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1. ... the purpose of such campaigns in local communities which have been dormant for years would not be to find every Baha'i , whose name appears on the membership list and verity his or her status. The list of names should be considered, rather, as a starting point, leading to opportunities to meet individuals who are willing to engage in meaningful conversation, exploring spiritual realities and learning more and more about the Faith. (Letter dated 3 June 2001 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Union of Myanmar, quoted in ‘Building Momentum’)
1. ... the purpose of such campaigns in local communities which have been dormant for years would not be to find every Baha'i , whose name appears on the membership list and verity his or her status. The list of names should be considered, rather, as a starting point, leading to opportunities to meet individuals who are willing to engage in meaningful conversation, exploring spiritual realities and learning more and more about the Faith. (Letter dated 3 June 2001 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Union of Myanmar, quoted in ‘Building Momentum’)
2. Nowhere
has the rise in individual initiative been more clearly demonstrated than in
the field of teaching. Whether in the form of firesides or study circles,
individual efforts to teach the Faith are indisputably on the increase.
Equipped with skills and methods, effective and accessible to all, and
encouraged by the response their actions elicit, the believers are entering
into closer association with people of many walks of life, engaging them in
earnest conversation on themes of spiritual import. With greater and greater
spiritual perception, they are able to sense receptivity and recognize thirst
for the vivifying waters of Bahá’u’lláh’s message. From among all those they
encounter-parents of neighbourhood children, peers at school, colleagues at
work, casual acquaintances-they seek out souls with whom they can share a
portion of that which He has so graciously bestowed on humanity. Increased
experience enables them to adapt their presentation to the seeker's needs,
employing direct teaching methods that draw on the Writings to offer the
message in a manner both forthcoming and inviting. (The Universal House of
Justice, 27 December 2005 to the Conference of the Continental Boards of
Counsellors)
3. As we
survey what has been accomplished around the world, our hearts are filled with
particular admiration for the believers in Iran, who, under the most arduous
conditions, have arisen boldly to serve their country and are bending their
energies toward its revitalization, though the avenues open to them are
limited. And given the restrictions placed on the administration of the Faith,
they have set out on an individual basis to acquaint their fellow citizens with
the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, directly engaging them in conversations about His
redeeming message. Not only have they received unprecedented support from
enlightened souls as they have begun to do so, but they have encountered a
receptivity far beyond anything they would have imagined possible. (The
Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2008)
4. Our 3
June 2008 letter expressed our appreciation for the courage and steadfastness
that you have manifested during these difficult days and encouraged you to work
diligently for the good of your fellow citizens and engage in conversations
with them on matters of common concern. There are, of course, many pressing
issues that occupy the minds of those striving to promote the prosperity and
well-being of Iran. Chief among them is, no doubt, the critical need to remove
barriers hindering the progress of women in society. (The Universal House of
Justice, from a message dated 20 June 2008 to the Believers in the Cradle of
the Faith – authorized translation from Persian)
5. In its
Ridván message of 2008, the Universal House of Justice referred to the widening
impact of the dynamism flowing from the interactions between the three
participants in the Five Year Plan. The celebration of the Nineteen Day Feast
has not remained unaffected by this growing dynamism. Everywhere the devotional
portion of the Feast is enriched by the sense of reverence cultivated through
personal prayer and regular devotional gatherings. The administrative portion
is animated by reports on the progress of the Cause, as well as insights
contributed by eager believers drawn from diverse populations, both newly
enrolled and long-standing, engaged in Bahá’í activity. The social portion
transcends polite formalities, becoming the joyous reunion of ardent lovers, of
tested companions united in a common purpose, whose conversations are elevated
by spiritual themes. (From a message dated 17 May 2009 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
6. A number
of you have raised questions in your letters that revolve around the theme of
strengthening the community. This, indeed, is a matter of fundamental
importance, and every believer would do well to bear its requirements in mind.
Already you have seen in the unity of thought and action achieved among the
believers, in their enthusiasm and fellowship, the effect that performing your
individual spiritual responsibilities has on the life of the community. There
are a host of other factors that enhance the vitality of community life as
well. Chief among them are the spiritual education provided to children and
youth, opportunities created to deepen understanding of the teachings,
gatherings held to celebrate the Nineteen Day Feast and to mark other
occasions, efforts made to foster and maintain unity in all matters, assistance
offered to young people and families in need, and the time spent visiting with
friends and neighbours in their homes, engaging in meaningful conversation and
weaving bonds of affection and solidarity.
To the degree that the principles and spirit of the Faith
are reflected in the character of the community, its vitality will show forth
and its individual and collective endeavours increase in efficacy. (The
Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 19 May 2009 to the Believers
in the Cradle of the Faith – authorized translation from Persian)
7. In their
efforts to present the essentials of the Faith plainly and unequivocally, the
believers have benefited greatly from the illustrative example in Book 6 of the
Ruhi Institute. Where the logic underlying that presentation is appreciated,
and the urge to convert it into a formula overcome, it gives rise to a
conversation between two souls—a conversation distinguished by the depth of
understanding achieved and the nature of the relationship established. To the
extent that the conversation continues beyond the initial encounter and
veritable friendships are formed, a direct teaching effort of this kind can
become a catalyst for an enduring process of spiritual transformation. Whether
the first contact with such newly found friends elicits an invitation for them
to enrol in the Bahá’í community or to participate in one of its activities is
not an overwhelming concern. More important is that every soul feel welcome to
join the community in contributing to the betterment of society, commencing a
path of service to humanity on which, at the outset or further along, formal
enrolment can occur. (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2010)
8. Effective
social action serves to enrich participation in the discourses of society, just
as the insights gained from engaging in certain discourses can help to clarify
the concepts that shape social action. At the level of the cluster, involvement
in public discourse can range from an act as simple as introducing Bahá’í ideas
into everyday conversation to more formal activities such as the preparation of
articles and attendance at gatherings, dedicated to themes of social
concern—climate change and the environment, governance and human rights, to
mention a few. It entails, as well, meaningful interactions with civic groups
and local organizations in villages and neighbourhoods.
