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A plan for the spiritual regeneration of the planet

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A plan for the spiritual regeneration of the planet

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Consider the dynamic example of Abdu’l-Bahá that the sequence of courses assists us to emulate. Reflect on how constantly turning to Him and striving to follows His ways sustains us on the Path of service? What about the warmth of His presence and the knowledge of the immense love he has for us and all of humanity?

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“‘Abdu’l-Bahá is the Perfect Exemplar of His Father’s teachings. There is no need for us to illustrate here through episodes from His life the significance of this statement. Previous books in the sequence have provided so many references to Him that have shown us how He manifested, to the utmost perfection, every Bahá’í ideal. Think, for instance, about the qualities that He demonstrated in His interactions with people and the way He approached His conversations about the Faith, as explained in Books 2 and 6, or about the joy that characterized His being, as described in Book 7. Remember the glimpses of His utter devotion to His Father provided in Book 4. Call to mind the stories from His life in the lessons for children that show them the ways of love and compassion, of selflessness and justice. His occupation with the spiritual edification of souls, expressed in so many passages we have studied, inspires us in our own dealings with others. And His words of longing to carry His Father’s message to every corner of the globe sustain us in our own services to the Cause.

"Throughout our lives we should not only constantly turn to Him but also strive to emulate His ways. And conscious of the absolute sublimity of His station, we will feel the warmth of His presence and will draw strength from the knowledge of His love for us as we hear the echoes of His voice in the numerous Tablets that He addressed to early believers:

“I say unto thee the truth, that I am with you in spirit and in heart, that I rejoice by your joy and am happy by your happiness; and hear with the ear of spirit your calling and scent with the spiritual nostrils the fragrances of your garden.”

“Ye live, all of you, within the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and with every breath do I turn my face toward the Threshold of Oneness and call down blessings upon you, each and all.”

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BAHÁ'Í WORLD CENTRE - A volume of newly translated tablets penned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá has been released online and in print.

Light of the World comprises a selection of seventy-six tablets, from among thousands penned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in which aspects of the life of Bahá'u'lláh and the purpose of His Faith are recounted. "Who better to tell us about Bahá'u'lláh," the preface of the new volume states, "than His most cherished Son, Who shared, as His closest associate, His life of exile, imprisonment, and persecution?"

The passing of Bahá'u'lláh on 29 May 1892, after a ministry spanning four decades of exile from His native Iran, left the Bahá'í community grief-stricken. In its hour of need, the community turned to 'Abdu'l-Bahá-Bahá'u'lláh's appointed successor-for solace and guidance.

Many of the tablets in the new volume are from that time of bereavement, while others were written in later years when Bahá'ís found themselves suffering persecution and hardship. 'Abdu'l-Bahá called on Bahá'ís to reflect on the life of Bahá'u'lláh and His response to times of tribulation as a source of inspiration in their efforts to serve humanity, even when under the most difficult circumstances.

The release of this volume comes at a special period of reflection on the lives of the Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith. Over the last five years, the Bahá'í world has marked the bicentenaries of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh and the Birth of the Báb and now prepares to commemorate the centenary of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing later this year.

Light of the World is available on the Bahá'í Reference Library; the book can be ordered through the United States Bahá'í Publishing Trust.

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New volume of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's writings released | BWNS

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BAHÁ'Í WORLD CENTRE - A volume of newly translated tablets penned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá has been released online and in print. Light of the World comprises a selection of seventy-six tablets, from among thousands penned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in which aspects of the life of Bahá'u'lláh and the purpose of His Faith are recounted.

