Istiqlál, 08 Núr (Light), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
And thus when contemplating the human world thou beholdest this wondrous phenomenon shining resplendent from all sides with the utmost perfection, inasmuch as in this station acts of cooperation, mutual assistance and reciprocity are not confined to the body and to things that pertain to the material world, but for all conditions, whether physical or spiritual, such as those related to minds, thoughts, opinions, manners, customs, attitudes, understandings, feelings or other human susceptibilities. In all these thou shouldst find these binding relationships securely established. The more this interrelationship is strengthened and expanded, the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity. Indeed without these vital ties it would be wholly impossible for the world of humanity to attain true felicity and success. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
How can one apply the general call for Bahá’í s to “render service to the world of humanity” while focusing on the aim of an ongoing series of global plans for “the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures” to social endeavors in eldercare? [2]
Perplexity Computer Response
The Series of Global Plans and Their Single Aim
Beginning with the Nine Year Plan (2022–2031), the Universal House of Justice launched “a series of Plans [over a 25-year period] that will carry it into the third century of the Bahá’í Era and significantly strengthen the Bahá’í community’s capacity for realising the society-building powers of the Faith”. [3] The single stated aim of these plans is “the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures”. [4] This framing is significant for eldercare: it means the goal is not simply charitable outreach but the construction of new patterns of collective life — new norms, new relationships, new institutional habits — within which elders are fully embedded rather than managed at the margins. [5] [6] [7]
Footnotes
[1] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/396539248
[2] Perplexity Computer. “The Society-Building Framework: Where Eldercare Fits” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 7, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/7136fb50-4676-4fcd-8695-c2ee4ec4d94f
[3] Universal House of Justice. “25 November 2020 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/300076435
[4] Universal House of Justice. “30 December 2021 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/758524476
[5] Randolph, Terry (Editor). “The Nine Year Plan 2022-2031.” ObeisanceBaba. https://www.obeisancebaha.org/the-nine-year-plan-2022-2031/
[6] O’Connor, Patricia. “The Nine Year Plan: What Do Baha’is Want for the World?” BahaiTeachings.org. https://bahaiteachings.org/nine-year-plan-what-do-bahais-want-world/
[7] Baha’is of the United States Staff. “Building Community: Love in Action.” Baha’is of the United States. https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/building-community/
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá The Promulgation of Universal Peace | Bahá’í Reference Library.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 