As usual, all opinions here are my own and do not represent the thoughts of Bahá'ís in general. I am simply stating my own in thoughts in hopes that others read them and offer their own thoughts so that I may learn from them. It is so beautiful that we all have this power of speech and intellect in order to discuss with one another and learn from one another. Too often is this bounty neglected.
What is will? Desire? Wanting? It is so much more than that alone. Desire and wanting denote weakness and limitation. One can desire something or want something, but this does not imply that it shall be. Whereas one can will something, and it is.
This is the power of will. It takes the desire and longing and implies action occurs.
In the Writings, we never see phrases such as, "God wanted" or "God desired." No. Once again, we cannot simply limit the Limitless. The Writings (and not only Bahá'í, but near all Sacred Scripture) has this same idea of the Will of God. There is a catch however that we need to be wary of:
Whatever God willed, happened.
Does this make sense? Certainly it may seem so. God, the omnipotent, wills something. Whatever He wills, must happen, right? True, but in this scenario we are limiting the Creator. It implies that something must be desired by God before it occurs. This is not so. Let us look at the next scenario.
Whatever happened, is God's Will.
Does this make more sense? I think so. What we need to understand here again, and this is something I think really needs to be emphasized, is that God is limitless. We are all under the Guidance of the Primal Will, Logos so to speak. Under such Guidance, we were created ("I loved they creation, hence I created Thee..." -Arabic Hidden Words). It is the "B and E joined and knit together." It is the Manifestations of God offering the Bounties of God and allowing us as a human race to progress and mature.
I have a tendency to go to various blogs and other opinionated websites to see what people are saying. Religion is looked down upon by many people. One famous claim states, "If your God is kind and loves everybody, why does He allow for people to suffer?" The person makes a valid point. Is it God's Will for people to suffer? Sure, we are offered tests to allow us to grow and prosper and we are not tested beyond our capacity. But then, why is it that people are born into suffering and starvation? Why are children forced into slavery in the sex trade or as child soldiers? Why are women raped and husbands killed? Is this really what God willed?
Yes. This is what God willed. We as humanity are maturing, but we are also confused. We are beginning to learn the power of free-will but we do not know how to control it properly. Education systems have not been put in place to allow us to near eliminate such suffering. These pains people are suffering are necessary. They are not fair. No, by no means is it fair. But God, the Most-Just will shower His Bounty upon them. These people are meant to serve as examples as to what we are becoming as a human race. The atrocities which they face are a symbol of what we wish to eliminate. We will need to work to improve our planet. This is God's Will.
Now how to carry this forward:
"The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." This quote has been used over and over in this blog, and will continue to be used. We have all been created from the same dust, in God's image. We all possess the various virtues and qualities of God to varying degrees depending on our capacities. However, it is useless until put into action. By purely, with no ulterior motive, putting these deeds into action, we can bring about the betterment of the world and assist to alleviate this ailing planet from the disease of warfare and injustice which is currently plaguing it's denizens.
This is not an easy task. This is not an overnight task. But, this task is what God has willed upon it. Do we not, as His creation, have an obligation to carry out His Will? What greater bounty do we have than to serve our fellow man and bring about the betterment of the world?
How do you plan to do it?
Me? I am currently a University student in the field of science. Personally, right now, my service is twofold. First is the short-term, where I can converse with others and see who would like to join and bring about the betterment of the world (for how, see the entry on July 23, 2010 for an example). Long-term... This is the difficult part for me. I need to study to make sure I do the best I can to reach a capacity where I can serve my brothers and sisters through my occupation directly. Whether it be through research, medicine, public health, or something completely unrelated to science, I do not know. All I know is that through action, Divine Confirmation will assist me.
Again, how do you plan to bring about the betterment of the world?
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Time, Service, Responsibility
Time is such an interesting thing. Why is there time? Did we create it out of our minds, or does it truly exist in a forward backward motion (and in the case of some physicist, upwards and downwards)?
