The Role of Mothers in the Growth and Development of Children.
Abdul Baha says that mothers should consider the education of their children very important. He explains that mothers should take care of their children like a gardener takes care of young plants.
A child is like a seed. A gardener cannot force a seed to grow. We can not make a child walk or talk before it is ready. A gardener gives the seed the things it needs to grow. Our job is to give our children the love, encouragement, food, housing, clothing, education, and spiritual training that help them to grow and develop.
Each child is special and different from every other child. Each child has his own time for learning things. Each child takes a different length of time to learn things well. For e.g, some children say their first words at one year. Some children do not talk very much until they are two or three. It is not good to compare one child to another, especially in front of the children. Mothers can best help their children by being patient and loving as each child grows in his way.
Thought for Reflection
Can we force a child to grow? Why or why not?
How do children develop differently? What practical examples are there?
How can we help our children grow and develop?
Children grow and develop little by little.
Abdul Baha says The seed does not at once become a tree, and the embryo(baby) does not at once become a man. They grow and develop gradually(little by little).
Children's bodies, minds, and souls grow and develop little by little. A baby's mind also develops slowly. The baby is gradually able to remember, speak, and learn. A child's soul grows through prayers and learning about God. Children are growing in many ways at the same time.
Thought for reflection:
How do children's bodies, minds, and souls grow?
Factors that aid in a child's body growth:
Good food is necessary for bodies to grow and be healthy. A baby must be well-fed during his first year when his body and mind are growing quickly. The best way to see if your child is growing well is to weigh him. Many clinics can weigh babies. They also have growth charts. A growth chart is a piece of paper that shows how much weight your baby has gained. The chart helps you to see if your baby is growing well. A health care worker can help you use and understand the chart.
The following thought for reflection are essential for parents:
1. Why do children need good food?
2. As for a growth chart at your clinic?
3. Have the health care worker started a growth chart for your baby or young child?
Abdul Baha says that a baby's body goes through different stages. This means that as his body grows things happen one after the other until he becomes an adult for example a babysits, then crawls, then walks.
All children pass through the same stages of physical development, but they may not always reach them at the same age. For example, some children may sit by themselves when they are 6 months and some may not do this until 9 months. Some children say their first words when they are 12 months and some do not start saying words until 18 months. Because a child does things early does not mean that he is more intelligent or better than a child who develops more slowly. It is important to have some idea of these physical stages and at what age children reached them. Then we can know what to expect. We can see if our children are growing properly.
The following are thought of reflection for the parents.
Do all children pass through the same stages of development.
Do all children reach these stages at the same age.
When did each of your children begin to walk and talk.
Seeing with the eye of the Soul
Too often we underestimate things because of their appearance. If we learn to look carefully, we see that even God's smallest creation has much to offer. Here is the story of how a lion came to understand this truth.
The mouse was trembling. Almost everything frightened him. Almost everything was bigger than he was. Not only was Mouse small but he also felt small and insignificant.
The lion was not afraid of anything. He was so strong and fierce. Convinced that nothing could harm him, he walked around full of confidence. And he seems to be amused that little animals were frightened of him. That's why when he saw mouse gathering seeds in the shadow of a small tree, he decided to strike. His big paw came down to the mouse and trapped him.
Mouse trembled. O Great one, don't eat me, he said in fear. Why not? Asked Lion. Surely, that is all you are good for! But I am so small that I can not be of any use to you as a meal, said the mouse. Let me go and I will be your friend forever.
A friend! Said Lion. Of what use is your friendship to me? He roared with laughter. You make me laugh. It is good to laugh. For that, I will let you go this time.
A few days later, while walking proudly through his territory, the lion noticed that several traps had been laid out by hunters. Foolish hunters, he thought to himself. They think they can catch me! He walked carefully and avoided every one of the traps, everyone that is, but a net hanging in a tree. Arrr, roared Lion as the net crashed down on him. He struggled to free himself but, no matter how hard he tried, he could not.
Mouse hearing all the noise, went over to find out what was happening. When he saw Lion caught in the net, he approached and said Great one, I come to help you.
It is not a good laugh I need now, said Lion, but strength and force!
Mouse did not allow himself to be discouraged. He went to work. Thread by thread, he chewed through the ropes until there was a hole in the net and Lion was
Lion learned a good lesson that day, and he was noble enough to admit it. I have misjudged you, my little friend, he said. Your friendship turned out to be more valuable than all my Power and strength.
As we rise to excellence, we find many spiritual forces at our command. One of these forces is kindness. A simple act of kindness can overcome even the most ferocious of the beast, as a slave in ancient Roman times once discovered.
Androcles was a slave who had managed to escape from his cruel master. Moving quietly through the forest, he suddenly came upon a lion. Fear seized him, and he began to run from the ferocious beasts. After only a few steps though, he noticed that the lion was not following. So he stopped and went back to see what was happening. The lion was lying on the ground with a swollen and blood-tied paw, and Androcles could see a large thorn in it. The suffering of so a noble beast touched his heart. He overcame his fear, approached the lion, and gently pulled out the thorn. He then went on to bind the wound with a strip of fabric torn from his clothes. In this way, Androcles and the lion became friends.
In, Androcles was later captured by the emperor's soldiers. As an escaped slave, he was sentenced to fight a hungry lion in front of the emperor and a large crowd. This usually meant death.
On the day of the fight, Androcles was placed in the arena. He prepared himself to meet his fate. A lion was released from a cage. Growling fiercely, it leaped towards its victim. Then suddenly it stopped. It approaches Androcles slowly, licked his hand, and received a hug in return. The two friends had met once again.
The crowd called for Androcles to be freed.......
An Age of Great Promise.
In the life of an individual, the three years between the ages of 12 and 15 are a crucial period- a stage of transition from childhood to maturity.
We often referred to young people in this age range as junior youth. They are no longer children but have not yet reached the fullness of youth.
Unfortunately, there is an erroneous yet widely spread propagated image of junior youth as impulsive, rebellious, self-absorbed, and prone to constant crisis. We, however, see them in a different light. It is true that, during this short period of life, we all experience rapid changes, physically, emotionally, and mentally. And it is also true that, as a result, we may show some rebelliousness. But, in reality, this is an age of great potential and great promise.
We were junior youth not so long ago and remember how we were affected by these changes. Sometimes we were courageous and sometimes timid. Sometimes we were quite sociable and other times very shy. We often expressed the desire to be left alone, while hoping to receive attention. We wanted to understand what things we were good at and what talents and abilities we have. And it mattered to us greatly how other people saw us and what they thought of our ideas.
What is important to realize is that this kind of behavior is only temporary? In the life of a human being, it is during these years that certain powers of mind developed rapidly. we begin to seek answers to fundamental questions of existence. We analyzed what goes on around us and questioned much of what we have been taught. And we are not willing as we once were to follow automatically what adults tell us to do, especially when we see contradictions between their words and actions.
If young people are to be assisted in applying fruitfully their emerging powers, it is essential to avoid treating them like children. Here is how Abdul Baha describes this period:
"After a time he enters the period of youth, in which his former conditions and needs are superseded by new requirements applicable to the advance in his degree. His faculties of observation are broadened and deepened, his intelligent capacities are trained and awakened, the limitations and environment of childhood no longer restrict his energies and accomplishments.
The Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Baha'i Faith, says this about the approach we have adopted in working with Junior youth:
While global trends project an image of this age group as problematic, lost in the throes of tumultuous physical and emotional change, unresponsive, and self-consumed consumed, the Baha'i community in the language it employs and the approaches it adopts is moving decidedly in the opposite direction, seeing in the junior youth instead altruism, an acute sense of justice, eagerness to learn about the universe and a desire to contribute to the construction of a better world.
The Junior Youth Empowerment Program
Those between the ages of 12 and 15 yearn to belong to a group of friends with whom they can share their thoughts, work on projects, play sports, and so on. For this reason, the program is built around the concept of a junior youth group. Each group is guided by an animator, often an older youth who, as a true friend to the members, assists them in developing their capacities.
Groups meet regularly. In the meetings, junior youth learn to explore concepts and express ideas with no fear of censure or ridicule. They are encouraged to listen, to speak, to reflect, to analyze, to make decisions, and to act on them.
The Oneness of Humanity.
The oneness of humanity is a subject that resonates in the hearts of people everywhere today, and many will welcome discussing with you the ideas presented below.
A garden in which flowers of many colors and fragrances grow side by side is pleasing to the eye. And though different, each flower is refreshed by the same rain and receives the warmth of one sun. This is also true of humanity. It is made of many races and colors. But all come from the same God, and all have the same origin. The diversity in the human family should be a source of harmony, as it is in music where different notes blend to make a perfect chord.
