Daily Frameworks for 16 March 2025

Jamál, 16 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when two opinions coincide. A spark is produced when flint and steel come together. Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it immediately and not willfully hold to an opinion of his own. By this excellent method he endeavors to arrive at unity and truth. Opposition and division are deplorable. It is better then to have the opinion of a wise, sagacious man; otherwise, contradiction and altercation, in which varied and divergent views are presented, will make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question. Even a majority opinion or consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right. Therefore, true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the foundation. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

Below are some of the characteristics which an educational process that is morally and spiritually empowering cultivates in the individual:

Rectitude of Conduct

Reliance on God

Abundant Joy and Radiance of Heart.

Generosity of Soul, Purity of Heart, and Clarity of Mind

Ever-Deepening Understanding of the Guidance Enshrined in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

Growing Thirst for Knowledge

Freedom through Obedience to the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh

Posture of Learning

Desire to Pursue a Twofold Moral Purpose

Ability to Surrender One’s Will to the Will of God

Steadfastness in the Face of Tests and Trials

Dedication to Applying the Teachings to One’s Life

High Level of Commitment to the Spiritual Advancement of One’s People

Consciousness of the Spiritual Powers on Which Every Individual Can Draw

Capacity to Contribute to Consensus and Agreement through Consultation

The various features of the study circles for which you will serve as a tutor will contribute to the development of the characteristics you have identified. Below are several of these features. For each, write a couple of sentences that describe how it nurtures one of more of the above characteristics:

1) The atmosphere of love that permeates a study circle.

2) The spirit of fellowship created among the participants in a study circle.

3) The environment of spiritual discipline in which a study circle meets.

4) the participatory approach adopted by the Ruhi Institute.

5) The rhythm of study that is set in each group.

6) The emphasis given to the study of the Sacred Writings

7) Memorizing prayers and passages from the Writings

8) Exercises in the material that focus on the immediate meaning of passages from the Writings.

9) Exercises that help participants see the concrete expression of the Writings in their daily lives.

10) Exercises that try to give insight into the implications of passages from the Writings.

11) The flexibility inherent in the educational approach of the Ruhi Institute

12) The specific acts of service that members of a study circle carry out. ²

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Here are a few sentences describing how each of the features of the study circles nurtures one or more of the characteristics listed:

1. The atmosphere of love that permeates a study circle: This atmosphere strengthens participants’ love for humanity, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation that is essential for spiritual growth and the pursuit of a twofold moral purpose. It also encourages abundant joy and radiance of heart, as participants feel supported and valued in their spiritual journey.
   
2. The spirit of fellowship created among the participants in a study circle: This spirit promotes a posture of learning, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights, contributing to an ever-deepening understanding of the guidance enshrined in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. It also enhances the ability to contribute to consensus and agreement through consultation.
   
3. The environment of spiritual discipline in which a study circle meets: This environment helps participants develop steadfastness in the face of tests and trials by encouraging them to rely on God and adhere to the principles of rectitude of conduct. It also fosters a sense of dedication to applying the teachings to one’s life.
   
4. The participatory approach adopted by the Ruhi Institute: This approach empowers individuals to take charge of their own learning, promoting a desire to pursue a twofold moral purpose and encouraging a growing thirst for knowledge. It also supports the development of capabilities necessary for contributing to the transformation of society.
   
5. The rhythm of study that is set in each group: The regular rhythm of study helps participants maintain a posture of learning and fosters an ever-deepening understanding of the teachings. It also encourages participants to surrender their will to the Will of God, aligning their actions with spiritual principles.
   
6. The emphasis given to the study of the Sacred Writings: This emphasis deepens participants’ understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, fostering reliance on God and an ever-deepening understanding of spiritual guidance. It also encourages participants to apply the teachings in their daily lives, promoting generosity of soul and purity of heart.
   
7. Memorizing prayers and passages from the Writings: Memorization helps participants internalize spiritual principles, fostering a consciousness of the spiritual powers on which every individual can draw. It also enhances their ability to apply the teachings in their lives, contributing to a high level of commitment to spiritual advancement.
   
8. Exercises in the material that focus on the immediate meaning of passages from the Writings: These exercises help participants develop clarity of mind and an ever-deepening understanding of the guidance enshrined in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. They also encourage participants to reflect on how spiritual principles can be applied in their daily lives.
   
