Daily Frameworks for 11 March 2025

Fidál, 11 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

Ye have been forbidden in the Book of God to engage in contention and conflict, to strike another, or to commit similar acts whereby hearts and souls may be saddened. A fine of nineteen mithqáls of gold had formerly been prescribed by Him Who is the Lord of all mankind for anyone who was the cause of sadness to another; in this Dispensation, however, He hath absolved you thereof and exhorteth you to show forth righteousness and piety. Such is the commandment which He hath enjoined upon you in this resplendent Tablet. Wish not for others what ye wish not for yourselves; fear God, and be not of the prideful. Ye are all created out of water, and unto dust shall ye return. Reflect upon the end that awaiteth you, and walk not in the ways of the oppressor. Give ear unto the verses of God which He Who is the sacred Lote-Tree reciteth unto you. They are assuredly the infallible balance, established by God, the Lord of this world and the next. Through them the soul of man is caused to wing its flight towards the Dayspring of Revelation, and the heart of every true believer is suffused with light. Such are the laws which God hath enjoined upon you, such His commandments prescribed unto you in His Holy Tablet; obey them with joy and gladness, for this is best for you, did ye but know. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

As for the body politic, it punishes the aggressor but not to exact revenge. The purpose of this punishment, rather, is to deter and dissuade, and to oppose iniquity and aggression, so as to prevent others from extending their hand likewise in oppression. But if the victim chooses to forgive and to show instead the greatest mercy, this is most approved in the sight of God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

In many parts of the world, a natural outcome of the participation of individuals and families in the institute process has been an increased consciousness of the importance of education in all its forms. Friends serving as children’s class teachers take a keen interest in the broad educational development of those they teach, while friends serving as tutors and animators are naturally concerned with the extent to which those approaching or entering adulthood—girls and boys alike—can access and benefit from education of many kinds, not limited to the courses offered by the institute itself. For instance, they can encourage young people to look towards apprenticeships or university studies. We have been struck by how, in many communities, engagement in the institute process by large numbers has gradually reshaped this aspect of culture within a population. The institutions of the Faith will need to take responsibility for ensuring that, as consciousness is raised in this way, the noble aspirations that arise in young people as a result—aspirations to acquire the education and training that will allow them to offer a lifetime of meaningful service to their society—can be fulfilled. The long-term development of a community and, ultimately, of a nation, from generation to generation, depends to a large degree on the effort made to invest in those who will assume responsibility for collective social progress. — Universal House of Justice ³

Question for Consideration

As a study circle tutor, when considering exercises in the second section of Unit 1, “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings” in Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit ⁴, it may not be sufficient for participants to simply mark as true or false the statements “There are so few good people in the world that their actions do not have any effect;” “Something is correct when it is in agreement with the opinions of other people;” or “Something is correct when it is in agreement with the teachings of God.” You may need to discuss with them, for example, the importance of listening to those with relevant experience and of seeking wise counsel on many issues we face in life. To facilitate such a discussion, you will naturally have to give this matter some thought in light of your knowledge of the writings. On which of the following do you think one should seek advice?
– One’s future studies
– How to give appropriate attention to one’s studies and to service to the Faith
– Whether of not one should serve the Faith
– The meaning of a dream one has had
– The application of one of the laws of the Faith to a situation
– Whether or not one should obey the laws of the Faith
– How to raise one’s children
– Where or not to forgive someone for a wrong he or she has done
– Whether or not to help someone in need of assistance
– The treatment for a physical illness
– A problem one is having with a friend
– Whether or not to give a weighty responsibility to a person one does not know well ⁵

Perplexity Pro Response ⁶

When considering the importance of seeking advice, it’s essential to reflect on the Bahá’í teachings and principles. Here are some areas where seeking advice might be beneficial, along with a brief explanation for each:

• One’s future studies: Seeking advice on future studies can help individuals make informed decisions about their educational path, aligning it with their personal goals and service to society.
• How to give appropriate attention to one’s studies and to service to the Faith: Balancing academic pursuits with spiritual service is crucial. Advice from experienced individuals can provide guidance on managing time and priorities effectively.
• The application of one of the laws of the Faith to a situation: Understanding and applying spiritual laws to real-life situations can be complex. Seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals can ensure that actions align with spiritual principles.
• How to raise one’s children: Raising children involves many challenges. Seeking advice from experienced parents or educators can provide valuable insights into nurturing spiritual and moral development.
• A problem one is having with a friend: Conflicts with friends can be emotionally challenging. Advice from a wise counselor can help resolve issues in a way that strengthens relationships and promotes understanding.
• Whether or not to give a weighty responsibility to a person one does not know well: Deciding whether to entrust someone with significant responsibilities requires careful consideration. Seeking advice can help assess the person’s capabilities and character.
  

