Daily Frameworks for 14 March 2025

Istiqlál, 14 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

In this Day the glances of God—exalted be His glory—are directed towards the hearts of men and to the goodly pearls treasured therein. This beseemeth the Lord and His chosen ones—glorified be His majesty. It behoveth thee to pray on behalf of the friends and loved ones of God, that He may graciously enable them to fulfil that which is ordained in the Book, and that they may not be hindered by vain imaginings and the transitory things of the world. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship. With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Consider then how the peoples of the world are circling round their own vain imaginings and worshipping the idols of their own thoughts and fancies, without the least awareness of doing so. They regard these vain imaginings as that Reality which is sanctified above all understanding and exalted beyond every allusion. They consider themselves to be the proponents of the Divine Unity and all others as worshippers of idols, even though idols at least enjoy a mineral existence, whereas the idols of human thoughts and imaginations are sheer illusion and have not even the existence of stones. “Take ye good heed, O people of insight!” (Qur’án 59:2.) — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Question for Consideration

Unit 3, “Life and Death” in Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit ⁴ can represent a special challenge for study circle participants and tutors alike. Group conversations about specific concepts often reveal insights for each participant beyond their initial understanding. For instance, Section 18 explores the concept of “vain imaginings.” Ahead of a study circle session covering this section, the tutor may want to prepare a short list of examples of “vain imaginings” in order to help participants carry out the exercise. What would you include on that list? What other concepts in Unit 3 section exercises may prove demanding to participants? ⁵

Perplexity Pro Response ⁶

When preparing for a study circle session on Unit 3, “Life and Death” in Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, it’s helpful to have examples of “vain imaginings” to facilitate discussion. Here are some potential examples and other challenging concepts in the section exercises:

Examples of Vain Imaginings

• Materialism and Consumerism: The relentless pursuit of wealth and material possessions as a measure of success or happiness.
• Superstitions and Misconceptions: Beliefs not grounded in reality or divine teachings, such as astrology or fortune-telling.
• Egotism and Self-Centeredness: Prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of others or the community.
• Prejudices and Stereotypes: Judging others based on preconceived notions rather than their true character.
• Fear of Death: Viewing death as an end rather than a transition, leading to fear and anxiety.
  

Other Challenging Concepts in Unit 3

• The Nature of the Soul: Understanding the soul as a spiritual entity that continues beyond physical life can be complex for some participants.
• Detachment from the World: Balancing engagement with the world while maintaining spiritual detachment can be a difficult concept to grasp.
• The Will of God: Comprehending and aligning oneself with God’s Will, especially in times of hardship or uncertainty, may pose challenges.
• The Concept of Paradise: Visualizing and understanding the spiritual realms and the afterlife can be abstract and challenging for some.
  

To facilitate a productive discussion, the tutor should encourage participants to share personal experiences or observations related to these concepts, fostering a reflective and supportive environment.

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

The Ruhi Institute’s Book 1, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” explores profound spiritual concepts, with Unit 3 on “Life and Death” presenting particular challenges for study circle participants in understanding complex ideas like “vain imaginings” and the nature of the soul.

Examples of Vain Imaginings

In preparing for discussions on “vain imaginings,” tutors can consider examples that resonate with modern life and spiritual teachings. These might include:

• The pursuit of material wealth as the ultimate source of happiness
• Prejudices and stereotypes that cloud judgment of others
• Superstitions or beliefs not grounded in divine teachings
• Ego-driven ambitions that prioritize self over community
• Attachment to worldly status or recognition
  

Such examples can help participants reflect on how these concepts manifest in their own lives and society, fostering deeper understanding of the spiritual principles outlined in the Bahá’í writings [1] [2]. By exploring these tangible instances, study circle members can better grasp the abstract notion of “vain imaginings” and its relevance to their spiritual growth.

Challenging Spiritual Concepts

Unit 3 of Book 1 introduces several challenging spiritual concepts that may require careful exploration and reflection. These include:

• The nature of the soul as a spiritual entity that transcends physical existence
• The concept of detachment from worldly pursuits while remaining engaged in life
• Understanding and aligning oneself with the Will of God, especially during difficult times
• Visualizing and comprehending spiritual realms and the afterlife
  

Tutors can facilitate deeper understanding by encouraging participants to share personal experiences or observations related to these concepts, fostering a reflective and supportive environment. This approach allows for collective exploration of abstract ideas, helping participants to internalize the teachings and apply them to their daily lives [1] [3].

Tutor Preparation Tips

To enhance the study circle experience, tutors can prepare thoughtful questions that encourage deeper reflection on the spiritual concepts presented in Unit 3. Creating a safe and open environment where participants feel comfortable sharing personal insights is crucial. Tutors may also consider incorporating artistic activities, such as drawing or music, to help illustrate abstract ideas like the soul or the afterlife [1]. Additionally, compiling relevant quotations from Bahá’í writings beyond those in the book can provide a broader context for discussions and help participants connect the concepts to their daily lives [3]. By anticipating potential areas of confusion and preparing additional explanations or examples, tutors can guide participants through challenging topics with greater clarity and confidence.

Citations

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

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

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can we identify and challenge our own “vain imaginings”?
• What are some practical ways to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine?
• How can we support loved ones in staying focused on spiritual goals?
• What are some examples of “vain imaginings” in modern society?
• How can we differentiate between spiritual guidance and mere imagination?

1. The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, ed. “Huqúqu’lláh —The Right of God: Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and The Universal House of Justice.” Bahá’í Reference Library, 2007. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/huququllah-right-god/4#739572226. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#098486368. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/8#985403560. ↩
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, 31-51. 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, 120-122. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
6. Perplexity Pro. “Vain Imaginings from a Spiritual Perspective.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 12, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/in-this-day-the-glances-of-god-NsPqOuohQh2v5KMPonDWFw. ↩