9. Exercises that help participants see the concrete expression of the Writings in their daily lives: These exercises promote the ability to apply spiritual teachings in practical ways, fostering dedication to applying the teachings to one’s life. They also encourage participants to see how their actions contribute to the transformation of society.
   
10. Exercises that try to give insight into the implications of passages from the Writings: These exercises help participants develop a deeper understanding of the teachings and their implications for personal and collective transformation. They also foster a growing thirst for knowledge and an ability to contribute to consensus and agreement through consultation.
    
11. The flexibility inherent in the educational approach of the Ruhi Institute: This flexibility allows participants to advance on the path of service at their own pace, accommodating different learning styles and circumstances. It supports the development of a posture of learning and encourages participants to pursue a twofold moral purpose.
    
12. The specific acts of service that members of a study circle carry out: Engaging in acts of service helps participants develop capabilities necessary for contributing to the transformation of society. It also fosters a sense of dedication to applying the teachings to one’s life and enhances the ability to contribute to consensus and agreement through consultation.
    

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

The Ruhi Institute’s study circles offer a transformative educational process that nurtures spiritual and moral qualities in participants through a unique approach to learning and service. These circles emphasize consultation, the investigation of truth, and the application of Bahá’í teachings to daily life, fostering personal growth and community development.

Atmosphere of Love and Fellowship

The study circles cultivate an atmosphere of love and fellowship that nurtures spiritual growth and fosters unity among participants. This environment encourages individuals to share their thoughts openly, contributing to an ever-deepening understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation [1]. The spirit of fellowship promotes a posture of learning, where participants feel supported in their spiritual journey, leading to abundant joy and radiance of heart [2]. This loving atmosphere also enhances the capacity for consultation, enabling members to contribute effectively to consensus-building and agreement [3].

Participatory Approach of Ruhi Institute

The Ruhi Institute’s participatory approach empowers individuals to take charge of their own spiritual and intellectual growth. By actively engaging in discussions, exercises, and reflections, participants develop a growing thirst for knowledge and a desire to pursue a twofold moral purpose – personal transformation and service to humanity [3]. This method fosters the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of civilization, encouraging participants to apply their learning in practical ways to transform their communities [2]. The approach also cultivates a posture of learning, where individuals are constantly seeking to improve their understanding and skills, leading to an ever-deepening grasp of the guidance enshrined in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Emphasis on Sacred Writings

The study circles place significant emphasis on the study of Sacred Writings, fostering an ever-deepening understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and encouraging reliance on divine guidance. Participants engage in exercises that focus on the immediate meaning of passages, helping them develop clarity of mind and apply spiritual principles in their daily lives [3]. This approach nurtures a growing thirst for knowledge and the ability to see concrete expressions of the teachings in everyday situations. By memorizing prayers and passages, individuals internalize spiritual concepts, enhancing their consciousness of the spiritual powers available to them and strengthening their commitment to personal and collective spiritual advancement [2].

Acts of Service for Transformation

Study circle participants engage in specific acts of service that directly apply their learning to community transformation. These activities, ranging from organizing devotional gatherings to teaching children’s classes, develop practical skills and deepen understanding of Bahá’í teachings. By serving others, individuals cultivate a high level of commitment to the spiritual advancement of their community and strengthen their ability to contribute to consensus through consultation [3]. This hands-on approach fosters dedication to applying the teachings in daily life, enhancing participants’ capacity to contribute meaningfully to social progress while nurturing their own spiritual growth [2].

Citations

[1] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute Book 4: The Twin Manifestations (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 does the atmosphere of love in a study circle contribute to spiritual growth?
• In what ways does the spirit of fellowship among participants enhance their learning experience?
• How does the environment of spiritual discipline in a study circle foster a deeper understanding of the teachings?
• What role does the participatory approach of the Ruhi Institute play in developing critical thinking skills?
• How does the rhythm of study in each group affect the retention of knowledge?
• What are some practical examples of acts of service mentioned in the Ruhi Institute books?
• How can acts of service contribute to the transformation of individuals and communities?
• What role do acts of service play in the spiritual growth encouraged by the Ruhi Institute?
• How does the Ruhi Institute approach the concept of service in its educational programs?
• Can you provide examples of acts of service that have had a significant impact according to the Ruhi Institute?

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 72-73. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/4#507894527. ↩
2. 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, 124-127. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Characteristics of Empowering Education.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 14, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-purpose-is-to-emphasize-th-.tpeXpcbTlahGPzgLfmXPw. ↩