Jamál, 08 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Wherefore must the friends of God, with utter sanctity, with one accord, rise up in the spirit, in unity with one another, to such a degree that they will become even as one being and one soul. On such a plane as this, physical bodies play no part, rather doth the spirit take over and rule; and when its power encompasseth all then is spiritual union achieved. Strive ye by day and night to cultivate your unity to the fullest degree. Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and modesty and humility, that ye will cause others to be awakened. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration:

Which of the following are pure and goodly deeds?

Taking care of and teaching children

Stealing

Praying for the progress of others

Telling a small lie to get out of trouble

Helping others and expecting a reward ³

Google Bard Response:

The following are pure and goodly deeds according to the quote from ‘Abdul-Bahá:

• Taking care of and teaching children
• Praying for the progress of others
  

Stealing, telling a small lie to get out of trouble, and expecting a reward for helping others are not pure and goodly deeds. Stealing is a violation of the rights of others, and telling a lie is not honest or trustworthy. Expecting a reward for helping others is not selfless or motivated by love.

Here are some other examples of pure and goodly deeds:

• Volunteering your time to help others
• Donating to charity
• Being kind and compassionate to others
• Speaking up for those who are being mistreated
• Living a moral and ethical life
  

These are just a few examples of the many ways we can do good in the world. When we act with kindness, compassion, and love, we are making the world a better place.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’L‑Bahá. Internet Archive | Project Gutenberg, 2006, 410. https://archive.org/details/selectionsfromth19287gut/mode/2up. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’L‑Bahá. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed August 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#218828736. ↩
3. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS. ↩

Jalál, 07 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

But some souls are weak; we must endeavor to strengthen them. Some are ignorant, uninformed of the bounties of God; we must strive to make them knowing. Some are ailing; we must seek to restore them to health. Some are immature as children; they must be trained and assisted to attain maturity. We nurse the sick in tenderness and the kindly spirit of love; we do not despise them because they are ill. Therefore, we must exercise extreme patience, sympathy and love toward all mankind, considering no soul as rejected. If we look upon a soul as rejected, we have disobeyed the teachings of God. God is loving to all. Shall we be unjust or unkind to anyone? Is this allowable in the sight of God? God provides for all. Is it befitting for us to prevent the flow of His merciful provisions for mankind? God has created all in His image and likeness. Shall we manifest hatred for His creatures and servants? This would be contrary to the will of God and according to the will of Satan, by which we mean the natural inclinations of the lower nature. This lower nature in man is symbolized as Satan—the evil ego within us, not an evil personality outside. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Which of the following statements are true?

There are so few good people in the world that their actions do not have any effect.

Something is correct when it is in agreement with the opinions of other people.

Something is correct when it is in agreement with the teachings of God.²

Google Bard Response:

The statement “There are so few good people in the world that their actions do not have any effect” is not supported by the quote above. In fact, the quote suggests that everyone has the potential to be good, and that we should all strive to strengthen, educate, and heal each other.

The statement “Something is correct when it is in agreement with the opinions of other people” is also not supported by the quote above. The quote suggests that there are some things that are objectively true, regardless of what people believe. For example, the statement “God is loving to all” is objectively true, even if some people disagree with it.

The statement “Something is correct when it is in agreement with the teachings of God” is more difficult to assess, as it depends on your beliefs about God. However, the quote above suggests that the teachings of God are ultimately about love and compassion. Therefore, something that is in agreement with the teachings of God would be something that is loving and compassionate.

So, to answer your question, none of the statements are definitively true or false. It depends on your interpretation of the quote and your own beliefs.

1. ’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, 286-287. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/20#881097284. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istiqlál, 06 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O Son of Being! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What does the phrase “ere thou art summoned to a reckoning” mean? ²

Google Bard Response:

The quote you mentioned is from Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. It reminds us that we should always be mindful of our actions and words, and that we will one day be called to account for them.

