Wanderings

Another Monday Night Devotions finished and this time we explored the word ‘innocence’. I chose the topic because of the date December 28 being a commemoration of when King Herod killed all of the baby boys in Bethlehem so that the new King, whom he had heard to have born there, could not grow up to challenge his power.

We started with the three questions:

1. What is innocence?, What is it not?
2. Are we born innocent?
3. Can we become/stay innocent?, How?

This progressed nicely, and the discussion centered around how we define innocence and what it is that takes it away from us. We eventually moved on to the concept of ‘Original Sin‘ and the idea that we are all born not only with the desire to do things that would be an affront to God, but that we carry with us the burden of all of the sin that was committed before we were alive. That would hardly make us innocent. However, Christians believe that Jesus dies for our sins, which does raise the concern over whether or not we need to be careful about not sinning, or if it is okay because we will be forgiven anyway.

In the end, we came around to look at how we have allowed our differences such as whether or not a baby is born carrying the sins of his ancestors all the way back to Adam & Eve, who a piece of land belongs to, or who has the right to wear a scarf on her head and where she is allowed to do so. These are all differences created by man and may represent the true lack of innocence. However, all we truly need to do to receive God’s love is to love Him back.

The earth has one surface. God has not divided this surface by boundaries and barriers to separate races and peoples. Man has set up and established these imaginary lines, giving to each restricted area a name and the limitation of a native land or nationhood. By this division and separation into groups and branches of mankind, prejudice is engendered which becomes a fruitful source of war and strife. Impelled by this prejudice, races and nations declare war against each other; the blood of the innocent is poured out, and the earth torn by violence. Therefore, it has been decreed by God in this day that these prejudices and differences shall be laid aside.

Abdu’l-Baha : The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 316

Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.

Baha’u'llah : The Persian Hidden Words #5

TeacherJay Hidden Words, The, Promulgation of Universal Peace, The, Reflections innocence, Jesus, Monday Night Devotions

The principles of the Teachings of Bahá’u'lláh should be carefully studied, one by one, until they are realized and understood by mind and heart

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 22

I LOVE this quote.  There is something very special to me about the way that we are encouraged to slow down and focus on the meaning of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings—not to rush through, but to reflect.  However, there is encouragement that we can actually understood them by mind and heart by doing so.

TeacherJay Paris Talks reflection, spiritual journey

O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

Today can be seen as America’s birthday… the day that this democratic state was born by revolting from what was seen as an unfair and oppressive government.  In the more than 200 years that has passed since that day, the United States of America has become a great nation in the world that serves as a example of the democratic process.  Although it is far from perfect, there are many ways in which it has served to further the progress of humankind.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers prayer

Service to humanity is service to God.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 8

I was teaching a children’s class yesterday in a public park.  There were just a few kids and not one of them has much experience with the Baha’i Faith.  Because of this and a wide range in ages, I wanted to keep any quotes we used short and simple.  After providing a few examples of how people can serve each other which is in turn serving all of humanity and ultimately God, such as improving the water system in a developing nation, working to create better and more equitable school systems, or simply helping your neighbor carry in his groceries, I introduced the above words from Abdu’l-Baha.  Upon doing so, the oldest boy in the class, a rising 6th grader, got very excited and exclaimed, “I get it!… every time I do something that helps someone else I am helping God.”  This was so wonderful to hear from a boy who had just had his first exposure to the Baha’i Faith.

TeacherJay Promulgation of Universal Peace, The children, education, service

It is evident that although education improves the morals of mankind, confers the advantages of civilization and elevates man from lowest degrees to the station of sublimity, there is nevertheless a difference in the intrinsic or natal capacity of individuals. Ten children of the same age, with equal station of birth, taught in the same school, partaking of the same food, in all respects subject to the same environment, their interests equal and in common, will evidence separate and distinct degrees of capability and advancement; some exceedingly intelligent and progressive, some of mediocre ability, others limited and incapable. One may become a learned professor while another under the same course of education proves dull and stupid. From all standpoints the opportunities have been equal but the results and outcomes vary from the highest to lowest degree of advancement. It is evident therefore that mankind differs in natal capacity and intrinsic intellectual endowment. Nevertheless although capacities are not the same, every member of the human race is capable of education.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 55

As an educator I can tell you that different children have different skills, talents and abilities.  No matter what their upbringing, previous training, or experience, it seems that some children have a different capacity for learning some material and therefore excelling in activities that take advantage of those abilities.  Perhaps this is an effect of their differing interests, but still… have different interest despite having the same treatment.  God’s will in the development and maturation of a child fascinates me and is largely responsible for my own choice in profession and has guided my life.