In contrast, areas like whether or not to serve the Faith, whether or not to obey the laws of the Faith, or whether or not to help someone in need are generally guided by spiritual principles and personal conviction. However, discussing these topics with others can still provide support and encouragement. The treatment for a physical illness should be sought from medical professionals, and the meaning of a dream is often a personal interpretation. Whether or not to forgive someone is a deeply personal decision, though discussing it with a trusted advisor can offer perspective.

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

Applying the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in daily life involves integrating spiritual principles into one’s actions and interactions, focusing on practices such as forgiveness, unity, personal growth, service to humanity, and continuous learning.

Forgiveness and Mercy in Action

Embodying the principles of forgiveness and mercy in daily life is a cornerstone of Bahá’í practice. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes these virtues as essential for promoting peace and harmony in society. When faced with wrongdoing, choosing to forgive rather than seek revenge is considered most praiseworthy in the sight of God [1]. This approach not only alleviates personal suffering but also contributes to breaking cycles of conflict and resentment. Practicing mercy extends beyond forgiveness, encompassing acts of kindness and compassion towards others, regardless of their actions or background [2] [3].

Unity and Avoiding Conflict

Fostering unity and avoiding conflict are fundamental principles in Bahá’í teachings. Bahá’u’lláh explicitly forbids engaging in contention, conflict, or actions that cause sadness to hearts and souls [2]. Instead, believers are encouraged to:

• Show righteousness and piety in their interactions
• Treat others as they would wish to be treated themselves
• Reflect on their ultimate destiny to maintain humility
• Listen attentively to the divine verses for guidance
  

These teachings aim to create a harmonious society where individuals strive to resolve differences peacefully and promote understanding. By refraining from oppressive behavior and cultivating a spirit of unity, Bahá’ís work towards building a world where diverse peoples can coexist in peace and mutual respect.

Education and Spiritual Growth

The Bahá’í Faith places great emphasis on education as a means of personal and societal transformation. Participation in the institute process has led to increased awareness of education’s importance across various communities [2]. This educational focus extends beyond formal schooling, encompassing spiritual and moral development. Bahá’ís are encouraged to engage in daily prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts to foster spiritual growth [4] [3]. The Universal House of Justice highlights how this emphasis on education has reshaped cultural attitudes, inspiring young people to pursue knowledge and training that will enable them to offer meaningful service to society [2]. This holistic approach to education aims to nurture individuals who can contribute to the long-term development of their communities and nations.

Seeking Advice for Life Decisions

Seeking wise counsel on important life decisions is a valuable practice encouraged in the Bahá’í teachings. While some matters, such as whether to serve the Faith or obey its laws, are guided by personal conviction, many areas benefit from seeking advice:

• Future studies and balancing academic pursuits with service to the Faith
• Applying spiritual laws to complex real-life situations
• Raising children and nurturing their spiritual development
• Resolving conflicts with friends or addressing relationship challenges
• Assessing whether to entrust significant responsibilities to others
  

Consulting with experienced individuals can provide valuable insights and perspectives, helping to align decisions with spiritual principles and practical wisdom [1] [2]. However, it’s important to note that certain decisions, like forgiving others or helping those in need, remain deeply personal, though discussing them can offer support and encouragement [5] [6].

Citations

[1] Lights of Guidance – Bahai.works

[2] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[3] How Do Baha’is Practice Their Faith – BahaiTeachings.org

[4] Learning How to Pray Every Day – BahaiTeachings.org

[5] How Habits Can Help You Become the Baha’i You’ve Always Wanted to Be – Bahá’í Blog

[6] Living the Life – Bahá’í Library online

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can I apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in my daily life?
• What are some practical ways to show mercy and forgiveness in difficult situations?
• How can education contribute to the betterment of society according to Bahá’í teachings?
• What role does personal reflection play in understanding the Bahá’í Writings?
• How can I encourage young people to pursue education and meaningful service?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 25, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/7#706273075. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/12#923941909. ↩
3. Universal House of Justice. “30 December 2021 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed March 9, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20211230_001/1#758524502. ↩
4. 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, 4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS. ↩
5. 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, 114-115. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
6. Perplexity Pro. “Seeking Advice and Counsel.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 9, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ye-have-been-forbidden-in-the-f3Vy3e3KTOW0yFfSYyzLwA. ↩