My thoughts though... Time, or at least the limitation in terms of how "long" we are allowed to live give us a sense of priority and necessity. See-we live for only so long. There are millions, no, infinite amount of choices we can make with ourselves. We need to decide what we want to do.
In a letter dated January 28, 1939, the Guardian writes, "There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory."
It is time to teach. It is time to serve. The beauty is now we need to define service. The word service is very interesting in our modern world. In Middle School, Junior Youth are taught service is something meant to help others. Very true fact. But they are taught to look at that phrase in such a shallow way. Yes, we need to help other people-but does that service have to show forth at the given moment? If I study hard-with the intention to do well on an exam which assists me on my path to college or graduate school where I intend to learn a skill (i.e. Medicine, Research, Law) with which I can help my fellow man-is that not considered service for the long run? Why can we not teach Junior Youth that by studying, they are doing service? We tell them all the time they need to study to get a good job and make money. But look at all of the college dropouts who are now billionaires. Look at the multimillionaire movie stars, athletes, musicians, etc. Sure, they are giving us entertainment service, but the productivity is lacking. Many had natural talent and luck which allowed them to succeed.
But this is not a place to complain about such people. I personally enjoy much what they bring. However, we need to begin to redefine service is and bring a new social reality to the word.
Lastly, from the first Tablet to Napoleon III, Bahá'u'lláh wrote, "Ours is the responsibility to avenge the oppressed and succor the helpless." This is our service.
The goal is the unification of mankind. Everything we do must be in line with this ultimate goal, if we so desire it. Whether reading and memorizing the Writings, the key is to understand the purpose and implement it into our daily lives.
Take for example the first Hidden Word, which I believe we went in depth on a while back:
O SON OF SPIRIT! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.
It is easy enough to memorize. But now the comprehension. Why should we have a pure, kindly and radiant heart? To be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting. But so what? We become an unconquerable territory-i.e. we are steadfast in our Faith not only to Bahá'u'lláh, but also in whatever task is at hand-in this case, service to the world (which is essentially the task bestowed upon us by Bahá'u'lláh). But lets take it a step further. How can the betterment of the world be achieved? Pure and goodly deeds, commendable and seemly conduct! Wait, how can perform such deeds and possess such conduct? It returns back to the pure, kindly and radiant heart. It all goes and links together.
As for another example, lets look at the Dawn Breakers. Why are we told to read it? Sure, they are the one's who came before us and it is always good to have a sense of history-but what comes of it? To quote Mullah Husayn, "May my life be a ransom for you. Are you not pleased with me?” The idea is to see their service and the level of sacrifice they brought forth. It is not the time to give our lives, sure. But it is the time to serve.
My favorite form of art has to be story telling. Perhaps one day we can have a retelling of the above.
If you have any comments, please leave them below. I want to know what you have to say.
My thoughts though... Time, or at least the limitation in terms of how "long" we are allowed to live give us a sense of priority and necessity. See-we live for only so long. There are millions, no, infinite amount of choices we can make with ourselves. We need to decide what we want to do.
In a letter dated January 28, 1939, the Guardian writes, "There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory."
It is time to teach. It is time to serve. The beauty is now we need to define service. The word service is very interesting in our modern world. In Middle School, Junior Youth are taught service is something meant to help others. Very true fact. But they are taught to look at that phrase in such a shallow way. Yes, we need to help other people-but does that service have to show forth at the given moment? If I study hard-with the intention to do well on an exam which assists me on my path to college or graduate school where I intend to learn a skill (i.e. Medicine, Research, Law) with which I can help my fellow man-is that not considered service for the long run? Why can we not teach Junior Youth that by studying, they are doing service? We tell them all the time they need to study to get a good job and make money. But look at all of the college dropouts who are now billionaires. Look at the multimillionaire movie stars, athletes, musicians, etc. Sure, they are giving us entertainment service, but the productivity is lacking. Many had natural talent and luck which allowed them to succeed.
But this is not a place to complain about such people. I personally enjoy much what they bring. However, we need to begin to redefine service is and bring a new social reality to the word.