TeacherJay Foundations of World Unity abilities, children, education, human capacity, independent investigation of truth, morals

The fact that we imagine ourselves to be right and everybody else wrong is the greatest of all obstacles in the path towards unity, and unity is necessary if we would reach truth, for truth is one.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 136

Many of the greatest discoveries and advancements in history came from someone considering, even if just for a moment, if what we had always believed and accepted as fact were wrong.  Sometimes we must consider that there are alternatives to what we know to be right; that sometimes it is possible for multiple viewpoints to all be correct.  When we reach that point we may begin to understand not just the truth, but each other.

TeacherJay Paris Talks diversity, independent investigation of truth, prejudice, progress, unity

If Christians of all denominations and divisions should investigate reality, the foundations of Christ will unite them. No enmity or hatred will remain, for they will all be under the one guidance of reality itself.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 198

Having lived as a Christian for many years, I remember vividly the problems that arise between different denominations of the Church.  With so many different sects whose beliefs all come from the same message from Christ it always bothered me that they let petty differences that were the result of man’s intervention keep them apart.  During the time they were arguing over how to do communion, if people could marry outside the denomination or if baptism required a few drops of water or a full body immersion, they were bickering over thins that were irrelevant to God’s will and making a mockery of it.  I have always appreciated that the Baha’i Faith has not fractured into sects, though I fear that it may happen one day.  We are directed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas to not allow that to happen, but sometimes what is written does not come to pass.

TeacherJay Promulgation of Universal Peace, The independent investigation of truth, spiritual maturation, unity, world peace

If actions took the place of words, the world’s misery would very soon be changed into comfort.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 16

While watching a video about a Baha’i friend who decided to take some action instead of just speaking, I was reminded of this quote from a speech Abdu’l-Baha gave nearly 100 years ago on another continent.  I also thought about how many people will hear about a tragedy in other nation, or even of someone in need in their own community, have the thought “Somebody really should do something…” and then go about their regular life.  This is not the way that God in mind when we were created in His image.  Rather, he planned for us to help each other and to take action rather than just talk about doing something.  If we did, perhaps we could cure some of the world’s ills.

TeacherJay Paris Talks action, service

O Lord, my God! Praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee for Thou hast guided me to the highway of the kingdom, suffered me to walk in this straight and far-stretching path, illumined my eye by beholding the splendors of Thy light, inclined my ear to the melodies of the birds of holiness from the kingdom of mysteries and attracted my heart with Thy love among the righteous.

O Lord! Confirm me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may call in Thy Name amongst the nations and give the glad tidings of the manifestation of Thy kingdom amongst mankind.

O Lord! I am weak, strengthen me with Thy power and potency. My tongue falters, suffer me to utter Thy commemoration and praise. I am lowly, honor me through admitting me into Thy kingdom. I am remote, cause me to approach the threshold of Thy mercifulness. O Lord! Make me a brilliant lamp, a shining star and a blessed tree, adorned with fruit, its branches overshadowing all these regions. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful and Unconstrained.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

As today I become a member of a Central State, I felt it appropriate to post this prayer.  Please pray for me as I begin a new part of my journey in life.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers assistance, prayer

O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might, so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.

Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

This particular prayer was revealed to the Baha’is of the Southern States with the following direction:

Every soul who travels through the cities, villages and hamlets of these States and is engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God, should peruse this commune every morning.

I have had the pleasure of getting to know a Baha’i community located in a Southern State for the past few months.  It has been a delightful experience for me.  I grew up in the area many years ago before I had ever heard of the Baha’i Faith.  Upon my return I was very pleased to see a small, but growing community of dedicated followers and teachers of the Faith.  Although I am leaving this town again, tomorrow, every time I hear the above prayer I will think of the deeds of this community, the good work they are doing and the friends that I have made there.  I will all of them.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers assistance, prayer

It was while Abdul Baha was in Paris that a group composed of different sects awaited an audience to argue their various faiths. Suddenly this divine teacher of men swept into the room and pointing out of the window, exclaimed: "The sun of truth rises in each season from a different point of the horizon — to-day it is here, yesterday it was there, and to-morrow it will appear from another direction. Why do you keep your eyes eternally fixed on the same point? Why do you call yourselves Christians, Buddhists, Mohammedans, Bahais? You must learn to distinguish the sun of truth from whichever point of the horizon it is shining! People think religion is confined in an edifice, to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude toward divinity which is reflected through life.

