Fidál, 03 Mashíyyat (Will), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
Although Local Spiritual Assemblies are primarily responsible for counselling believers regarding personal problems, there may be times, when in the judgement of the National or Local Assembly, it would be preferable to assign counselling or advisory duties to individuals or committees. This is within the discretion of the Assembly. — Universal House of Justice [1]
Question for Consideration
Teach me about Bahá’í consultation. [2] [3]
Gemini Notebook Response: The Step-by-Step Consultative Sequence
In practical application, Bahá’í consultation unfolds through a structured process: [4]
- Gathering Facts and Clarifying the Question: The group defines the core issue as an open inquiry [5] and establishes all empirical facts. [4] [6] Technical specialists or individuals directly affected by the decision may be invited to share their knowledge and experience. [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]
- Identifying Guiding Principles: Before proposing solutions, participants review available guidance and identify the moral or spiritual principles (such as justice, equity, or community well-being) that should guide the decision. [4] [5] [6]
- Frank, Courteous, and Detached Discussion: Members express their views with absolute freedom, candor, courtesy, and moderation. [4] [11] [12] Diverse perspectives are valued, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that “the shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions”. [6] [10] [12] [13]
- Non-Personalization of Ideas: A fundamental rule of consultation is that once an idea is voiced, it becomes the collective property of the group rather than the individual who offered it. [4] [6] [9] The group can modify, combine, or set aside the proposal without the originator taking offense or feeling personal attachment. [4] [6] [9]
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. [14]
Footnotes
[1] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/551640674
[2] Gemini Notebook. “The Step-by-Step Consultative Sequence.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 28, 2026. Conversations That Matter: A Protagonist’s Guide to Consultation Based on Bahá’í Principles
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] Gemini Notebook. “The Baháʼí Seven-Step Framework for Collective Consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 9, 2026. The Lamp of Guidance: Bahá’í Principles of Consultation
[5] Perplexity Computer. “Conversations That Matter: A Facilitator’s Checklist.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 23, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/tasks/cdb5daf3-7578-482c-b05c-d63852d90880
[6] Warwick Bahá’í Bookshop. “Bahá’í Consultation – Making Successful Decisions.” Bahá’í Library Online. https://bahai-library.com/warwick_consultation
[7] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/760940639
[8] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/736986719
[9] Ohio Baha’i Staff. “Ohio Baha’i Staff. “Consultation: the Operating Expression of Justice in Human Affairs.” Ohio Baha’i. https://ohiobahai.org/consultation/
[10] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/644110934
[11] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/528587863
[12] The Bahá’í Faith Staff. “Consultation Quotes.” Bahá’í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/universal-peace/articles-resources/consultation-quotes
[13] Hofmann, Ingo. “How to Really Talk – and Do Something – About War and Peace.” BahaiTeachings.Org (blog), February 1, 2024. https://bahaiteachings.org/how-really-talk-do-something-war-peace/
[14] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