Unity is necessary to existence. Love is the very cause of life. In the material world, the elements of all things are held together certain elements in the form of a beautiful flower. But when that attraction is taken away, the flower will decompose and cease to exist. So it is with humanity. Attraction, harmony, and unity are the forces that hold humanity together.
The manifestation of God Baha'u'llah has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples of the world. We should make every effort to draw them into this circle of unity. When we meet people of races, nationalities, religions, and opinions different than our own, we should not allow these differences to become barriers between us. We should think of them as different colored roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity and be glad to be among them.
The Oneness of Religion.
The oneness of religion is a subject of interest to many, and the following ideals will do justice on numerous occasions.
We must be lovers of light no matter from what lamp it appears. We must be lovers of a rose no matter in what garden it blooms. We must be seekers of truth no matter from what source it comes. Attachment to one lamp can prevent us from appreciating the light when it shines in another. In seeking the truth, we must rid ourselves of preconceived notions and give up our prejudices. If our cup is full of self, there is no room in it for the water of life.
Religion is the light of the world. It guides our steps and opens to us the doors of unending happiness. When we investigate the teachings of the great religions, free from the restrictions of dogmatic beliefs and blind imitation, we come to realize that they rest on the same foundation. They all reveal the knowledge of God. They seek the advancement of the world of humanity.
There are, of course, differences among the social laws and regulations propagated by each religion according to the requirements of time and place. But in their essence, all religions are one. they cultivate faith, knowledge, certitude, justice and piety, high-mindedness, trustworthiness, love of God, and charity. They teach purity, detachment, humility, forbearance, patience, and constancy. These human virtues are renewed in every dispensation.
It is unfortunate that, because of prejudices and blind imitation, many are not able to see the underlying oneness of religion. God's guidance to humanity is truth, and truth has no divisions, it is one. If we investigate the truth independently, setting aside preconceived notions, our search will lead to unity. Religion should unify us, it must establish bonds of love among people. If it becomes the cause of enmity and strife, its absence is preferable.
This is a very important part subject to deliberate in our different groups and how we can weave this ideal into meaningful conversation.
The oneness of humanity and religion is a principle of the Baha'i faith.
The Martyrdom of The Bab
In 1850, the chief minister of the Shah ordered Bab's execution. On July 9 in the city of Tabriz, The Bab was suspended from a military barracks along with a young follower named Anis. The first assemblage of 750 soldiers fired their rifles but left the Bab and His companion unharmed. As a British diplomatic cable reported, when the smoke and dust cleared away after the volley, The Bab was not to be seen. The balls had broken the ropes by which He was bound. The Bab was found in His cell, dictating final instructions to His secretary. The second regiment of soldiers replaced the first, completing their orders.
The Babs ' dramatic life and personality were so incandescent and heroic that His fame reached the heart of Europe in the decades following His death. The French literacy critic Jules Bois recalled the continued influence of His story on Europe leading writers in the 19th century:
All Europe was stirred to pity and indignation. Among the literature of my generation, in the Paris of 1890, the martyrdom of the Bab was still as fresh a topic as had been the first news of His death in 1850. We wrote poems about Him. Sarah Bernhardt entreated Catulle Mendes for a play on the theme of this historic tragedy.
Benjamin Jowett, Master of Balliol College at Oxford, remarked that the Babs religion may have the promise of the future, which might prove, he said to a companion, the most important religious movement since the foundation of Christianity. Others in the West talked and wrote about the moving story of the Bab in the salons and coffee houses of Europe as late as the 1890s, including among them Leo Tolstoy, Edward Granville Browne, A.L.M Nicolas, Ernest Renan, Matthew Arnold, and George Curzon.
Herald of Baha'u'llah
In His title and His teachings, The Bab made it clear that He was the gate to the revelation of Baha'u'llah, which followed only 19 years after Bab had announced His religion in 1844. He said that He was the humble Precursor to one greater than Himself, writing, Well is it with him who fixed his gaze upon the order of Baha'u'llah, and rendered thanks unto his Lord.
Abdul Baha, the son of Bah'u'llah, would later compare the Revelation of these central figures of the Baha'i Faith by analogy to the rising sun. The Bab, the Exalted One, He writes, is the Morn of Truth, the splendor of Whose light shineth throughout all regions. The daybreak of the Babs Revelation was swiftly followed by Baha'u'llah's appearance, the sun mid-summer, and the highest station.
Even now as Baha'is make their way on pilgrimage to the world Center of their Faith, the first visit the majestic, gold-domed shrine of the Bab that adorns Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, before then traveling an hour north to offer their prayers at the shrine of Baha'u'llah.
The combined teachings of the Bab and Baha'u'llah constitute the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith, which convey the message of humanity coming age, the peoples of the world are passing from our long childhood, through the tumultuous period of adolescence, and are now approaching the maturity of the human race as one, inseparable organic family. In the scriptures of these two manifestations of God, we see the vision and promise that the human race will become one, and that's a global civilization of peace and justice, prosperity, and well-being will be established.
It will require a growing consciousness of the human race to generate the unity of thought and collective action required to navigate the challenges and overcome the problems ahead. Yet there is no question that the Bab, like Baha'u'llah, foresaw a future for humankind more glorious than civilization has ever been, where the power of human reason and imagination, creativity, and love will flourish.
The Baha'i Scriptures
The Elimination of Prejudice in all Forms.
Prejudice in all its forms - religious, racial, gender, ethnic, and economic destroys the edifice of humanity and is opposed to the commands of God. For thousands of years, humanity has suffered from war and bloodshed spurred on by one another of these prejudices. As long as they persist, humanity will not have rest.
God has sent forth His Prophet for the sole purpose of creating love and unity. All the heavenly Books are the written word of love. If they prove to be the cause of estrangement, they have become fruitiness. Therefore, religious prejudice is especially opposed to the will and command of God.
National prejudice is entirely unjustifiable. Earth is one land, one country. The lines and boundaries that separate nations are imaginary, they were created by God. People declared a river to be a boundary line between two countries, giving each side a name, whereas the river was created for both and is a natural artery for all. Is it not imagination and ignorance that simple people make the bounties of life the cause of war and destruction.
Racial prejudice is not but superstition. The color of the skin of a person is merely the result of the adaptation of his or her ancestor's overtime to climate and environment. Character is the true criteria of humanity. Excellence does not depend upon race and color. Faith, Purity of heart, good deeds, and praiseworthy speech are what is acceptable at the threshold of God.
For the longest time, women have been made subordinate to men and wronged. The distinction between men and women is a requirement of the physical world, in the world of the Spirit they are equal. In the estimation of God, there are no distinctions as to male and female. All humankind has been endowed by Him with intelligence and perception. All can acquire virtues. There is no circumstance today in which a person's sex provides grounds for the exercise of discrimination.
According to the words of the Old Testament, God has said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. This applies to women as well. The human being has been created in the image of God. That is to say, divine virtues are reflected and revealed in human reality. This is true of all humanity. How utterly unattainable it is to claim that only those of one color, ethnicity, or nationality were created in the likeness of God. How absurd to imply that only the wealthy were made in His image or think a criterion for nearness to God is a high position in society. Humanity cannot attain illumination except through the abandonment of prejudices and the acquisition of the morals of the kingdom.
The following quotations of Baha'u'llah shed more light on the subject of the elimination of all forms of prejudices.
The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
All the saplings of the world have appeared from one Tree, and all the drops from one Ocean and all beings own their existence to one Being.
That one indeed a man who, today, dedicated himself to the service of the entire human race.
The light of a good character surpassed the light of the sun and the radiance thereof.
Man's distinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, but rather in virtuous behavior and true understanding.
God grant you may be graciously aided under all conditions to shatter the idols of superstition and to tear away the veils of the imaginations of men.
Of all men, the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother.
The Priceless Element of Peace!
Peace is an issue on everyone's mind. Its establishment is most urgent and vital. Now that you have given some thought to the principles outlined in the prevalent discourse of society, you may find it beneficial to reflect on the question of universal peace.
Much depends on the government to take practical steps to eliminate war. Political agreement to settle disputes and to reduce arms are essential to the pursuit of peace, as are myriad forms of international collaboration among nations. Yet no matter how important such measures are, they will not lead to enduring peace if the following quotations of Baha'u'llah are not instituted and practiced:
Women and Men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other.
The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.
All the saplings of the world have appeared from one tree, and all the drops from one ocean and all beings own their existence to one being.
The light of a good character surpassed the light of the sun and the radiance thereof.
Man's distinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, but rather in virtuous behavior and true understanding.
Unless people learn to investigate reality and come to realize that truth is one, will not age-old animosities, we must ask ourselves, continue to persist? We all have the same origin. God keeps watch over us all and trains us all through His Manifestations. Their teaching rest on the foundation of love and fellowship. Only when the oneness of religion is acknowledged will religious strife cease and the light of religion illuminated the path of peace.
