• Celebrate milestones, such as completing a series of visits or observing tangible outcomes like increased participation in community activities.
• Continuously nurture their love for service by reflecting on the joy inherent in sharing the Word of God and contributing to the betterment of society [1].
  

By combining spiritual preparation, practical training, accompaniment, and systematic reflection, these efforts will not only enhance the capacity of youth but also contribute meaningfully to the development of vibrant community life.

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

The Ruhi Institute’s educational program, encompassing books like Book 2, Arising to Serve and Book 5, Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth, aims to empower individuals, particularly youth, to contribute to community development through spiritual education, home visits, and service projects. This systematic approach fosters unity, spiritual growth, and social progress in diverse communities worldwide.

Purpose of Religion in Unity

Religion, as revealed by divine will, serves as a powerful instrument for fostering unity and concord among the world’s peoples. It offers humanity precious gifts, including prosperity, eternal life, and imperishable benefits. The progress of nations, tranquility of peoples, and global peace are among the principles ordained by God. Rulers and leaders, particularly the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, are called upon to safeguard religion’s position, promote its interests, and elevate its status in society. They are also encouraged to understand the conditions of their subjects and familiarize themselves with the affairs of diverse communities within their domains. This divine mandate urges those in power to actively work towards banishing discord and illuminating the world with the light of concord, emphasizing religion’s role as a unifying force rather than a cause of dissension and strife.

Youth’s Role in Civilization

A generation of youth, imbued with noble ideals and a deep sense of purpose, holds the key to addressing pressing social challenges. These young individuals are characterized by their:

• Conviction in human nobility and eagerness to understand life’s true purpose
• Ability to distinguish divine religion from superstition
• Recognition of science and religion as complementary knowledge systems
• Appreciation for unity in diversity
• Dedication to service and the common good
• Commitment to ethical wealth acquisition and benevolent spending
  

By embodying these qualities, youth can resist materialistic influences and pursue exalted goals, preparing themselves to shoulder significant responsibilities in advancing civilization. This vision empowers young people to become agents of positive change, contributing to the spiritual and material progress of their communities and the world at large.

Systematic Community-Building Efforts

The Ruhi Institute’s educational process fosters a systematic approach to community building, engaging individuals in the study of the Creative Word and its application through action, reflection, and consultation. This process enhances participants’ capacity to serve, leading to a range of activities that address both spiritual and material needs. These include collective worship in diverse settings, home visits for spiritual discussions, children’s classes, junior youth empowerment programs, and social and economic development initiatives. Through these efforts, a pattern of community life emerges that is characterized by devotion, purposeful action, and the inclusion of all, regardless of background [4].

Vision for Vibrant Communities

This vision of community life fosters vibrant and purposeful environments where relationships are founded on the oneness of mankind, universal participation, justice, and freedom from prejudice. The process unfolding seeks to build capacity within every human group, transcending class, religious background, ethnicity, race, gender, and social status. All are welcome to contribute to the advancement of civilization through a pattern of life that expresses dynamic coherence between material and spiritual dimensions [4]. This approach includes spiritual education for children, emphasizing the fundamental unity of world religions; support groups for young people navigating crucial life stages; study circles reflecting on spiritual existence; collective worship gatherings; and a growing range of social and economic development endeavors [4].

Citations

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

[2] Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth – Ruhi Institute

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

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can we ensure that the youth are equipped with the necessary skills to engage in meaningful conversations during their home visits?
• What strategies can be implemented to help the youth build strong relationships with their neighbors and friends?
• How can we measure the impact of these home visits on the community’s social fabric?
• What challenges might the youth face during these visits, and how can we support them?
• How can we integrate spiritual principles into everyday conversations in a way that feels natural and engaging?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 129-130. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/4#694735299. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. “2 April 2010 – To the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20100402_001/1#025350210. ↩
3. Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2008 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20080421_001/1#421159402. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. Turning Point: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice and Supplementary Material, 1996–2006. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/turning-point/10#074127657. ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “27 December 2017 – [To an individual].” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20171227_001/1#183910830. ↩
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, 105-108. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
7. Perplexity Pro. “Systematic Home Visits by Youth.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 1, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-purpose-of-religion-as-rev-_vmhefCRSFWp5uG6TiRnHw. ↩