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"Besides providing for advances within clusters everywhere, the coming Plan will be a year for profound reflection on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the strength of the Covenant of which He was the Centre..." The Universal House of Justice, 25 November 2020

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Building a system of mutual support: creating an environment to embrace many souls

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Building a system of mutual support: creating an environment to embrace many souls

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In its letter of 3 May 2018, the International teaching centre described that clusters at the forefront of engaging large numbers, are learning to build on the strength generated by the bicentenary celebrations “when each Baha’i and Baha’i family felt mandated to reach out to and teach their friends, colleagues, neighbours and relatives” and built a system of mutual support around groups of families. In the intervening three years, experience worldwide is that clusters at the frontiers of learning in this regard have continued to extend their reach.  In particular since the onset of the pandemic and the acceleration of the major plan of God, opportunities opened for units of families to organize relief efforts in neighbourhoods, extending material and spiritual support in time of great need, “laying the foundations of future houses of worship” in every Baha’i home and many homes they are connected to, opening the educational process and in some places certain key families also embraced the Faith

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“Bahá’í community building endeavors encourage families to plan and consult together when they undertake initiatives. As a result, often, profound discussions can happen in homes in which other families join in as they assist with activities. Prayer also plays an important role in creating a unified spirit. Communities in which families work together in this way develop the capacity to look at the issues affecting their lives and to address them without waiting for someone from outside to give aid and support.

“What we are observing is that by consciously learning to apply the Bahá’í principles of unity, consultation and equality between women and men, structures within families begin to change where no members dominate others.

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Gender equality: Families as basis for change by Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)

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The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs in India holds seminar on reconceptualizing the institution of the family based on the principle of equality between women and men.

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Perhaps some of the untapped potential is within ourselves - that we need to think outside of the ‘culture’ that we live in (as described last night by Dr Javaheri) - and perhaps we have potential to teach but are hindered by ourselves

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an untapped potential is intergenerational relationships (connecting families, children, elderly) are an untapped potential for building family bonds and attracting others

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One Year Plan: cultivating conditions to welcome larger number of souls within the embrace of the community 

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One Year Plan: cultivating conditions to welcome larger number of souls within the embrace of the community 

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“Meanwhile, wherever the process of growth has already been intensified, the year will be an opportunity to consolidate the achievements made during the current Plan, while cultivating the conditions necessary for welcoming larger and larger numbers of souls into the embrace of a community recognized for its fortitude and outward- looking orientation.

In this year-long effort, every community must draw on whatever untapped potential it may possess and seek to overcome any obstacles that are impeding its growth, thereby preparing it for the demands to come. For it is within the context of a flourishing community, especially a centre of intense activity in a village or neighbourhood, and when each element of the Plan’s framework is given the attention it requires, that those elements most visibly cohere and connect, multiplying the community’s powers in the field of action.”

The Universal House of Justice, 25th November 2020

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At all times do I speak of you and call you to mind. I pray unto the Lord, and with tears I implore Him to rain down all these blessings upon you, and gladden your hearts, and make blissful your souls, and grant you exceeding joy and heavenly delights....

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 37

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What untapped potential exists in your community / team? What are some of the obstacles? 

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What untapped potential exists in your community / team? What are some of the obstacles? 

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- Kind to all
- Complete fairness
- Defies expectations
- Many examples and metaphors to explain difficult concepts
- Such love that he would "melt hearts"
- Very sensitive, understanding

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Turning to `Abdu'l-Baha sustains us on the path of service

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Turning to `Abdu'l-Baha sustains us on the path of service

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- Call him to mind when meeting a new friend for the first time
- Pray to express sincerity in our love and concern
- Constant reminder that spiritual forces can sustain us, even when tired, even when uncertain
- We emulate his ability to be perfectly practical, but always spiritual
- Emulate his tendency to "never give up on anybody"; show loving patience in building relationships, even in the face of adversity or misunderstanding
- We must not succumb to a culture demanding "instant results"; that was not `Abdu'l-Baha's example
- Practice detachment from earthly things
- Focus on the best in others (whether it is easy to do so, or not)

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How are we creating environments that embrace many souls with a posture that is outward-looking?
- Conditions need to be created and maintained over time
- Building and maintaining sincere relationships
- Bring concepts from throughout the sequence of courses into conversations is one way we emulate `Abdu'l-Baha's example
- E.g., understanding the coming of age of humanity is an important part of the conversation about the education of children in our community
- Find ways to make conversations more dynamic and elevated

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Share a reflection on the following statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: 

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Share a reflection on the following statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: 

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"the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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As the Baha’i community continues to grow, the Covenant ensures that we grow as a united community

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One aspect- - we are all connected spiritually through the power of the Covenant

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Alláh’u’abhá. The magic of technology I can now think about what I’d like to say now that I’ve found this board! André

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The pivot.