Is not necessary for science and relief to work in harmony, we must further ask, to dispel the clouds of ignorance and demonstrate the falsehood of every form of prejudice, each a mighty barrier to peace.
Can a peaceful world be built, is yet another question to ask, if the present inordinate disparity between the rich and poor is not addressed in every corner of the globe. And not until women are allowed to move into all spheres of human endeavor on equal footing with men will the violence that has to characterize so much of history give way to peace and true prosperity.
The rising generation must be universally educated according to such principles, otherwise, every hope for peace will be shattered.
The following words of Baha'u'llah shed more light on the subject of peace.
The well-being of mankind, its peace, and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.
It is not desirable that a man be left without knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree.
The promotion of education is the most urgent requirement of our time. No nation can achieve prosperity unless it makes education one of its central concerns. The primary reason for the decline of a people is lack of access to knowledge.
Education must begin at infancy. A father and mother must do their utmost to educate their children, to refine their characters according to spiritual and moral laws, and to ensure that they are trained in the arts and sciences. Mothers are the first educators of humankind, they nurse their children at the breast of knowledge. Every child must be educated, this is not a matter that can be neglected. If the parents can meet the necessary expanse, they must do so. Otherwise, the community must provide the means for the child's education.
The power of material generosity.
The following quotations from the writings of Baha'u'llah shed light on the subject:
Ye must give forth goodly and wondrous fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom. Thus it is incumbent on everyone to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of wealth, O
Men of understanding.
If the eyes are turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee, and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes, be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.
Today, because of the lack of reciprocity and harmonious relations, some members of society are satisfied, living in great comfort and luxury, while others are in want of food and shelter. Some of enormously rich, and others live utmost poverty.
The laws of society must be formulated and enforced in such a way that a few can't amass inordinate wealth and for others to be destitute. This does not mean that all must be equal, for differences in degree and capacity are inherent to creation. But the deplorable overabundance of wealth accompanied by demoralizing poverty can be abolished. If it is right for a capitalist to possess a fortune, it is equally just that the workers should have a sufficient means of existence. When we see extreme poverty, somewhere we shall find tyranny.
The structure of the human body and its functioning is a deeper education for humanity to unravel the principle of mutual support and assistance.
Right from infancy we are nurtured and taken care of by our parents and loved ones. This is a clear indication that the central essence of life is to be of service to one another and humanity as a whole.
We are going to explore a different theme today which is one element of generosity that the society is informed about though on a shallow level.
You are in this together. So it's in both your interests to help the other one out if they are struggling that's what we do when the person we love is in trouble. That doesn't mean you give them your support, your time, your energy, your care, share the bed, the living quarters, the holidays, the meals, the chores, the children, and then draw a line when it comes to money. Nope, I'm afraid it covers money too.
Why so many people do this is beyond me. They are generous with everything else in their life, but they keep a tight hold on their wallet, even when their partner is concerned. Now, look. If you have more money than your partner, you need to pay more bills. And more of the treats. More of everything. End of story.
And no counting it all, totting it all up. No one is interested in how much you have spent on your partner, so don't waste your time. Don't try to remember what they spent on you back in the days when they earned more, or calculate how much of your earnings goes on them. Nobody cares. Because it doesn't matter. It's only money. Yep, necessary to get you to a certain point that is already covered if there is any spare to share round but beyond that, it is much less important than your relationship. Isn't it? If not, maybe you should live as a hermit and spend your days worrying about your investments, and curl up at night in your lonely bed with a pillow stuffed with banknotes.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't have savings or pensions or all that stuff. And I'm not saying you are obliged to underwrite your partner's gambling addiction. I'm talking about money to spare. If you have more of it than do, then you pay for the cinema or the meal out or the holiday or treat them to something they want and can't afford for themselves. Or give them a tenner to tide them over until their pay comes through at the end of the week.
Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself.
No goodly deed was or will ever be lost, for benevolent acts are treasures preserved with God for the benefit of those who act.
Take heed not to outstrip the bounds of moderation, and be numbered among the extravagant.
From the Writing of Baha'u'llah
The Spiritual Tool of Love
She'd the light of a boundless love on every human being whom you meet... Abdul Baha
God wants us to love all people. We can show our love for God by loving each other. It is easy to love our family and friends. We can also learn to love people who are not members of our family and it takes a higher consciousness to love those who do not love us.
Here is a story of Abdul Baha demonstrating unconditional love for someone who did not love Him.
A Story about Abdul Baha
Abdul Baha in the prison city of Akka(in the Holy Land) for forty years. A man lived there who hated Abdul Baha so much that he would turn his back when he met Abdul Baha. One day they met in such a narrow street that the man was forced to meet Abdul Baha face to face. Abdul Baha touched the man on the shoulder and said, wait until I speak. However, great maybe your hatred for me, it can never be as strong as my love for you.
Cultivating the Spiritual Quality of Honesty.
Adorn your souls with the ornaments of honesty.
An ornament is something like a necklace or bracelet that people wear to make themselves look like people, such as honesty. Honesty means telling the truth, not stealing, and always doing what you said you are going to do.
Here is a about a little girl who learns about being honest.
Dooshima Steals Coconut
One day Dooshima's mother asked her to go to the shop to buy a needle and sew cotton. When Dooshima got to the shop, she saw a basket of ripe coconut. Coconut was her favorite food, but she had no money to buy them.
After Dooshima paid for the needle and sewing cotton, the shopkeeper turn away to help someone else. Dooshima looks at the coconut again. Quickly, she took two and ran down the road, away from the shop. She hid behind the tree and are the coconut. They tasted good, but soon she began to feel ashamed.
When she got home, Dooshima gave the needle and sewing cotton to her mother. Dooshima went outside to do her work, but she could not forget about the coconut. She felt ashamed. She remembers that God knows everything that we do. She said some prayers. Then she decided she must go tell the shopkeeper what she had done and accept her punishment.
We all have things in our lives that we are not especially proud of, or we don't enjoy remembering. Maybe we are even ashamed of what we have done or who we've been. If your life was a book, you d skip that chapter.
It's not surprising that when you meet someone new, you don't immediately want to confess all the bits of your past that you d rather forget. That's fine, you don't need to yet, but if you are going to stay with this person, sooner or later they are going to know about that dodgy period where you got into a bit of trouble with the police, or about the abortion, or the cross-dressing, or the fact that your father's an alcoholic.
You can sweep the little things under the carpet that time you cheated in your mathematics test when you were eight, for example. Or the fact that you went to see the spice girls live in concert ten times. But it's not the little things that are bothering you, is it? It's the big stuff you don't want them to know.
But they do have to know it. It's up to you whether you tell them everything on the first date, or whether you save it until you've known them for months. But sooner or later, it will be Ok. If they don't love you enough well, this is as good a way as any to find out.
If you wait too long to tell them, they will rightly be upset and hurt that you have been keeping it from them. So the right time to tell them is the point when finding out in the future would be worse than finding out now.
The Key of Cooperation!
Man cannot live singly and alone. He needs continuous cooperation and mutual help. Abdul Baha
Cooperation means working together to do a job. Each person does a part of the work. God wants all people to work together happily in unity. We can all help each other at home. One person should not have to do all the job alone. Everyone should have a job to do.
Here is a story about what happens when the fingers of the hand stop working together. When you tell this story to children endeavor to act it with your hands.
Learning to work together
One day the fingers said to the thumb, we don't like you, because you are different. The thumb said if you feel that way, I will not help you. The fingers said we don't want your help anyway.
The fingers decided it would be fun to pick up a stick and draw with it on the ground. They worked and worked and finally held it between two fingers. The tail finger said, Let's draw a person. The fingers tried hard, but they could not draw anything.
The third finger said, let's go milk the cow. They tried, but it was too hard. The little finger said, maybe we should tell thumb we are sorry and ask him to help us. We were happier when we did things together.
The Essential Element of Kindness.
Treat all thy friends and relatives, even strangers, with a spirit of utmost love and kindness. Baha'u'llah
When we are kind to people, we are being loved, generous, gentle, and patient. We are acting the way that we should like others to act towards us. We should be kind to all people especially those who need our help or who are not nice to us.
Here is a story about Abdul Baha and how He showed kindness to some children who were being unkind to Him.
When Abdul Baha was almost seventy years old, He was let out of prison. He visited North America to teach the Baha'i Faith. Abdul Baha was busy every minute. The Baha'i thought He needed a rest. One day they made a cake sweet bread to surprise Him. They all went to a nice place with grass, flowers, and trees. When they got there a group of boys began to follow Abdul Baha. They laughed at Him because His clothes were different. Some boys threw stones at Abdul Baha. The Baha'i ran to help Abdul Baha, but He smiled and told them to wait.