Lastly, from the first Tablet to Napoleon III, Bahá'u'lláh wrote, "Ours is the responsibility to avenge the oppressed and succor the helpless." This is our service.
The goal is the unification of mankind. Everything we do must be in line with this ultimate goal, if we so desire it. Whether reading and memorizing the Writings, the key is to understand the purpose and implement it into our daily lives.
Take for example the first Hidden Word, which I believe we went in depth on a while back:
O SON OF SPIRIT! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.
It is easy enough to memorize. But now the comprehension. Why should we have a pure, kindly and radiant heart? To be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting. But so what? We become an unconquerable territory-i.e. we are steadfast in our Faith not only to Bahá'u'lláh, but also in whatever task is at hand-in this case, service to the world (which is essentially the task bestowed upon us by Bahá'u'lláh). But lets take it a step further. How can the betterment of the world be achieved? Pure and goodly deeds, commendable and seemly conduct! Wait, how can perform such deeds and possess such conduct? It returns back to the pure, kindly and radiant heart. It all goes and links together.
As for another example, lets look at the Dawn Breakers. Why are we told to read it? Sure, they are the one's who came before us and it is always good to have a sense of history-but what comes of it? To quote Mullah Husayn, "May my life be a ransom for you. Are you not pleased with me?” The idea is to see their service and the level of sacrifice they brought forth. It is not the time to give our lives, sure. But it is the time to serve.
My favorite form of art has to be story telling. Perhaps one day we can have a retelling of the above.
If you have any comments, please leave them below. I want to know what you have to say.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Community III
At this time, the building of the community revolves around four activities:
As a Bahá'í, I believe that I was created to know God and to obey His Teachings. It seems a little strange, believing in an unknowable essence. I cannot see God. I cannot taste, touch nor understand Him. In fact, if it were not for His Manifestations, I doubt I would have ever thought of His existence. The world would simply find me wandering the planet as an animal, looking for my next meal. Each of the Manifestations give us a glimpse at the Power of God's Word. They come and bring down with them Teachings which allow us to progress as a society. Confirmation such as this is why I believe in God. These Great Beings come with Teachings, all claiming to come from One Source; if it works, why should I not believe?
Obeying the Teachings of God is another story. To do so, we need to serve our fellow man. And how do we do this? The core principle of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh is to unite all the peoples of the earth. This grand scheme seems near impossible. With the constant violence, unending prejudice and injustice enthroned within our hearts and minds, it is impossible. That is why we must start at the grassroots.
Would it not be wonderful to go to the kings and rulers of the earth and say, "The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch, " or "O rulers of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your territories and dominions."? And better yet, "Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice."
Unfortunately, much of this has already been advised to the rulers of the earth, but they refused to heed to the call of Bahá'u'lláh. This means the normal layman must go out and teach the Cause and serve humanity-hence going to the grassroots.
Society is based on the community which is based on the family. A family needs a mother, the first educator of the child. The family needs a father, the bread winner and the enforces of education for the child. This does not mean that the mother does not work and that the father does not help the mother with the initial education. Since the child has been reared by the mother for nine months, he has a special connection with her, hence the first educator. The child in turn must be obedient to his parents for they have his best interest at heart. Obedience to the parents is the child's proof of Faith and love.
If the family unit is united, then the next step can be taken to the community and this is where the core activities mentioned at the very beginning come into place.
First we have Study Circles. Here, the community members come together to study the words of God or learn various skills which help with the building of the community. The current set of books used by Bahá'ís is called the Ruhi books, printed by Palabra Publications, and created initially in Colombia. Here is the list of the books:
The second of the activities is devotionals. The community comes together to pray and meditate. They converse on spiritual ideas which are often neglected and, this way, become more spiritually close to one another.
The third of the activities is Children's Classes. It is easy to mold children. Through children's classes, the child learns various spiritual qualities which he would not gain through modern education. These spiritual qualities will last the child through the rest of their lives. Imagine a future community where all children have learned to be truthful, detached, steadfast, determined, loving, kind, etc. to all people. This vision is only enhanced with the following program-the Junior Youth Animating program.
