Jalál, 09 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
In the world many banquets, assemblages and meetings have been organized, but those gatherings have been commercial, political, educational or social in their purpose and motive. Meetings are held for the promotion of financial plans or promulgation of the arts and sciences. Others have sought to establish agricultural industries or consummate territorial agreements. Innumerable assemblages have been held for consultation upon subjects of learning and education. All such meetings have for their object the advancement of civilization. But—praise be to God!—this banquet and this assemblage are for none other purpose than love, for the purpose of announcing the divine Kingdom, for the manifestation of the ineffable traces of God, for reflecting the effulgences of the Kingdom of God, for binding hearts together, for service to the world of humanity, for the promulgation of humanitarian and altruistic realities, for the advancement and advocating of international peace, for the illumination of the whole world. Therefore, such an assemblage is matchless and peerless because other assemblages are held for a limited object and personal motive, whereas this meeting is for God and God only, for His love and purpose. It is for love of the hearts of men and the oneness of the world of humanity. Therefore, we should offer thanks to God, for He has confirmed us in attaining to the happiness of this occasion. He has appointed us servants of the human world, advocates of peace and unity among the religions, heralds of universal agreement among the races and nations, founders of divine reconciliation among all peoples. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
How does awareness of the material world’s illusory nature influence behavior in a culture of Bahá’í consultation? [2] [3]
Perplexity Computer Response: A worked example
Illustratively: a Local Spiritual Assembly consults on whether to continue a costly children’s class with shrinking attendance. One member, who founded the class, argues for continuing. A newer member presents attendance data suggesting the pattern has changed; a third recalls a similar program that revived after changing its hours. Drawing on the requisites, the founder states her view fully, then — because views once offered belong to the group — does not treat the data as an attack. The Assembly decides to suspend the class, redesign it around the documented patterns, and set a reflection meeting for three months out. All members support the decision; at reflection, the redesign is judged against results rather than against anyone’s original position, and the decision is revised again without estrangement. Detachment operates at each hinge: in offering, in deciding, in acting, and in learning. [4] [5] [6]
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. [7]
Footnotes
[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/684484182
[2] Perplexity Computer. “Illusion, Detachment, and the Culture of Bahá’í Consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 22, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/tasks/f71ce073-8fcc-4591-b1cf-ae5edfb44412
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/468398405
[5] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/790411885
[6] Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2014 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/148148627
[7] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
