Daily Frameworks for 24 March 2025

Kamál, 05 Bahá (Splendor), 182 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

By God! This Bird of Heaven, now dwelling upon the dust, can, besides these melodies, utter a myriad songs, and is able, apart from these utterances, to unfold innumerable mysteries. Every single note of its unpronounced utterances is immeasurably exalted above all that hath already been revealed, and immensely glorified beyond that which hath streamed from this Pen. Let the future disclose the hour when the Brides of inner meaning will, as decreed by the Will of God, hasten forth, unveiled, out of their mystic mansions, and manifest themselves in the ancient realm of being. Nothing whatsoever is possible without His permission; no power can endure save through His power, and there is none other God but He. His is the world of creation, and His the Cause of God. All proclaim His Revelation, and all unfold the mysteries of His Spirit. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

The real bond of integrity is religious in character, for religion indicates the oneness of the world of humanity. Religion serves the world of morality. Religion purifies the hearts. Religion impels men to achieve praiseworthy deeds. Religion becomes the cause of love in human hearts, for religion is a divine foundation, the foundation ever conducive to life. The teachings of God are the source of illumination to the people of the world. Religion is ever constructive, not destructive. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Music is an important means to the education and development of humanity, but the only true way is through the Teachings of God. Music is like this glass, which is perfectly pure and polished. It is precisely like this pure chalice before us, and the Teachings of God, the utterances of God, are like the water. When the glass or chalice is absolutely pure and clear, and the water is perfectly fresh and limpid, then it will confer Life; wherefore, the Teachings of God, whether they be in the form of anthems or communes or prayers, when they are melodiously sung, are most impressive. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Question for Consideration

Section 7 of Unit 3, “Promoting the Arts at the Grassroots,” in Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service states at the outset how the power of music is increased many fold when it is inspired by the teachings of the Faith, even drawing upon the utterances of God. The talents of participants in the institute courses and their knowledge of music will have developed to different degrees, with some quite accomplished and others not at all musically inclined. Whatever their inclinations and talents, the tutor will want to accept and encourage everyone and make sure no one is ever embarrassed. What dynamics need to be created for the collective expression of the arts, particularly music, to emerge at the grassroots? ⁴

Perplexity Pro Response ⁵

To foster the collective expression of the arts, particularly music, at the grassroots level, several dynamics need to be cultivated. These dynamics align with the principles outlined in Section 7 of Unit 3 from Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service, as well as the broader teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding the transformative power of music and its connection to spiritual development.

Encouragement and Inclusivity

• All participants, regardless of their level of musical ability or artistic experience, must feel welcomed and encouraged to contribute. This requires creating an atmosphere free of judgment or embarrassment, where each individual’s efforts are valued.
• The tutor should emphasize that artistic expression is not about technical perfection but about sincerity and devotion inspired by the teachings of God.
  

Spiritual Inspiration

• Music and other forms of art should draw upon the utterances of God and the teachings of the Faith, which imbue them with spiritual power and meaning. This connection enhances their ability to uplift hearts and minds.
• Participants can be encouraged to compose or perform works inspired by sacred texts, prayers, or writings from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
  

Collaboration and Unity

• Collective artistic expression thrives on collaboration. Group activities such as singing, composing music, or creating visual art together can reinforce bonds of unity and mutual support among participants.
• The tutor can facilitate group discussions about how art can reflect themes such as oneness, love, and service to humanity.
  

Grassroots Empowerment

• The goal is not only to promote individual creativity but also to empower communities at the grassroots level to use art as a means for spiritual education and social transformation.
• Participants can be encouraged to share their artistic creations within their communities, fostering a culture where art inspired by divine teachings becomes a source of illumination.
  

Integration with Service

• Art should be integrated into acts of service. For example, music can be used in devotional gatherings, community-building activities, or educational programs to inspire and unite participants.
• Tutors can help participants explore how their artistic talents can contribute to advancing the Faith’s goals in their local context.
  

Celebration of Diversity

• Recognizing that participants come from diverse cultural backgrounds, tutors should encourage them to incorporate elements from their own traditions into their artistic expressions while maintaining alignment with Bahá’í principles.
• This diversity enriches collective creativity and helps build bridges across cultures.
  

Cultivation of Joy

• Artistic expression should bring joy and enthusiasm to participants. Music, in particular, has a unique capacity to uplift spirits and create an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude.
• Tutors may organize joyful events where music and other arts are central, creating opportunities for participants to share their talents.
  