Here are some things we can do before we are summoned to a reckoning:

• Bring ourselves to account each day. This means taking a moment each day to reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions, and to ask ourselves whether we are living in a way that is consistent with our values.
• Be mindful of death. This does not mean dwelling on death or being afraid of it, but rather recognizing that it is a natural part of life and that we should make the most of the time we have.
• Prepare for the day of reckoning. This means living a good and righteous life, making amends for our mistakes, and seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged.
• Live a good and righteous life. This means doing what is right and just, even when it is difficult. It means being kind and compassionate to others, and helping those in need.
• Make amends for our mistakes. If we have wronged someone, we should take steps to make amends. This may involve apologizing, offering restitution, or simply changing our behavior.
• Seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. If we have hurt someone, we should ask for their forgiveness. This does not mean that we are absolved of our wrongdoing, but it is an important step in the healing process.
• Leave the world a better place than we found it. We can all make a difference in the world, no matter how small. We can volunteer our time, donate to charity, or simply be kind and helpful to others.
  

By following these suggestions, we can live a life that is worthy of reckoning.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#746355706.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istijlál, 05 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

There is a cordial thanksgiving, too, which expresses itself in the deeds and actions of man when his heart is filled with gratitude. For example, God has conferred upon man the gift of guidance, and in thankfulness for this great gift certain deeds must emanate from him. To express his gratitude for the favors of God man must show forth praiseworthy actions. In response to these bestowals he must render good deeds, be self-sacrificing, loving the servants of God, forfeiting even life for them, showing kindness to all the creatures. He must be severed from the world, attracted to the Kingdom of Abhá, the face radiant, the tongue eloquent, the ear attentive, striving day and night to attain the good pleasure of God. Whatsoever he wishes to do must be in harmony with the good pleasure of God. He must observe and see what is the will of God and act accordingly. There can be no doubt that such commendable deeds are thankfulness for the favors of God. ¹

Question for Consideration:

When something is “commendable”, it is worthy of praise. Which of the following are commendable?

• To be a good worker
• To respect others
• To be studious
• To be a liar
• To be lazy
• To serve others ²
  

Google Bard Response:

The following are commendable:

• To be a good worker
• To respect others
• To be studious
• To serve others
  

The following are not commendable qualities:

• To be a liar
• To be lazy
  

Being a good worker means being reliable, efficient, and productive. It means taking pride in your work and doing your best to meet the expectations of your employer or clients.

Respecting others means treating them with dignity and courtesy, regardless of their social status, race, religion, or any other factor. It means listening to their opinions, even if you disagree with them, and being mindful of their feelings.

Being studious means being dedicated to your studies and always striving to learn new things. It means being organized and efficient with your time, and being willing to put in the hard work to succeed.

Serving others means putting the needs of others before your own. It means being willing to help others in need, even if it means sacrificing your own time or resources.

Lying is not commendable because it is dishonest and can damage trust. It can also lead to other problems, such as getting into trouble or hurting someone’s feelings.

Being lazy is not commendable because it shows a lack of effort and motivation. It can also lead to missed opportunities and disappointment.

1. ’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, 236. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/16#602310039 ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 4. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

’Idál, 04 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O CHILDREN OF ADAM!

Holy words and pure and goodly deeds ascend unto the heaven of celestial glory. Strive that your deeds may be cleansed from the dust of self and hypocrisy and find favor at the court of glory; for ere long the assayers of mankind shall, in the holy presence of the Adored One, accept naught but absolute virtue and deeds of stainless purity. This is the daystar of wisdom and of divine mystery that hath shone above the horizon of the divine will. Blessed are they that turn thereunto. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What do holy words and pure and good deeds do? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the quote you mentioned, Bahá’u’lláh is saying that holy words and pure and goodly deeds are of great importance. They ascend to the heaven of celestial glory, which means that they have a spiritual and transformative power. They can cleanse us from the dust of self and hypocrisy, which are obstacles to our spiritual development. And they will find favor at the court of glory, which means that they will be rewarded by God.

In more detail, holy words are those that are spoken with truth, sincerity, and love. They can uplift and inspire others, and they can help to create a more just and peaceful world. Pure and goodly deeds are those that are done out of kindness, compassion, and a desire to help others. They can make a real difference in the lives of others, and they can also help to make us better people.