The forth of the core activities is the Junior Youth Group. These groups aim at empowering those who are no longer children yet not yet adults. They will learn their potentials and capacities which they can use for their futures. There are four aspects of the Junior Youth Group.
2. Language. The Junior Youth learn the power of expression and the proper method to execute such expression. They then will become great teachers and great animators of Junior Youth Groups in the future. The power of language is extremely important. A proper understanding of various forms of argumentation from logos, pathos and ethos must be learned and administered properly. Otherwise, one becomes corrupt like the modern politician.
3. Science and Mathematics. Logic and rational thinking are absent from scientific education many times until a person hits upper level science classes in high school or even college. Here the Junior Youth learns to think scientifically from a younger age-thus progressing science (think about it, training people from a younger age mean they have more room and time to advance by the time they hit college).
4. Living in Society. Growing up in today's world is not easy, thus learning how to stand up morally in society and also thinking about the implications of one's actions on the future are key to assist with progression. The more people we have who live life with high standards, the more we will see society progress.
Once a community dedicated to united service is established, it can be expanded to the level of the city (which is made much easier when there are dozens, if not hundreds, of neighborhoods dedicated to the same thing). And from the city, to the region, to the nation and finally to the world. None of this is conditional to people becoming Bahá'ís. It is conditional on people following the Word of Bahá'u'lláh and desire to serve humanity.
And it will not end here. After a thousand years or so have passed, another Manifestation will come to continue assisting us with the progression of mankind through its various stages.
Next, we will discuss the various institutions of the Bahá'í Faith and how they assist with the entire process of community building and the creation of a new world civilization.
- Study Circles
- Devotionals
- Children's Classes
- Junior Youth Groups
As a Bahá'í, I believe that I was created to know God and to obey His Teachings. It seems a little strange, believing in an unknowable essence. I cannot see God. I cannot taste, touch nor understand Him. In fact, if it were not for His Manifestations, I doubt I would have ever thought of His existence. The world would simply find me wandering the planet as an animal, looking for my next meal. Each of the Manifestations give us a glimpse at the Power of God's Word. They come and bring down with them Teachings which allow us to progress as a society. Confirmation such as this is why I believe in God. These Great Beings come with Teachings, all claiming to come from One Source; if it works, why should I not believe?
Obeying the Teachings of God is another story. To do so, we need to serve our fellow man. And how do we do this? The core principle of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh is to unite all the peoples of the earth. This grand scheme seems near impossible. With the constant violence, unending prejudice and injustice enthroned within our hearts and minds, it is impossible. That is why we must start at the grassroots.
Would it not be wonderful to go to the kings and rulers of the earth and say, "The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch, " or "O rulers of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your territories and dominions."? And better yet, "Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice."
Unfortunately, much of this has already been advised to the rulers of the earth, but they refused to heed to the call of Bahá'u'lláh. This means the normal layman must go out and teach the Cause and serve humanity-hence going to the grassroots.
Society is based on the community which is based on the family. A family needs a mother, the first educator of the child. The family needs a father, the bread winner and the enforces of education for the child. This does not mean that the mother does not work and that the father does not help the mother with the initial education. Since the child has been reared by the mother for nine months, he has a special connection with her, hence the first educator. The child in turn must be obedient to his parents for they have his best interest at heart. Obedience to the parents is the child's proof of Faith and love.
If the family unit is united, then the next step can be taken to the community and this is where the core activities mentioned at the very beginning come into place.
First we have Study Circles. Here, the community members come together to study the words of God or learn various skills which help with the building of the community. The current set of books used by Bahá'ís is called the Ruhi books, printed by Palabra Publications, and created initially in Colombia. Here is the list of the books:
- Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. In this book, the participant learns the importance of prayer and spirituality in life and the continuation of life after the passing of the physical body. The skill learned from this book is the creation of devotionals.
- Book 2: Arising to Serve. The key of this book is to learn the joy of service and its importance in daily life. The skill learned from this book is simply how to serve.