He asked someone to bring the cake and a knife. He counted the boys and cut a piece of cake for each of the boys. He gave each boy a piece and they all ran happily away.
Take no thought for yourself or your lives, whether ye eat or whether ye sleep, whether ye are comfortable, whether ye are well or ill, whether ye are with friends or foes, whether ye received praise or blame, for all these things ye must care not at all. Look at me and be as I am, ye must die to the world, so shall ye be born again and enter the kingdom of heaven. Behold a candle how it gives it light. It weeps its life away drop by drop to give forth its flame of light. Abdul Baha
The perfume is intimately commingled and blended with the bud, and once the bud hath opened the sweet scent of its spread abroad. The herb not without its fruits, although it seemeth so, for in this garden of God every plant exerted its influence and hath its properties, and every plant can even match the laughing, hundred petalled roses in rejoicing the sense with its fragrance. Be thou assured of this. Although the pages of a book know nothing of the words and meanings traced upon them, even so, because of their connection with these words, friends pass them reverently from hand to hand. This connection, furthermore, is the purest bounty. Abdul Baha
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The Mission of The Bab
I thought of writing an article and my intuitive mind keeps on telling me to share the story of His Holiness The Bab and it seems to be a very productive story that is worth sharing.
The Bab was a messenger of God in a succession of divine educators over the centuries that includes Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad.
The Bab appeared at a moment in history in which cultures and peoples of the world were coming together as never before. The nineteenth-century witnessed a series of changes in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural spheres so profound that one eminent historian has characterized it as the century of the transformation of the world.
Bab's teaching called for purity of heart and manner of deeds that transcends mere words and beliefs. He directed His followers to an exacting pattern of prayer, meditation, self-discipline, and solidarity of community life.
In one of the writings of The Bab, He wrote:
Purge your heart of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning... Beseech the Lord your God to grant that no earthly entanglements, no worldly affections, no ephemeral pursuits, may tarnish the purity, or embitter the sweeter, of that grace which flows through you.
The most acceptable is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance, it's a prolongation that hath not been and is not beloved by God. The more detached and purer the prayer, the more acceptable it is in the presence of God.
These words reflect something of the nature of Bab's standard and vision. His teaching upheld the importance of science and praised the cultural and scientific development in the West, so long as they could avoid extreme materialism. He raised the social status of women, powerfully represented by one of His pre-eminent followers, Tahirih, who has been called the leader of emancipation for women of the orient.
The Bab set aside animosity between religions and address the coming unity of the human race in a manner that responded to the dreams and ideals of philosophers, poets, and previous prophets of God down through the ages.
The Bab summoned humanity to embrace a new vision commensurate with the forces and powers being released in society by science and industry, and changes in political and economic systems. His teachings include insights into the nature of humanity's destiny on earth that met the hopes and aspirations of those who recognize the nineteenth century as the beginning of the modern age with its distinctive spirit and dynamics.
While initially thought to be religious reformers, the Bab made it clear that His religion was independent of Islam and its laws. So remarkable became the fervor among Bab's followers that the Persian Shah grew alarmed by the rapid spread of the new religion. While several prominent Muslim clerics accepted the Bab, many more denounced Him, joining with the government in their efforts to destroy the vibrant, youthful Babi movement. The Bab was arrested and moved to an increasingly remote prison in an unsuccessful attempt to limit his steadily growing influence. A mere four years after the beginning of His mission, the Bab was called to Tabriz for interrogation by religious and political authorities.
Bab's life and teaching mark a turning point in human history. Born Sayyid Ali Muhammad in 1819, He took the name of the Bab, meaning the Gate in Arabic. His public mission, from 1844 to 1850, represented a spiritual revolution that upended the prevailing social, political and religious order in Persian, opening the door to Baha'u'llah's new, unifying vision.
The essential element of Moderation.
Perseverance is an admirable quality. We often need to set goals for ourselves and strive to meet them. But there is a difference between perseverance and obsession.
The hunter picked up his gear and went in search of prey. While he was laying his traps, a beautiful bird caught his eye. So enchanting was the bird that he began to follow it. After a while, he forgot that he was hunting for food and concentrated on the bird, which he thought could be sold for a good price in the market.
But the bird was not easy to catch. It seemed that to read the hunter's mind. Just as he was about to capture it, it would fly to the next tree and sit on a branch waiting, as if it were teasing him. Gradually, catching the bird became the hunter's obsession. He would run, he would pause, and he would sneak up on the bird. It was exhausting. Once he failed to notice a rock in his way and fell.
Then he became angry, which made him careless. His reckless movement attracted the attention of a hungry wolf. But he was so intent on catching the beautiful bird that he did not notice the wolf behind him. When he finally did, the wolf was about to leap on him.
He ran to a tree and climbed it as fast as he could. As he sat on a branch looking in fear at the wolf below, he realized that because of his obsession he was not the hunter anymore, the hunter had become the prey.
In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil.
There are times when we all need something that we do not have. To work for that which we desire is worthy of praise. However, if it is not controlled, desire can become greed, and greed can become our master.
A dog found a nice juicy bone lying in the trash. He quickly grabbed it and headed home, imagining all the time the pleasure of eating the bone in the peace. On the way, he had to cross a small river that ran through the village. As he stepped on the plank used for crossing, his eyes fell on a delightful sight. There in the calm waters of the river was another dog, just like himself, with a delicious-looking bone in his mouth.
This is my lucky day, he thought. Surely I can take away that bone from this silly dog. By the time he gets out of the water, I will have reached home. But the moment he opened his mouth, his bone fell into the water and disappeared. All he could see, then, was the other dog starring back at him with a sad look on his face. It was the face of a disappointed dog who had lost not one but two delicious meals.
Concern yourself with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires.
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created.
The Baha'i Writing.
The following quotation below sheds more light on the spiritual quality of Moderation.
The civilization, so vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will if allowed to overlap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. Thus warneth you, He who is the All-Knowing. If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraint of moderation.
Gleanings from the writing of Baha'u'llah.
Thou hast written that they have pledged themselves to observe maximum austerity in their lives to forward the remainder of their income to His exalted presence. This matter was mentioned at His Holy Court. He said: Let them act with moderation and not impose hardship upon themselves. We would like them both to enjoy a well-pleasing life.
Baha'u'llah, Huqu'qu'llah Page 20
The Essential Element of Sacrifice.
Teaching your children to Sacrifice.
Abdul Baha tells us to practice the ideal of self-sacrifice.
Everything we have comes from God. We can show our love and thanks to Him by giving to others. this is being generous. To sacrifice means to give as much of your money, things, time, and service as you think you can and then to give even more. God loves people who sacrifice for Him and others.
This is a story of an old woman who sacrificed for God.
The Old Woman's Gift
Each year Abdul Baha sent one of the trusted Baha'i to Iran to get contributions from the Baha'is. One day this Baha'i visited the home of an old and very poor woman. He explained his job for Abdul Baha. She asked him to wait while she went to the market to sell the only thing she owned a small rug for two months. She was paid one small coin. She gave it as her contributions to the Funds.
When the man returned to Akka, he gave Abdul Baha all of his contributions. To his surprise Abdul Baha said, I can not accept this report. Your total is not correct. The man went to his room to pray. He had never made this mistake before. As he knelt in prayer his knee began to hurt. He fell and found the poor old woman's coin. He took it to Abdul Baha. Abdul Baha smiled and said, This coin is worth more in the eyes of God than all the other contributions because it was given with sacrifice.
The sincere lover is a sacrifice to the loved one and the longing one is a sacrifice to the beloved. The point lies in this: He must wholly forget himself, become a wanderer(in the Abode of the beloved) enamored with His Tresses. He must consign to oblivion the body and soul, the life, comfort, and existence.
The Baha'i Quotation on Sacrifice.
As to the third meaning of sacrifice, it is this: if you plant a seed in the ground, a tree will become manifest from that seed. The seed sacrifices itself to the tree that comes from it. The seed is outwardly lost, destroyed, but the same seed which is sacrificed will be absorbed and embodied in the tree, its blossoms, fruit, and branches.
Abdul Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
The Element of Detachment
To be free, we must learn to let go of some of the things we hold dear. This is a lesson from a certain monkey who had never learned.
Escaping from a band of village children who were determined to catch him, Monkey jumped from tree to tree in panic. When he was sure that he had lost them, he calmed down, sat on a branch, and lazily looked around. Oh, how good it felt to be free!
His eyes caught sight of a squirrel busy gathering nuts, entering the hollow of a tree through a hole, dropping its load, coming out, and running to gather more.
The oil of the nuts gave off a delicious scent that aroused the Monkeys' appetite. Here some easy food, he thought to himself and went closer to investigate. Unfortunately, the hole was too small for him to enter, so he puts his hand in. Down and down he reached and, to his delight, his hand finally touch the nuts. He hastily grabbed a few and tried to pull them out. But now his fist closed around the nuts, was too big to come out through the hole.