"This movement eludes organization — it is the realization of a new spirit. The foundation of that spirit is the love of God; and its method, the love and service of mankind. Many who have never heard of this revelation teach its laws and spiritual truths.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 14

This description of Abdu’l-Baha is stunning.  A major reason that I became a Baha’i is that I had already come to believe in all of the principles of the Faith before ever learning the name of Baha’u’llah.  Accepting that he was the latest manifestation of God was easy for me at that point.  I have heard this similar story echoed from numerous others as well.  To me, the concepts of unity, world peace, harmony of science and religion, equality of men and women, the establishment of a universal auxiliary language, providing education for all, and that all religions are worshipping the same God were what made me a Baha’i.  Anyone who deigns to serve mankind and promote these truths is showing the love of God.

TeacherJay Divine Philosophy faith, independent investigation of truth, service, unity, world peace, worship

O Thou kind Lord! These lovely children are the handiwork of the fingers of Thy might and the wondrous signs of Thy greatness. O God! Protect these children, graciously assist them to be educated and enable them to render service to the world of humanity. O God! These children are pearls, cause them to be nurtured within the shell of Thy loving-kindness.

Thou art the Bountiful, the All-Loving.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

Today I return to a children’s class within my local community.  I try to pray this prayer whenever I come into that class.  There is something about that always makes me smile.  The imagery in a lot of Baha’i writings I find to be quite vivid, and the the analogy of God’s children being His handiwork wrought by His might is a nice one.  This prayer not only emphasizes their education, but also their ability to serve humanity, in addition to their protection.  Every time I say it, I stop to consider if I am saying it for their benefit, or for my own.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers children, education, God's Love, reflection, responsibility, service

While the children are yet in their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster them in the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. Let them share in every new and rare and wondrous craft and art. Bring them up to work and strive, and accustom them to hardship. Teach them to dedicate their lives to matters of great import, and inspire them to undertake studies that will benefit mankind.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 129

The education of children is a very important concept in the Baha’i faith.  When I was first investigating the religion on my own, I recall discovering this fact and wanting to know more.  The faith strongly supports universal compulsory education for all and an elimination of the barriers that keep some from gaining an education.  In order to see progress in our society, it is imperative to provide a solid education for each new generation.  Withholding knowledge and restricting access to information in order to limit a person’s learning is perhaps the worst punishment that anyone can inflict.  This was performed against slaves in the Southern United States for generations in order to keep the displaced Africans from rebelling.  By teaching people the wonders of this world, and to contribute to the progression of civilization, they will likely undertake studies that will benefit mankind.

TeacherJay Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha children, education, progress, youth

…Speech is not needed. Our actions will help on the world, will spread civilization, will help the progress of science, and cause the arts to develop. Without action nothing in the material world can be accomplished, neither can words unaided advance a man in the spiritual Kingdom. It is not through lip-service only that the elect of God have attained to holiness, but by patient lives of active service they have brought light into the world.

Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 80

A life of service is perhaps more important than anything else.  I cringe when I see evangelists or believers who think that prayer and prayer alone will be sufficient to heal, solve social ills, lift people out of poverty, build new homes for the displaced, or bring education to the neglected.  What is needed is for us all to be active.  Not everyone has the means, knowledge or comfort level to move to a third-world nation to build schools, or to rescue people in flood-damaged cities, but this is not always necessary.  Becoming a part of a neighborhood organization that provides kids with afterschool internships rather than allowing them to be on the streets, donating used goods to the local soup kitchen, or simply being kind to your neighbors and getting to know them are examples of actions that anyone could take.

Actions will go much farther than speech alone.