- Book 3: Teaching Children's Classes. Here, as the title states, the participants learn how to teach classes for children. Currently, there are two books available, for grades I and II respectively, with a grade III becoming geared up for publication.
- Book 4: The Twin Manifestations. Here, the participant learns the history of the Bahá'í Faith and its implications for the future. They key is to learn to tell the stories from the Faith with eloquence-in this way, we can improve our public speaking and also allow others to learn about the history.
- Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth. The participant learns the psychology first of being a Youth and the of being a Junior Youth; they learn what the goal is (the stage of youth, a servant to the community), and see what they will be working with (the junior youth, full of potential-but stuck in a conflicted point of life). From here, the participant will learn how to animate a group of Junior Youth (12-14 year olds)-more on this in a little bit.
- Book 6: Teaching the Cause. Multiple times in previous posts we have learned that teaching is the greatest gift of God. Through teaching, we find receptive souls who desire to serve the community alongside us. Teaching the Cause does not mean we make people Bahá'ís. It means we find people who want to serve.
- Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service. In this book, one learns how to become a tutor for Ruhi Books 1-6. Being a tutor does not mean one has the material mastered, but rather can give ideas and take ideas from the participants.
- Book 8: The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh. Currently in production, this book focuses on the idea of the Covenant and what it truly means to follow the Bahá'í Faith.
The second of the activities is devotionals. The community comes together to pray and meditate. They converse on spiritual ideas which are often neglected and, this way, become more spiritually close to one another.
The third of the activities is Children's Classes. It is easy to mold children. Through children's classes, the child learns various spiritual qualities which he would not gain through modern education. These spiritual qualities will last the child through the rest of their lives. Imagine a future community where all children have learned to be truthful, detached, steadfast, determined, loving, kind, etc. to all people. This vision is only enhanced with the following program-the Junior Youth Animating program.
The forth of the core activities is the Junior Youth Group. These groups aim at empowering those who are no longer children yet not yet adults. They will learn their potentials and capacities which they can use for their futures. There are four aspects of the Junior Youth Group.
- Art activities-to enhance the creativity of the Junior Youth
- Outdoor activities-to allow Junior Youth to exert energy
- A set of books. There are 8 titles planned for each age (12, 13 and 14)-2 from each of the below sub groups:
2. Language. The Junior Youth learn the power of expression and the proper method to execute such expression. They then will become great teachers and great animators of Junior Youth Groups in the future. The power of language is extremely important. A proper understanding of various forms of argumentation from logos, pathos and ethos must be learned and administered properly. Otherwise, one becomes corrupt like the modern politician.
3. Science and Mathematics. Logic and rational thinking are absent from scientific education many times until a person hits upper level science classes in high school or even college. Here the Junior Youth learns to think scientifically from a younger age-thus progressing science (think about it, training people from a younger age mean they have more room and time to advance by the time they hit college).
4. Living in Society. Growing up in today's world is not easy, thus learning how to stand up morally in society and also thinking about the implications of one's actions on the future are key to assist with progression. The more people we have who live life with high standards, the more we will see society progress.
- Service projects make up the forth activity of Junior Youth Groups. Service is how one puts into action everything they have learned. With everything mentioned beforehand, there is much to put into action. Projects are dedicated to assist with the building of the community. Junior Youth have been to start classes for children, community learning projects (i.e. importance of recycling and caring for the environment), fundraisers, painting murals, clothes drives, etc. It is the culmination of the Junior Youth Animating program and prepares Junior Youth for a life of service.
Once a community dedicated to united service is established, it can be expanded to the level of the city (which is made much easier when there are dozens, if not hundreds, of neighborhoods dedicated to the same thing). And from the city, to the region, to the nation and finally to the world. None of this is conditional to people becoming Bahá'ís. It is conditional on people following the Word of Bahá'u'lláh and desire to serve humanity.
And it will not end here. After a thousand years or so have passed, another Manifestation will come to continue assisting us with the progression of mankind through its various stages.
Next, we will discuss the various institutions of the Bahá'í Faith and how they assist with the entire process of community building and the creation of a new world civilization.
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