He could not decide what to do. If he opened his hand, he would lose the nuts, but there was no way that his fist full of nuts would make it through the hole. So there he stood, unwilling to give up the nuts not even when he heard the children's voices again. And as luck would have it, one of them spotted him. He saw the children running towards him, but still, he would not let go of the nuts.
That is how he ended up-sold to a zoo and spent the rest of his life in a cage.
Perseverance is the Key to Success.
Sometimes we are faced with a task that seems impossible. But if we persevere, we may be surprised at what we can achieve. Perseverance is one of the keys to success. The story of the Rabbit and Turtle is a good example.
All of Rabbits friends knew that he was the fastest among them. More than anyone else, Rabbit knew it, and he never tired of telling his friends. Oh, how they wish Rabbit would stop bragging about his running skills. But no one knew what to do about it. Then something unexpected happened. To everyone's surprise, Turtle challenged Rabbit to a long-distance race.
At the appointed hour, all the animals gathered to watch. The signal was given and the race began. There was a loud whoosh, and Rabbit was out of sight.
Turtle put his head down and took the first step, then another.... and another...another. The animals went to the finish line and waited. Meanwhile, Rabbit was having a Merry time. He ran and hopped and skipped. He felt like singing. "Why should I strain myself'? He thought. How can Turtle possibly win? Feeling slightly fatigued, after all his hopping and skipping, he stopped behind a tree and lay down to rest. Soon he was in a deep sleep.
The turtle was still plodding along. He felt more than slightly fatigued. But every time he thought about stopping, he told himself, I can make it at least to that next stone, or I won't stop before I get to that next tree, or surely, I can get to the top of this hill.
And so Turtle plodded along. Time passed. Rabbit dreamed happily away. The animals waited. Finally, they saw Turtle come into sight. And while Rabbit was dreaming of success, Turtle, breathing heavily and exhausted, crossed the finish line.
The main thing is to remain staunch and firmly rooted and persevere to the end.
There is such confusion in the world today, so much uncertainty, so much materialism, that it is very hard to hold the attention of even spiritually minded people. But we must persevere and do our best knowledge this is our duty and that conditions will eventually change completely and follow Baha'u'llah's pattern.
Shoghi Effendi, High Endeavours Message to Alaska page 4.
The quality of being Courageous seems to be an essential element that goes hand in hand with developing Perseverance.
Baha'u'llah in His writing stated it clearly that the source of courage and power is the promotion of the word of God, and steadfastness in His word.
Courage means many things. It means to be brave when we are afraid. It means to tell the truth when we have done something wrong. It takes courage to do the right thing.
The story of Zaynab, the Courageous.
In the city of Zanjan, the believers of the Baha'i Faith found shelter in a fort during one of the moments of persecution they experience as a result of their devotion to their religion.
During one of the attacks in the fort, Zaynab knew that they are not enough men so she cut off her long hair. She found a sword, a shied, and a gun and went to fight. No one knew that she was a girl. Then the enemy attacked! She fought with such power and courage that the enemy ran away in fear of her.
The leader of the fort saw what a good soldier she was. One day he realized that she was a young girl who came from his village. She asked him not to be sent back with the women. She wanted to defend the fort like a man. He let her choose to fight where she wanted. She always chose to go where the fighting was worst.
For over five months she fought like a lion for the Faith that she loved so much. Often she went without food or sleep. When she did sleep, she used her shield for a blanket. One day seeing her friends overcome by the enemy, she rushed to help them. She fought very bravery and chased away many of the enemies. Finally, she was shot and killed by many bullets.
Zaynab's story had a happy ending because she got what she wanted most. She died defending the Cause of God.
The Magical Cure for Disappointment and Grief
We all experience disappointment and even tragedy in our lives. At such times it is difficult not to give in to grief and become paralyzed. But have we ever thought that there is a cure for sorrow available to all of us?
Long ago in China, there was a young woman who married a wealthy man's son. She was gentle and kind and brought happiness to their home. With time, she and her husband were blessed with a son. But their joy was not to last. Soon the boy was taken ill and died. The woman was overcome with grief. From door to door she went asking her neighbors, is there no medicine, no magic, that will bring my son back to life? Seeing that she has lost her senses, they sent her to a man known for his wisdom.
"Do you have some medicine that will bring my son back to me? She asked him to.
" I will need a handful of mustard seeds, was the answer.
Elated, the woman promised to bring it immediately. But then the wise man said, "These seeds must be taken from a house that has never known sorrow. I will use them to cure your grief?
So the woman went off in search of the magical mustard seed. Knocking on the door of a beautiful mansion, she thought that surely she had come to the right place. Here is some mustard seed, the people inside said. Take it. It's yours. But when asked if their home had ever known sorrow, they told her, please don't remind us of our sadness. As she heard them recount the story of the terrible things that had recently happened to them, she was moved to tears.
Should not I, who have also known sorrow, stay and comfort these people? She asked herself. She remained with them for a while and then began her search again. But nowhere, not in the cities or the town, or on the plain, could she find a place that had not been touched by grief. And she became so busy helping others that, in the end, she forgot about her search for the magical mustard seed, never realizing that she had found the cure for sorrow.
We should all visit the sick. When they are in sorrow and suffering it is a real help and benefit to have a friend come. Happiness is a great healer to those who are ill. Abdul Baha
A Story About Abdul
A Baha'i visited Abdul Baha in the Holy Land. Abdul Baha asked her to visit a poor, sick man whom he had been helping. Take him food, He said. Care for him as I have been doing. He told her where to find the sick man.
She went, but she returned quickly and said, Master, surely you cannot realize to what a terrible place you sent me. I ran away before I got sick.
Abdul Baha looked at her sadly and said, " If you want to serve God, you must first serve mankind. He told her to go back. If the house is dirty, clean it, if a person is not clean, wash him, if he is hungry, feed him. Many times has Abdul Baha done this, cannot you serve him even once?
The following quotation of Abdul Baha sheds more light on the concept of this article.
Happy the soul that shall forget his good, and like the chosen ones of God, vie with his fellows in service to the good of all.
Kindness to Animals
The Baha'i writing encourages parents to educate their children to be kind to animals. If an animal is hungry, it should be fed. If an animal is thirsty, it should be given something to drink. If an animal is tired, it should be allowed to rest. If an animal is sick, it should be made well.
Harmful animals such as poisonous snakes are not included because being kind to them may bring harm to man and other animals.
The story of Otieno saw his little brother start to throw a stone at the cat. Otieno called to his brother and said, Don't throw that stone. We should always be kind to animals because God made them and they help us. His little brother looked at him and asked, How do they help us? Otieno pointed to the cat and said, The cat kills rats and mice that eat our maize. The dog barks loudly at night to protect us. The cows give us milk. The oxen plow our fields. We should take care of our animals. We should give them water and food. If they are tired, we should let them rest. We should care for them when they are sick.
The Pitiful Causes of War, And the Duty of Everyone to Strive for Peace.
The news of the Battle across the globe is so sad that a lot of people grieved. I keep wondering at the height of human savagery that exists in the world.
It's difficult to understand why men keep on fighting and killing each other from morning till evening.
For what objective do men shed the blood of one another? To gain possession of the earth. It's interesting to know that the animals fight for an immediate and more reasonable cause for their attacks!
How terrible it is that men, who are of the higher kingdom, can descend to slaying and bringing misery to their fellow beings, for the possession of a tract of land.
It's so surprising to see the highest of created beings fighting to obtain the lowest form of matter, earth! The land belongs not to one people, but all people. This earth is not man's home, but his tomb. It is for their tombs these men are fighting. There is nothing so horrible in this world as the tomb, the abode of decaying bodies of men.
However great the conqueror, however many countries he may reduce to slavery, he is unable to retain any part of these devastated lands but one tiny portion of his tomb! If more land is required for the spread of civilization surely it would be possible to acquire peaceably the necessary extension of territory.
But war is made for the satisfaction of men's ambition, for the sake of worldly gain to the few, terrible misery is brought to numberless homes, breaking the hearts of hundreds of men and women.
How many widows mourn their husbands, how many stories of savage cruelty do we hear! How many little orphaned children are crying for their dead father, how many women are weeping for their slain sons!
There is nothing so heartbreaking and terrible as an outburst of human savagery.
The Beloveth Master charge all in that keynote addresses given to the multitude in Paris:
"I charge you all that each one of you concentrates all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity".
" When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace".
A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.
Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being restfulness, and content.
Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness.
The above counsels of Master Abdul Baha appear in my mind as the scenario of the sermon on the mountain by our Lord Jesus Christ as mentioned in the Bible.