Practical Steps for Tutors

• Organize workshops or sessions where participants can explore different forms of artistic expression.
• Provide opportunities for group singing or musical collaboration using Bahá’í prayers or writings.
• Encourage participants who have musical skills to mentor others who are less experienced.
• Create spaces where everyone feels safe to experiment with creativity without fear of criticism.
• Facilitate discussions about how art can reflect spiritual truths and contribute to community-building efforts.
  

By nurturing these dynamics, tutors help cultivate an environment where the arts flourish as a powerful means for spiritual education and collective upliftment at the grassroots level.

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the transformative power of music and the arts in spiritual development and community building, encouraging collective artistic expression at the grassroots level as a means of fostering unity, inclusivity, and spiritual growth.

Spiritual Inspiration Behind Music

Music, when infused with divine teachings, becomes a powerful vehicle for spiritual transformation and education. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá eloquently explains, music acts as a pure vessel, akin to a polished glass, while the teachings of God are the life-giving water within. This synergy elevates musical expression beyond mere entertainment, imbuing it with the capacity to deeply move hearts and minds. When Bahá’í prayers, sacred texts, or spiritual concepts are melodiously sung or incorporated into compositions, they become “most impressive,” resonating with listeners on a profound level and potentially catalyzing spiritual awakening. This principle underscores the importance of encouraging artists to draw inspiration from the Faith’s teachings, creating works that not only delight the senses but also nourish the soul.

Inclusivity in Artistic Expression

In fostering collective artistic expression, tutors must create an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement for all participants, regardless of their musical or artistic abilities. This inclusive approach aligns with the Bahá’í principle of unity in diversity, recognizing that each individual’s contribution is valuable. Tutors should emphasize that sincerity and devotion inspired by the Faith’s teachings are more important than technical perfection, ensuring that no one feels embarrassed or judged. By cultivating a supportive environment, participants can feel empowered to explore their creativity, whether through singing, composing, or other forms of artistic expression, contributing to a rich tapestry of grassroots artistic development within the community.

Grassroots Empowerment Through Art

Empowering communities through artistic expression is a cornerstone of grassroots development in the Bahá’í Faith. This approach encourages individuals to share their creative works within their communities, fostering a culture where art inspired by divine teachings becomes a source of illumination and social transformation. By integrating diverse cultural elements into artistic expressions while maintaining alignment with Bahá’í principles, communities can build bridges across cultures and celebrate their unique heritage.

• Organize workshops for exploring various forms of artistic expression
• Facilitate group discussions on how art reflects spiritual truths
• Encourage participants with musical skills to mentor others
• Create safe spaces for creative experimentation without fear of criticism
• Use art to enhance community-building efforts and devotional gatherings
  

Integrating Art with Service

Artistic expression in the Bahá’í community extends beyond personal creativity to become a powerful tool for service and social transformation. By integrating music and other art forms into devotional gatherings, educational programs, and community-building activities, participants can inspire unity and spiritual growth among their fellow community members. This approach allows individuals to use their talents in meaningful ways, contributing to the advancement of the Faith’s goals in their local context. For example, a musically inclined participant might compose songs based on Bahá’í writings for use in children’s classes, while a visual artist could create illustrations to enhance study materials. By aligning artistic endeavors with acts of service, communities can create a vibrant culture where creativity and spirituality reinforce one another, fostering an environment of joy, celebration, and collective progress.

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can music be used to promote unity and oneness among people?
• What role does religion play in the development of music and the arts?
• How can the teachings of God be incorporated into musical performances?
• What are some examples of how music has been used to spread religious messages?
• How can music education be integrated with spiritual teachings?
• How can service organizations effectively integrate art into their programs?
• What are the benefits of combining art and service in community projects?
• How can art therapy be integrated into service-oriented initiatives?
• What are some innovative ways to use art in community service?
• How can art be used to enhance the impact of service projects?
  

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Íqán: The Book of Certitude. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st pocket-size Ed. 1950. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1983, 175-176. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/7#527379781. ↩
2. ’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, 344. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/27#090724832. ↩
3. Research Department of the Universal House Justice. “Compilation of Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings on Music.” Bahá’í Reference Library, June 1996. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/music/4#042522291. ↩
4. 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, 139-141. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
5. Perplexity Pro. “Dynamics for Collective Artistic Expression.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 22, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/by-god-this-bird-of-heaven-now-VYdyb_ZsSietOyoWe83uoQ. ↩