‘Idál, 10 Kalimát (Words), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
The real secret of universal participation lies in the Master’s oft expressed wish that the friends should love each other, constantly encourage each other, work together, be as one soul in one body, and in so doing become a true, organic, healthy body animated and illumined by the spirit. In such a body all will receive spiritual health and vitality from the organism itself, and the most perfect flowers and fruits will be brought forth. — Universal House of Justice [1]
Question for Consideration
From a Bahá’í perspective, how can spiritual principles be applied in the voluntary/informal sector to find ways that work and begin to transform the public and private sectors? [2]
Perplexity Deep Research Response: Part VI-b
Practical Starting Points for Voluntary Organizations
For voluntary and civil society organizations seeking to apply Bahá’í-inspired principles in practice, the following starting points reflect the accumulated Bahá’í experience:
Ensure universal participation.
Design all activities so that those served are also those who serve, those who decide, and those who evaluate. Avoid the paternalistic dynamic of “we help them.” Every person has gifts to contribute and a right to shape the path of progress. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Footnotes
[1] Universal House of Justice. “September 1964 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/053436390
[2] Perplexity Deep Research. “The Voluntary/Informal Sector as a Laboratory: Bahá’í Spiritual Principles and the Transformation of Society.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. July 22, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/9ecfa362-6f2c-499e-b451-8198a188f127
[3] Australian Baha’i Community Staff. “Engaging in social and economic development.” Bahai.Org.Au. https://bahai.org.au/index.php/what-bahais-do/engaging-social-action/
[4] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. SOCIAL ACTION. August 2020. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/331917610
[5] Universal House of Justice. “April 1964 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/830754928
[6] Universal House of Justice. “September 1964 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/053436390
[7] Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 1965 – The Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/746475165
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.