When soldiers of the world draw their swords to kill, soldiers of God clasp each other hands! So may all savagery of man disappear by the Mercy of God, working through the pure in heart and the sincerity of soul.
Do not think the peace of the world an ideal impossible to attain!
Nothing is impossible to the Divine Benevolence of God.
In the following quotations of Master Abdul Baha, the center of the covenant of the Baha'i Faith sheds more light on how everyone can contribute to the ever-advancing civilization and strive to create a peaceful society.
"If you desire with all your heart, friendship with every race on earth, your thoughts, spiritual and positive, will spread, it will become the desire of others, growing stronger and stronger, until it reaches the minds of all men".
" Do not despair, work steadily. Sincerity and love will conquer hate. How many seemingly impossible events are coming to pass these days! Set your faces steadily towards the Light of the world. Show love to all".
Universal Love
It may be a surprise to discover where these concepts of Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness, and Serving come from. Although in many ways they are obvious, they come from the Sacred Scriptures.
I realize that for most people that is not exactly the first place you rush to get your life sorted out but I would suggest that you don't dismiss it immediately.
For centuries people have been looking to the Sacred Scriptures to give them answers to issues of life and it is a good place for us to start too. After all, it is very honest about human relationships and so many people have found help there. In the absence of any other solution, let us at least come with an open mind.
The subject of Universal Justice can not be fully expressed in my limited knowledge but the talk of the Beloveth Master Abdul Baha on Universal Love broaden my knowledge of the concept.
The talk of Abdul Baha in Paris elaborates on this concept of Universal Love and is so powerful and illustrative.
An Indian said to Abdul Baha:
My aim in life is to transmit as far as in me lies the message of Krishna to the World.
Abdul Baha said: The Message of Krishna is the message of love. All God's prophets have brought the message of love.
All God's Prophets have brought the message of love. None has ever thought that war and hate are good. Every one agrees in saying that love and kindness are best.
Love manifests it's a reality in deeds, not only in words, these alone are without effect. So that love may manifest its power there must be an object, an instrument, a motive.
There are many ways of expressing love principles, there is love for the family, for the country, for the race, there is political enthusiasm, and there is also loved of the community of interest in service. These are ways and means of showing the power of love.
The above ways of expressing love make it more practical in demonstrating this quality of love.
We must find a way of spreading love among the sons of humanity.
Love is unlimited, boundless, infinite! Material things are limited, circumscribed, finite. You can not adequately express infinite love by limited means.
The perfect love needs an unselfish instrument, absolutely freed from fetters of every kind.
The love of family is limited, the tie of blood relation is not the strongest bond. Frequently members of the same family disagree and even hate each other.
Patriotic love is finite, the loved ones' country causing hatred of all others, is not perfect love. Compatriots also are not free from quarrels amongst themselves.
The love of race is limited, there is some union here, but that is insufficient. Love must be free from boundaries.
To love our race may mean hatred of all others, and even people of the same race often dislike each other.
Political love also is much bound up with hatred of one party for another, this love is very limited and uncertain.
The love of community of interest in service is likewise fluctuating, frequently competitions arise, which lead to jealousy, and at the length hatred replaces love.
A few years ago, Turkey and Italy had a friendly political understanding, now they are at war! All these ties of love are imperfect. Limited material ties are insufficient to adequately express the concept of Universal Love.
The great unselfish love for humanity is bounded by none of these imperfect, semi selfish bonds, this is the one perfect love, possible to all mankind, and can only be achieved by the power of the Divine Spirit. No worldly power can accomplish universal love.
Let all be united in this Divine power of love! Let all strive to grow in the light of the Sun of Truth, and reflect this luminous love on all men, may this universal truth permeates all hearts and so becomes so united that they may dwell evermore in the radiance of the limitless love.
The concept of Love is such a complex and key subject that is widely misunderstood but the talk of the Master in Paris elaborates on this subject to a greater degree.
Mothers the Cradle of Education
"Wherefore, I ye loving mothers, know ye that in God sight, the best of all ways to worship to Him. And to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind, and no nobler deed than this can be imagined...
Abdul Baha.
Education Is Important
The Manifestation of God Baha'u'llah says that the most important purpose of marriage is to raise children to know and worship God. Teaching children to know and worship God is called spiritual education. It is the job of the family.
The Baha'i writings also say that material education is important. Material education is what children learn at schools, such as reading, writing, languages, mathematics, and the sciences. Material education is important because it helps each person develop and helps our world to progress.
Children must be given both spiritual and material education. Spiritual education according to the Baha'i writing is more important because if a person has a good character he will use his education to help others. A person with a bad character can use his education selfishly and dishonestly that can hurt others.
Parents Must Educate Their children.
We are learning a lot about the key of parents in nurturing gain proper education and guidance of their children. Master Abdul Baha writes the father and mother must train their children in good behavior and send them to school.
We are gaining a lot of insight into the role of the mother as the first educator of the child. The mother makes sure that the child develops good character and behaves well. She also can encourage and guide the child's interest in learning.
In the Baha'i writings, the father is given the important duties of guiding his children spiritually and sending them to school.
Harmony is key in a family and parents need to work together to guide and counsel their children and give them the best possible spiritual and material education.
There is wisdom in recognizing the family members who helped take care of the children are also important. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles all play a part in the education and training of children. Older brothers and sisters help the mother do many things. She can show them how to care well for younger children.
In reflecting on the above concept It is important to reflect and deliberate on the questions and activities below:
What is spiritual education?
What is material education?
Why is material education important?
Why is spiritual education more important than material education?
Who is responsible for educating children?
What are some of the elements of mothers' responsibilities in educating children?
What are some of the elements of a father's responsibilities in educating his children?
parents must make sure that their children develop good character and are educated.
Mothers can best help their children to grow and develop by being patient and loving as each child grows in his way.
There is a good Biblical story of Esther that shows the power of womanhood. Esther is a young Jewish woman living in Persian Diaspora who finds favor with the king, becomes Queen, and risks her life to save the Jewish people from destruction when the court official Haman persuades the king to authorize a program against all the jews of the empire.
The education of each child is compulsory... In addition to this widespread education, each child must be taught a profession, art, or trade so that every member of the community will be enabled to earn his livelihood. Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship.
Abdul Baha, Women, Page 22.
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Walking a Path of Service.
The concept of walking a path of service reminds me of the words of the Universal House of Justice "That the path belongs to the community and one tread the path in the company of others, and individual volition is necessary and it entails pain and sacrifice...."
This whole idea of walking a path reminds me of the village scenario where you see a narrow path that belongs to the community. This narrow belongs to the community and everyone is free and allowed to walk the path. And as you progress on this path it leads you to a different horizon either a market or clinic. Again, the fun part is when you are walking this path with your friends together talking and eating some nuts.
All of us want to see the world become a better place. We look forward to a future when universal peace has been established and the human family lives in harmony. Such a future is not a dream and can be built as more and more of us exert effort to contribute to the betterment of the world. Deep in our hearts each of us has the desire to serve our communities. What we need is to develop our capacity to undertake selfless acts of service for the common good.
We can think about our service to humanity by imagining a path of service on which we walk together. This path is open to all. We each choose to enter it, and we advance on it at our own pace. We do not walk this path alone, we serve alongside our friends, learning together and accompanying one another. Every step we take generates joy and assurance, and every effort we make brings divine confirmations.
The Junior youths and youths are key in walking the path of service because they are young and filled with energy. They are also filled with great enthusiasm. These youngsters are concerned with the plight of humanity and would like to see real change can manifest in society.
Again, the subject of coherence is very important which implies that in our personal lives we should view the field of education, work, friends, and family as one. Life becomes more complex as we grow older. Responsibilities keep on increasing as one advance in age.
It seems a lot of expectations are crop up in different domains of life and it becomes so overwhelming. The following quotations could be so relieving if we find ourselves in such a situation.
"Man's life has its springtime and is endowed with marvelous glory. The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life."
Walking a path of service is not something we just add to our lives, it brings meaning to everything we do. Service to the community helps us to understand better the purpose of our education, our family, to clarify our thoughts about the future, to develop the qualities we need to contribute to the well-being of our families. It strengthens our friendships. It keeps us from dissipating our energies on trivial pursuits.
It is interesting to know that many young people around the world in communities like every other community are realizing that their energies can be directed by a twofold purpose: to take charge of their intellectual and spiritual growth and to contribute to the transformation of society.
These two aspects of our purpose are interconnected. As we develop our capabilities, we are better able to serve others, and in helping one another, we grow as individuals and strengthen the qualities we possess.
And in thinking about our contributions to the transformation of society helps recollect the conversation between Alejandra and Beatrice in the Sanchez family in the institute book titled Arising to serve in the Ruhi book 2.