TeacherJay Paris Talks action, charity, children, education, prayer, progress, society

Attachment to the lantern is not loving the light.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 151

Some of the most poignant Baha’i quotations are the shortest as well.  This one always reminds me that we should not pay so much attention to the rituals or even the founding prophet of any religion, but instead listen to the message that particular manifestation of God was telling to the world.  Too often I have seen people miss that entirely and insist on strict adherence to religious practices that were invented long after the prophet and moved on to another world.  There sometimes is an insistence that being faithful is only about how we wash our hands, what we eat for dinner on Friday night, when we can drive, or what color clothing we should wear.  Alas, this is but mimicry of loving others and following in the path of God.

TeacherJay Promulgation of Universal Peace, The manifestations, mankind, prophets, rituals

Knowledge is love. Study, listen to exhortations, think, try to understand the wisdom and greatness of God. The soil must be fertilized before the seed can be sown.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, “Star of the West” Vol. 20, No. 10, p. 314

To the Baha’is, the Independent Investigation of Truth and devotion to studying the word of God are very important.  In order to learn and understand, to be true receptacles of such knowledge, we must become educated.  All Baha’is are asked to read something of the many volumes of authoritative texts every day.  There is no specified amount to satisfy this obligation—simply enough to cause the reader to pause, reflect and think about the wonders of God.

TeacherJay Star of the West education, independent investigation of truth, meditation, reflection

Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. … Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. … You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 92

This is one of my favorite passages.  I often find myself referring it.  There is a person that I find myself becoming angry with a lot lately.  I do not believe she is doing anything intentional or even aware of the problem.  Every time this occurs, I find myself looking for this passage and reminding myself that the shortcomings I see in her are some of the same ones that other people see in me.

Of particular importance to me is the direct statement that “humanity is not perfect” and the directive that we “must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant.”  I think remembering these two things as we go through our day could help bring the world a little bit closer, to make us more forgiving of each other and to reduce our anger and stress.

TeacherJay Promulgation of Universal Peace, The emotions, God's Love, love, relationships, unity

Inasmuch as ignorance and lack of education are barriers of separation among mankind, all must receive training and instruction. Through this provision the lack of mutual understanding will be remedied and the unity of mankind furthered and advanced. Universal education is a universal law. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every father to teach and instruct his children according to his possibilities. If he is unable to educate them, the body politic, the representative of the people, must provide the means for their education.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 300

Naturally, as a teacher, I was drawn to this aspect of the Baha’i Faith.  With each passing generation, the amount of knowledge that must be acquired simply in order to be a functioning member of society is growing (a concept I have written about here).  Through my travels I have met people that are lacking the most basic education—adults who cannot read the most basic of childrens’ books, or cannot locate their own country on a globe, or have trouble ciphering without their fingers.  Sadly, I have also seen their children continue this legacy because they are denied an education.

The Baha’i Faith supports universal education for all.  In fact, it should be more than just a moral and ethical law, but a legal requirement of all government to provide this opportunity.  While many do have some sort of public education in place, there are so many gaps and differences in quality of instruction and resources, in addition to those who are denied the opportunity because of their ethnicity, gender, or poverty.

Education and knowledge, or rather withholding them, have long been tools of oppressors to dominate a people.  This occurred in the Antebellum United States with African slaves, but when the barriers were finally removed, African-Americans were finally able to obtain an education and the nation was able to move a step closer to unity.  A similar situation is occurring in China now, as they build schools for rural and migrant students. (read more here)

TeacherJay Promulgation of Universal Peace, The children, education, mankind, progress, society, unity, youth

It is clear that the reality of mankind is diverse, that opinions are various and sentiments different; and this difference of opinions, of thoughts, of intelligence, of sentiments among the human species arises from essential necessity; for the differences in the degrees of existence of creatures is one of the necessities of existence, which unfolds itself in infinite forms.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 301

The Baha’is appreciate all manner of well-formed opinions.  In fact, the Baha’i decision-making process, known as consultation, allows for everyone who wishes to speak to voice her or his opinion.  It is necessary for these differences to exist, to be considered and to be examined.  Just as there is diversity in our physical appearances, and in our abilities, God also provided with this diversity of thought.  All innovations throughout history, whether they be in the form of technology, social progress, or spirituality occurred because someone had a different opinion.  This is necessary for our development and progress as a species.

TeacherJay Some Answered Questions abilities, decisions, development, diversity, mankind, progress, society, unity