The quote also reminds us that we should strive to cleanse our deeds from the dust of self and hypocrisy. This means that we should be motivated by unselfish intentions, and we should avoid doing things for show or for personal gain. When we do good deeds in this way, they will be truly meaningful and will have a lasting impact.

Finally, the quote says that the assayers of mankind will, in the holy presence of the Adored One, accept naught but absolute virtue and deeds of stainless purity. This means that at the end of time, our deeds will be judged by God. Those who have lived a life of holy words and pure and goodly deeds will be rewarded, while those who have not will be held accountable.

This quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a good and virtuous life. It is a call to action to strive to be the best that we can be, and to use our words and deeds to make the world a better place.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#810818726.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Fidál, 03 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O SON OF DUST!

Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother. Say: O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What should be our true adorning? ²

Google Bard Response:

In this passage from The Hidden Words, Bahá’u’lláh is teaching us that our true adornment is not found in material possessions or physical beauty, but in our deeds. He says that those who are most negligent are those who argue and quarrel with others, and who seek to advance themselves at the expense of others. He urges us to let our deeds, not our words, be our adorning.

This means that we should strive to live our lives in accordance with the highest moral and ethical principles. We should be kind, compassionate, and helpful to others. We should be honest, truthful, and trustworthy. We should be tolerant and understanding, and we should strive to build bridges of understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.

When we live our lives in this way, we are truly adorning ourselves with the most precious jewels: the qualities of love, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. These qualities are what will make us truly beautiful, both inwardly and outwardly.

Here are some specific ways to let our deeds be our adorning:

• Be kind and compassionate to everyone we meet, regardless of their race, religion, or social status.
• Be honest and truthful in all our dealings with others.
• Be trustworthy and reliable.
• Be tolerant and understanding of others’ beliefs and differences.
• Help those in need, both materially and spiritually.
• Strive to make the world a better place through our actions.
  

When we live our lives in accordance with these principles, we are truly adorning ourselves with the most precious jewels, and we are making a difference in the world.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#646280975.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Kamál, 02 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O Son of Being! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What should we do before we are summoned to a reckoning? ²

Google Bard Response:

The quote you mentioned is a reminder from Bahá’u’lláh that we should all be accountable for our actions. We should not wait until death to reflect on our lives and make amends for our mistakes. We should do so each day, so that we can live a life of peace and fulfillment.

Here are some specific things that we can do before we are summoned to a reckoning:

• Reflect on our lives and our actions. Take some time each day to think about how we have spent our time, our words, and our resources. Are we living in a way that is consistent with our values? Are we making a positive difference in the world?
• Make amends for our mistakes. If we have wronged someone, we should take steps to make amends. This could mean apologizing, offering restitution, or simply changing our behavior.
• Seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Even if the person we have wronged has forgiven us, it is still important to seek their forgiveness. This shows that we are truly remorseful and that we want to make things right.
• Live a life of goodness and virtue. We should strive to live a life that is based on love, kindness, and compassion. We should help others in need and make the world a better place.
• Prepare for the next life. This does not mean that we should be obsessed with death or the afterlife. However, it does mean that we should think about the kind of legacy we want to leave behind. We should live our lives in a way that will make us proud and that will help others to grow and develop.
  

By following these steps, we can live a life that is worthy of reckoning. We can face death with peace and confidence, knowing that we have made the most of our time on Earth.

In addition to the above, here are some other things that we can do to prepare for a reckoning:

• Spend time with loved ones. Let the people who matter most to you know how much you care about them.
• Set aside time for prayer and meditation. This can help us to connect with our inner selves and to find peace and clarity.
• Do something that you are passionate about. This could be anything from volunteering to creating art. It is important to find something that gives our lives meaning.
• Leave the world a better place than you found it. This could be something as simple as picking up litter or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Every little bit counts.
  

Ultimately, the best way to prepare for a reckoning is to live a good and meaningful life. When we do that, we have nothing to fear.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1954. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#746355706.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Jamál, 01 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Beware, O people of Bahá, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

In whose ways should we not walk? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the quote you mentioned, Bahá’u’lláh is warning us against following the ways of people who say one thing but do another. These are people who are hypocrites, who are not genuine or sincere. They may say that they are good people, but their actions show otherwise.