Below extract from the conversation between Alejandra, Beatrice, and the Sanchez family:
Transforming a world of violence, poverty, and suffering into a world of peace, prosperity, and harmony. And we must consider both material and spiritual progress for all people will not be attained if we do not make spiritual progress as well. Only if these two go hand in hand with the betterment of the world be achieved.
The Act of Cleanliness and the Spirit.
".....although bodily cleanliness is a physical thing, it hath, nevertheless, a powerful influence on the life of the Spirit. Abdul Baha.
We should always try to keep ourselves and our homes clean and tidy. Cleanliness is pleasing to God. When things are clean, we feel better. Being clean also helps keep us from getting sick.
In the story below a clean little boy gets a special reward.
The Best Choice
One day, the people in the village were excited because the president was coming to their school. Everyone was busy cleaning the grounds and classrooms. The teachers were talking with the headmaster about which child should be chosen to give the school's gift to the President. The gift was a beautiful chair carefully made and decorated by the best Carpenter in the village.
Mr. Terfa thought that Rosa should be chosen because she had the best marks. Mrs. Amina said, Peter because he was the son of an important person in the village. Mr. Wale said that Steven should be chosen because he was the best athlete. Finally, Mrs. Chidinma offered the name of Idang. All the other teachers were surprised and asked, why Idang? Mrs. Chidinma said, " Every day Idang comes to school clean and neat with a smile on his face. What better way is there to honor our President? The teachers all agreed that he was the choice.
There is a wonderful quotation from the Kitab-i-Aqdas by Baha'u'llah on cleanliness which is so enlightening and practical to comprehend.
God hath enjoined upon you to observe the utmost cleanliness, to the extent of washing what is soiled with dust, let alone with hardened dirt and similar defilement. Fear Him, and be of those who are pure.
There is a great sense in maintaining cleanliness which is an essential part of healthy living because it is the cleanliness only which helps to improve our personality by keeping clean externally and internally.
Cleanliness
There is a beautiful story of Master Abdul Baha on cleanliness which is of vital importance to the subject of cleanliness with far-reaching implications.
He was the essence of cleanliness even as Baha'u'llah had taught this, for she found Him dazzling, spotlessly shining, from snowy turban-cloth to white snowy beard and long shining garment.
Although it was high noon, in Summer. His attired was crisp and fresh-looking, as though He had not been visiting the sick and in prison, and soiling for mankind since early morning. Often a delicious fresh rose was tucked in His belt.
The concept of cleanliness seems to be a coherent and practical one to grasp. We are told from an old Jewish tradition that cleanliness is next to Godliness. There is a verse I read from an old Jewish manuscript that encourages the need for the supplant to wear clean clothes whenever he is communing with God.
Looking at this from a layman's perspective in comparing a clean and unclean house. The freshness from a clean house is so beautiful and cool.
You cannot compare clean clothe and dirty clothes.
In one of the spaces where we were discussing the subject of cleanliness with my junior youth group. They all made a pact that since charity begins at home, they will ensure that they come to junior youth group meetings with a clean bath and clothes on.
The group of friends also agreed to be keeping the environment clean by sweeping it once every week.
The Friends agreed to be meeting twice every week to discuss and divide roles to act on the field.
At the end of the cleaning of their environment, they all come together to reflect on the fieldwork and plan for a better one. The Spirit of Universal Participation is key among the friends.
The meetings always start with prayers and end with prayer.
The parents in the neighborhood admired this quality so much that they can't wait to be part of the youngsters who are interested in building better communities.
This draws my attention to the fact that 'Rising awareness could be channeled into two opposite directions one leading to submission to the will of God and self-sacrificing service to humanity and the other leading to the prison of self and captivity.
Precious Gems of the Community
As a Human Resource Developer, I find it so interesting writing and the processes of building the capacity of the individual and its implication to community building.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the priceless gems in the community.
In one of its quotations, the Universal House of Justice wrote to the Baha'i of the World dated 26 November 1992:
Disunity is the crux of the problems which so severely afflict the planet. It permeates attitudes in all departments of life. It is the heart of all major conflicts between nations and peoples. More serious still, disunity is common in the relations between religions and within religions, initiating the very Spiritual and moral influence which it is their primary purpose to exert.
No man is an island is a phrase frequently quoted the world over. Alone, none of us can get very far. Community life is an essential part of our existence.
In a community that enjoyed much warmth and unity, one individual became discouraged and kept away from the others. The local council asked a friend to help him overcome his feelings of estrangement. Soon the friend invited him to his house for dinner and, most naturally, showered him with kindness. It was a chilly night, and the following dinner the two sat in front of the fire sipping tea and watching the flames.
After a few minutes, the host had an idea. He picked up a brightly burning piece of wood with a pair of tongs and moved it to a corner of the fireplace. He sat back in silence while his guest kept watching. Along, the ember began to lose its fire until there was the last glow and then coldness and death. Before the evening was over, he moved the cold deadwood to the middle of the fire where it became a glowing ember once again.
Not a word was said all evening about the whole matter. But when the guest was almost out the door, he turned around and said, Thank you for the fiery lesson. At the next community gathering, everyone was happy to see a friend who had been sorely missed.
The following are further questions are designed for reflection and deliberations.
What should friends do when they feel that, for some reason, they are becoming estranged from one another?
What is a community life?
There's a beautiful quotation from the writing of the Baha'i faith about unity which is key for a flourishing community.
"Shut your eyes to estrangement, then fix your gaze upon unity."
The Universal House of Justice, in its message to the Baha'i of the world Ridvan 2000 mentioned;
Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. They bear the seeds of the character of future society which is largely shaped by what the adults constituting the community do or fail to do concerning children.
They are a trust no community can neglect with impunity. An all-embracing love of children, the manner of treating them, the quality of the attention shown them, the spirit of adult behavior towards them. These are all among the vital aspects of the requisite attitude.
Among the precious gems of the community, children stand out to be key because of their innocence and purity.
Of course, we are aware that the flower is easily trimmed when it's very tender and becomes challenging to trim it when it has matured into a tree.
Another precious gem of the community is that of collaboration between the institutions, the individual and the community.
When the three protagonists are working in harmony and Unity it becomes a prosperous community. And this prosperity is a coherent one that is been manifested in both material and spiritual aspect of life.
Thought it wise to end this article with the quotation of Shoghi Effendi which said that you can segregate the human heart from the environment and said transformation can take place from one dimension without the other.
No Matter what Keep Trying.
Many things that we must do are difficult. If we give up easily and don't try, we will be unhappy. If we keep trying, no matter how long it takes us to succeed, we will feel happy and satisfied. For example, learning to read is very hard at first. But when we learn how to read, we feel happy because it helps us do other things.
Also, learning how to acquire vocational skills is very hard at first. But when we learn how to master the craft we feel fulfilled and happy because it enhances our sense of invention and creativity. This is the true sense of contributing to the constructive processes of society.
"The one in pursuit of anything must undergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained...." Abdul Baha
Hardship Leading To Happiness
In the Baha'i Writings, we are reminded that we must ever be happy no matter what earthly conditions surround us:
"Men who suffer not, attain no perfection".
" The realm of joy hath been ushered in be not sorrowful! The hidden mystery hath been made manifest be not disheartened! (Baha'u'llah, Tabernacle of Unity)
It is also explained that suffering and hardship are an unavoidable part of physical life and can be assets for personal and communal spiritual growth and lead to a happier existence.
"Physical pain is a necessary accompaniment of all human existence and as such is unavailable. As long as there will be life on earth, there will be also suffering, although an inescapable reality, can nevertheless be utilized as a means for the attainment of happiness.
(Shoghi Effendi-Coñnpilations, Lights of Guidance P.280
" From the beginning of time sorrow and anxiety, regret and tribulations, have always been the lot of every loyal servant of God. Ponder this in thine heart and consider how very true it is... (Compilations, Bahiyyih Khanum page 5)
But the Holy Writings also teach us that hardship and tests are benefits from God and means for our spiritual progress. Our greatest spiritual growth and development does not happen during times of prosperity and comfort, they occur rather during times of hardship and suffering.
Keep Trying even though it's tough.
In this story, the tortoise keeps trying even though he must work hard.
The story of the Hare and the Tortoise.
The Hare was telling all his friends about what a fast runner he was. I have never lost a race. Who wants to race with me and try his luck?
The Tortoise said I will try. The Hare laughed and said, I could dance around you all the way.
Don't feel proud until you have won, said the Tortoise.
So they agreed where they would race. The race began. The Hare quickly ran out of sight, but he soon stopped. He was so sure that he would win that he lay down to rest.
The Tortoise walked and walked. It was hard work, but he would finish the race. He would not rest.
When the Hare woke up, he saw the Tortoise about to get to the finish line. There was no way Hare could win the race now no matter how fast he ran.