One implication is that invisible spiritual forces are at play.

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Drawing on the power of the Covenant: Study of the Writings 

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Drawing on the power of the Covenant: Study of the Writings 

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The feeling s e n s e d   in the p r e s e n c e
of the S o u r c e   of  H o p e
That feeling we  g e t
when the  s o u l  is set  f r e e  ,
the feeling the bird  f e e l s
when it's  o n   its   f l i g h t                                                                    the  f e e l i n g   that gives the  s o u l                                                     t r a n q u i l i t y
by: Sherry

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The feeling I get when I read the Writings

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The feeling I get when I read the Writings

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That feeling I get when I’m with my fam / That feeling I get when I know who I am / That feeling I get when I’m crafting and colouring / That feeling I get when my mommy is mothering / That feeling I get when I say my prayers at night / That feeling I get when I’m tucked in tight. By Ada

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“‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s tireless efforts for the promotion of His Father’s Faith worldwide culminated towards the close of His life in the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan. His Tablets of the Divine Plan fashion in broad outline a master plan for the spiritual regeneration of the planet."

"We have seen that the Grand Design delineated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has proceeded to unfold through successive stages. You know that, at the present stage, Bahá’ís everywhere are focused on advancing the process of the entry of humanity into the Cause by troops. For now, then, you may wish to think about your own participation in the Divine Plan and write a paragraph or two describing the contributions you hope to make towards its successful execution.”

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"Although the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet within the treasury of trust and resignation We have bequeathed to Our heirs an excellent and priceless Heritage."

Baha’u’llah, The Kitab’-i-Ahd

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The Institution of the Covenant: to direct and canalize powerful spiritual forces

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The Institution of the Covenant: to direct and canalize powerful spiritual forces

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“To direct and canalize these forces let loose by this Heaven-sent process, and to insure their harmonious and continuous operation after His ascension, an instrument divinely ordained, invested with indisputable authority, organically linked with the Author of the Revelation Himself, was clearly indispensable. That instrument Bahá’u’lláh had expressly provided through the institution of the Covenant, an institution which He had firmly established prior to His ascension.” Shoghi Effendi

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"A truly profound appreciation for this power only grows through a lifetime of study and service."

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"In Texts that provide insight into the workings of the Covenant, two interwoven themes will be ever present. One is related to the concept of a center to which all must turn. The other concerns the standard of conduct that Bahá’u’lláh calls on us to follow and which we pledge to uphold when we enter into the Tabernacle of His Covenant..."

"The center holds the entire system together, establishing relationships, setting rhythms and patterns, and ensuring that order is maintained. Under the center’s influence, every motion is endowed with grace. The power that emanates from the centre sustains a web of life infinitely rich and constantly evolving at higher and higher levels of complexity."

"It is the sacred duty of those who have embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and have set their gaze upon Him to strive daily to establish this pattern of a new World Order. A community entrusted with such a task must possess qualities and powers that distinguish it from every other community and every organized movement on the planet. Specifically, the unity that binds the members of this community and the institutions they build must necessarily be stronger than anything the human race has ever witnessed. The discipline that is to maintain such unity must be unshakable."

~Excerpts form book 8, The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, unit 1

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Learning to leave behind the age old habit of conflict

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Learning to leave behind the age old habit of conflict

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"We live in a world where conflict is considered an inevitable characteristic of life. Even when not overt, the spirit of conflict is present in subtle forms as individuals and groups try to advance themselves over others. It is widely accepted that, more often than not, interests will clash. Thus, individuals and groups—indeed, entire societies— work against one another in pursuit of their own aims. Contest, competition, and confrontation have become norms embedded in social, political, and economic systems. Accordingly, power is voraciously sought as a means to protect, in whatever way possible, one’s own interests. This is not to say that there are not many who take advantage of numerous opportunities for earnest collaboration and cooperation to achieve noble goals. Still, an ever-present threat of conflict influences habits of thought and patterns of behavior and defines to some extent the structures and functioning of social institutions.