There are many reasons why we should not walk in the ways of hypocrites. First, it is a waste of time and energy. If someone’s words and deeds do not match, then we cannot trust them. We cannot rely on them to be honest or reliable.

Second, following the ways of hypocrites can lead us astray. If we follow their example, we may end up doing things that are wrong or harmful. We may also end up being hurt or disappointed by them.

Third, walking in the ways of hypocrites can damage our own character. If we associate with people who are dishonest or insincere, we may start to become like them. We may start to lie or cheat, or we may start to lose our own sense of integrity.

So, in whose ways should we not walk? We should not walk in the ways of hypocrites. We should follow the example of people who are honest, sincere, and trustworthy. We should walk in the ways of those who are good and virtuous.

Here are some specific examples of people whose ways we should not walk in:

• People who are always talking about doing good things, but never actually do them.
• People who say they are religious, but their actions are not in line with their beliefs.
• People who are always putting others down, but never lift them up.
• People who are always complaining and never grateful.
• People who are always making excuses, but never take responsibility for their actions.
  

If we want to live a good and meaningful life, we need to be careful about whose ways we follow. We should choose to walk in the ways of those who are good and virtuous, and avoid the ways of those who are not.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#482116648.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Jalál, 19 Kamál (Perfection), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

How can the betterment of the world be accomplished? ²

Google Bard Response:

The betterment of the world can be accomplished through many ways, big and small. Here are some of the things we can do to make the world a better place:

• Be kind and compassionate to others. This means treating everyone with respect, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or social status. It also means being understanding and forgiving, and helping those in need.
• Be mindful of our impact on the environment. We can do this by reducing our consumption of resources, recycling and composting, and using sustainable transportation.
• Get involved in our communities. This could mean volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being a good neighbor. When we come together to make a difference, we can create a more just and equitable world.
• Stand up for what we believe in. This doesn’t mean we have to be activists or protesters, but it does mean speaking out against injustice and inequality. We can also support organizations that are working to make the world a better place.
• Educate ourselves and others. The more we know about the world’s problems, the better equipped we are to solve them. We can also share what we learn with others to help them make informed decisions.
• Be positive and hopeful. A positive attitude can go a long way in making the world a better place. When we believe that change is possible, we are more likely to take action to make it happen.
  

These are just a few of the many ways we can make the world a better place. Every act of kindness, compassion, and understanding makes a difference. So let’s all do our part to make the world a more beautiful and just place for all.

The quote by Bahá’u’lláh is a reminder that we all have the power to make the world a better place. By doing good deeds and conducting ourselves in a commendable and seemly way, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

1. Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#716325250.
   . ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istiqlál, 18 Kamál (Perfection), 180 B.E.

One Planet, One Habitation

The World That Beckons

44.0 The gulf between intention and action is one of the central challenges facing humanity today. This gap can be bridged; individuals, communities, and nations are contributing their share toward this goal every day. Yet for action to rise to the scales required, far stronger consensus and collective will among the nations is needed around the values demanded by the current stage of humanity’s development. It also calls for much greater resolve in putting those values into practice, recommitting to that which is beneficial to the common good and discarding whatever stands in the way of answering the moral and practical call of the present hour. This is a high endeavor indeed, and its benefits a priceless legacy that must be left to the generations to come. Let us join together in rising to its demands. ¹

Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

… every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible expression through three means: first, intention; second, confirmation; third, action. Today, on this earth there are many souls who are promoters of peace and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity of the world of humanity, but this intention needeth a dynamic power so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In this day, the divine instructions and lordly exhortations promulgate this most great aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom also support and aid the realization of this intention. Therefore, although the combined forces and thoughts of the nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this exalted purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things and the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong it will become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and the tent of union and harmony among nations is the Tabernacle of the divine Kingdom; for therein the intention, the power, and the action, all three, are brought together. The realization of everything in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements. ²

1. Bahá’í International Community Staff. “One Planet, One Habitation.” International Environment Forum, June 1, 2022. https://www.iefworld.org/2022bic_OPOH. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/852289782/1#276532460. ↩