All the animals cheered for Tortoise.
Be a Happy and Joyful Being
Following the laws of God makes us happy, because God knows what is best for us. When we have everything that we want, it is easy to be happy. It is harder to be happy when we have many troubles, but we must try.
A Story About Abdul Baha
Abdul Baha was in prison most of His life. It was a terrible place, but Be said that He was always happy. He said that life was very difficult in prison. But, at the end of each day, each person would tell the funniest thing that happened during the day. Sometimes it was hard to find something funny, but they would always laugh until the tears rolled down their faces.
Happiness, He said, does not depend on where you are or what you have.
The Key has always been a Good Character.
There's a great misconception in the society called 'Book Learning' which the majority feels is the way forward to building a better society.
The true concept of education is a coherent process of developing one's capacity in all aspects of life which is directly linked to a practice component that is expected to contribute to the constructive processes of society and the ever-advancing civilization.
In addition to the concept of acquiring proper education, good character is the key.
Abdul Baha says Good Character must be taught. He also said that a good education is important in developing societies.
Having a good character is more important than book learning because a child with a good character is of service to others. It is best when a child has both good character and good education.
Character training is the job of the family while book learning is the work of the school. Both the family and the school should help one another to train children.
In assisting children to grow up with good character it is important to avoid the extreme that character training cannot wait until a child goes to school. It must begin when a child is very young so that he will be both learned and good.
Thoughts for further reflection for the service-minded individual:
Why is a good character more important than book learning?
How can the family and the school work together to train children?
When we want a tree to grow straight and tall, we must make sure from the very beginning that the tree is growing straight. Once a tree becomes crooked it cannot be made straight. Children must also be trained properly from the very beginning.
By saying prayers for our children before they are born and when they are babies, we can help our children to grow spiritually. As soon as children can talk, they can be taught to say prayers. Mothers must make sure that their children learn the difference between right and wrong. Children must also be taught such qualities as love, truthfulness, honesty, patience, service, and cooperation.
I keep on wondering how can mothers help their children to grow spiritually and what must we teach our children to help them to have good character.
Character Training Must Be Continued as Children Grow Older.
Parents must continue training the character of their children throughout childhood. Abdul Baha tells parents that they must counsel and guide their children for many years.
Developing good character takes a long time. Our patient's guidance is needed to help children learn the key habit of prayer, the difference between right and wrong, and the divine qualities. These things are easier to learn when children are young. It is very difficult to change a person's character after he has grown up.
Questions for Further Reflection at Home:
Why is it important to start teaching children when they are young?
Why is it important to teach children over a long period?
Why is it important to teach good character before children are grown?
We must be a good example for our children. We must show them the right way to act. If we are truthful, our children will learn to be truthful. If we are generous, our children will learn how to be generous. If we are not prejudiced, our children will learn to love all people.
One practical approach to nurturing children with good character is to be a role model for them. The family unit is such an essential part of society that has to be strengthened to establish a better society. Parents are key and should be role models for the children.
You can teach children by being a good person and by patiently guiding their behavior. Another way to teach children about spiritually uplifting and educative stories. Stories are an excellent way to teach children. You may now be using stories to teach children and make them happy. You can use stories you know or the stories included in this book to teach your children about some of the good qualities of God.
Many of the stories of the divine educators are so enriching. When we use stories about the divine educators such as our Jesus Christ, the prophet Mohammed, The Bab, Baha'u'llah, Budha, etc the children must learn about their love for humanity and learn to love them too.
Children must always feel happy about the divine educators. We must never use stories of these divine figures or talk about them in a way that makes children feel bad or afraid.
There is this wonderful quote from the Baha'i Writing that says 'Teaching and Training of Children is the most meritorious of service that one could render to the Almighty God.
Children are the real Blessing in life.
Children are truly blessed when their mothers help them learn the laws of God and praiseworthy behavior. These children will become like fruitful trees, being of service to the world and pleasing in the sight of God. Abdul Baha says it is the mother who helps her children be happy, successful, courteous, wise, learned, and spiritual. He also says,
"If a mother is well educated, her children will also be well taught. If the mother is wise, the children will be wise, if the mother is religious, the children will also be religious. If the mother is a good woman, then the children will also be good. The future generation depends then on the mothers of today.
The following questions will be key if the society envisioned the significant role of the mothers:
Why is the role of mothers so important?
Why does the next generation depend on the mothers of today?
How can we help one another to be better mothers?
Mothers help their children become happy, courteous, wise, and spiritual.
There is a very beautiful quotation portraying the role of motherhood which said:
" wherefore, ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfection of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined...."
The area of the proper education of motherhood seems to be a very lucrative domain if the present-day society wants better to be truly happy.
The Prosperity of the Society begins in the Family unit.
All the divine educators taught us that marriage and the family are holy. Baha'u'llah says that the most important purpose of marriage is to raise children who will know and worship God. Teaching children to know and worship God is the job of the family. It is called spiritual education. Children must be taught about God, to obey His laws, develop divine qualities, and know the difference between right and wrong. These are the most important things that a child will ever learn.
There are many kinds of literature and holy writing on the proper education of children. The best time to start educating children spiritually is long before they start school.
Spiritual education begins before a child is born when people pray for the unborn baby. Spiritual education continues after the child is born and as he grows up. It cannot wait until the child goes to school.
Spiritual education is the job of the family and not the school.
Even after children have started school parents must continue to educate them.
Abdul Baha says parents must counsel their children over a long period.
Further questions for deliberations:
What is the most important purpose of marriage?
What is spiritual education?
Who is responsible for the spiritual education of children?
Why is it important to counsel your children over a long period?
when teaching our children to have good character, we must remember that it happens slowly. We cannot expect our children to learn divine virtues quickly.
There's a story about a Baha'i who was unhappy because it was hard for him to grow spiritually. The Master encourages him by saying, little by little, day by day.
Creative writing says that we must teach our children about religion. Creative writing also says training children to have good character is one of the most important commandments of God.
Character training means that parents must teach their children divine qualities such as love, honesty, and truthfulness, and the difference between right and wrong.
The Lost Child.
I find it so interesting writing about the moral and spiritual development of children because it is key for social development. Also, because I am a human resource developer. This is my field of work.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us of the quality of forgiveness and the people at the time find it so difficult to comprehend and apply because of the law of an eye for eyes, a tooth for a tooth.
There is a beautiful quotation by Baha'u'llah: "....Let your adorning be forgiveness and mercy.
Everyone makes mistakes. God will always forgive us if we asked in to, but we must try not to make the same mistake again. Because God is forgiving with us, we should always try to be forgiving and kind to others... even if they are unkind to us.
This is a story that Jesus told to teach people that God will forgive us our mistakes. It also shows us how we should forgive others.
The Lost Son
One day a son asked for his share of his father's money so he could go out and see the world. He went far away from home and spent his money on foolish things. He never worked and finally, all the money was gone. He tried to get a job, but no one would give him work because he had never learned to do anything. At last, be found a job looking after pigs. He was so hungry that he ate what the pigs are.
He decided that his only hope was to return to his father, tell his father how bad he had been, and ask to be a servant in his father's house. He did not feel worthy to be a son.
The father had never forgotten his son and would often look for his return. One day be saw his son coming home. The son was dirty and wearing old and torn clothes, but his father knew him right away. The father rushed to meet with his son. The father held a feast for his son and said," Rejoice with me. My son who was lost is found again."
In order to develop the virtues of forgiveness, one has to see the good in every human being.
Developing the capacity to see the good qualities in all things is essential.
The Beloveth Master Abdul Baha said one must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise.
And he pointed up that we should always look at the good and not at the bad. If a man has ten bad qualities and one good one, to look at the one and forget the ten.
We should always look for the good in life and try not to think about the bad things. It is especially important to see the good qualities in people and not the bad ones.
A Story about Jesus
Jesus and His disciples were walking down the road and saw a dead dog. The disciples said how bad smelling and ugly it was.
Turning to them, Christ said, "Yes, but see how White and beautiful his teeth are."
Been Thankful for Everything
In order to see the good in everything, we have to be thankful for everything and see the wisdom behind it. This is another milestone capacity we need to develop.
In doing so, it is important that we remember the many blessings of the universe and the gifts that are latent within us and feel thankful.
David was walking home from school. He had a nice day. He taught about bow his father would greet him with a smile and that made him happy. His mother will be cooking. His brothers and sisters would be waiting for him. He would teach them the new school he had learned at school. As he walked down the dusty road, he felt the warmth of the sun. He crossed a stream near his house. He was almost home. He could hear his brothers and sisters playing. He thought about the family's new calf. A gentle wind was blowing the tall maize. He felt happy that he said in a loud voice, "Thank you, God, for everything!"
@Bounty19