In the Bahá’í community, of course, we do not consider the ways of conflict the natural expression of human existence. We follow the ways of unity, in which diversity is viewed as a source of strength not as a cause of contention. The power of unity is directed towards the common purpose of building the world civilization envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh. There are certain attitudes and forms of behaviour, then, which, though prevalent in society and even regarded as praiseworthy, are to be avoided."

~Excerpts form book 8, The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, unit 1

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“. . . in reality the Interpreter of the Word is an extension of that center which is the Word itself. The Book is the record of the utterance of Bahá’u’lláh, while the divinely inspired Interpreter is the living Mouth of that Book—it is he and he alone who can authoritatively state what the Book means.” The Universal House of Justice

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You may find it helpful to think about what you have learned in your own life as a Bahá’í from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s interpretations of the teachings. In your study of the courses of the Ruhi Institute, alone, you have benefited greatly from the many passages and quotations infused with His wisdom. Below are just four examples of the various subjects addressed by the

passages from His talks and Tablets found in the earlier books of the sequence of courses. What insights did you gain from His explanation of each one?”

1. The nature of prayer

2. The joy of teaching

3. The mystery of sacrifice

4. The power of love

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Excerpt from book 2 Arising to Serve, unit 1 section 8

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"...rest ye not, seek ye no composure, attach not yourselves to the luxuries of this ephemeral world, free yourselves from every attachment, and strive with heart and soul to become fully established in the Kingdom of God. Gain ye the heavenly treasures. Day by day become ye more illumined. Draw ye nearer and nearer unto the threshold of oneness." ~‘Abdu'l-Bahá

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"Love Is Not..." by Nadia, Zaynab, Fritz & Earl

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"...love is not of the body but completely of the soul. And those souls whose inner being is lit by the love of God are even as spreading rays of light, and they shine out like stars of holiness in a pure and crystalline sky. For true love, real love, is the love for God, and this is sanctified beyond the notions and imaginings of men." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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Glorified art Thou, O Lord my God, my Master, and my Ruler! Thou seest me a victim of every tribulation, a target for every shaft, and exposed to every spear. Not a day passeth but that swords are drawn against me and afflictive darts are hurled successively at the breast of this servant of Thine who standeth poor and desolate amongst Thy creation. And yet, Thou seest how my heart is filled with joy through the breaths of Thy holiness, how my soul is enraptured by the signs of Thy oneness, how my eyes are solaced by beholding Thy lights, and how my spirit is exhilarated by the gentle breezes wafting from the meads of Thy loving-kindness! I pay no heed to these shafts and spears, nor am I perturbed by any other matter. Nay, rather, I cling to the hem of patience, wear the armour of fervent supplication, and quench the devouring flame ignited by the hands of the wicked doers, with the tears I shed by night and by day.

Assist me, by Thy strengthening grace, O my God, to serve Thee amongst the righteous. Graciously aid me to render service unto the pious, and grant that I may offer up my soul for the faithful among Thy servants. Permit me, by Thy manifold favours, O my Lord, to enjoy intimate communion with Thee, and have mercy upon me by Thy bountiful grace. Keep me safe within the stronghold of Thy care and Thy protection, and guard me from the onslaught of the enemies, whether it be openly or privily inflicted. Cause me to speak forth Thy praise amidst Thy loved ones, and enable me to be a sign of mercy amongst the people. Help me, O Lord, to serve Thy loved ones throughout all regions. Thou art in truth the All-Bountiful, the Almighty, and verily Thou art the Compassionate, the All-Merciful!

~‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Light of the World, Tablet 45