In this connection, we feel compelled to raise a warning: It
will be important for all to recognize that the value of engaging in social
action and public discourse is not to be judged by the ability to bring
enrolments. Though endeavours in these two areas of activity may well effect an
increase in the size of the Bahá’í community, they are not undertaken for this
purpose. Sincerity in this respect is an imperative. Moreover, care should be
exercised to avoid overstating the Bahá’í experience or drawing undue attention
to fledgling efforts, such as the junior youth spiritual empowerment programme,
which are best left to mature at their own pace. The watchword in all cases is
humility. While conveying enthusiasm about their beliefs, the friends should
guard against projecting an air of triumphalism, hardly appropriate among
themselves, much less in other circumstances. (The Universal House of Justice,
Ridvan 2010)
9. …a
notable number of friends find themselves ready to enter into conversation with
people of varied backgrounds and interests and to undertake with them an
exploration of reality that gives rise to a shared understanding of the
exigencies of this period in human history and the means for addressing them.
(UHJ, 28 Dec. 2010 Counsellors)
10. It is befitting that in this vernal season, this outward
symbol of the spiritual springtide, in your meaningful conversations with your
friends, neighbours, acquaintances, colleagues and other like-minded souls, you
explore together how better to contribute to the material and spiritual welfare
of others and to build a society in which the innate talents of every
individual can flourish without regard to distinctions of class, creed, gender
or ethnicity. Ponder together the true purpose of the world of existence and
the life of man; consider the beauty and efficacy of a society founded on the
principle of unity in diversity; and deliberate on that essential nobility of
the soul that enables the individual to see his or her own happiness in the
happiness of others. (The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 21
March 2011 to the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith – authorized translation
from Persian)
11. …keep
fixed before your eyes God’s consummate wisdom and His unfailing promises; look
to the future with optimism; dedicate your lives, as you have always done, to
serving humanity; continue to fulfill your individual spiritual
responsibilities; engage in meaningful conversation in those social spaces open
to you; and participate, to the extent possible, in undertakings and efforts
directed towards the common good… (The Universal House of Justice, from a
message dated 14 May 2011 to the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith –
authorized translation from Persian)
12. From
another perspective one thinks in terms of the three-month cycles of activity
through which a community grows-the burst of expansion experienced as a result
of intense action; the necessary period of consolidation during which increases
in ranks are fortified as they, for example, participate in devotional
gatherings and the Nineteen Day Feast and receive visits at their homes; and
the opportunities designated for all to reflect and plan. The question of
teaching among receptive populations moves to the foreground in this light, and
the challenge of seeking out souls who are willing to engage in a conversation
about the world around them and participate in a collective effort to transform
it comes into focus. (UHJ, 12 Dec, 2011, to all NSA’s)
13. …to
stimulate conversations that illuminate understanding… (UHJ, Ridvan 2015)
14. As a
person cultivates the habit of study and deep reflection upon the Creative
Word, this process of transformation reveals itself in an ability to express
one’s understanding of profound concepts and to explore spiritual reality in
conversations of significance. These capacities are visible not only in the
elevated discussions that increasingly characterize interactions within the
community, but in the ongoing conversations that reach well beyond—not least
between the Bahá’í youth and their peers—extending to include parents whose
daughters and sons are benefiting from the community’s programmes of education.
Through exchanges of this kind, consciousness of spiritual forces is raised,
apparent dichotomies yield to unexpected insights, a sense of unity and common
calling is fortified, confidence that a better world can be created is
strengthened, and a commitment to action becomes manifest. Such distinctive
conversations gradually attract ever-larger numbers to take part in a range of
community activities. Themes of faith and certitude surface naturally, prompted
by the receptivity and experiences of those involved. What is clear, then, is
that as the institute process in a cluster gains momentum, the act of teaching
comes to assume greater prominence in the lives of the friends. (UHJ, 29 Dec,
2015, Counsellors)
15. Conversations
about the Person of Bahá’u’lláh and the purpose of His mission occur in a
variety of settings, including firesides and visits to homes. The actions
undertaken during this phase allow abilities developed through studying the
relevant institute materials to be exercised and refined. As experience grows,
the friends become more adept at discerning when they have found a hearing ear,
at deciding when to be more direct in sharing the message, at removing
obstacles to understanding, and at helping seekers to embrace the Cause. (UHJ,
29 Dec, 2015, Counsellors)
16. Reaching
the second milestone along the continuum of development, which we described to
you five years ago, is accompanied by advances qualitative, but also
quantitative—such as a rise in the number of those involved in conversations
that enable receptivity to be discovered and nurtured, in how many homes are
being visited, in core activities and participation, in how many individuals
are beginning the sequence of courses or supporting others as they gain the
confidence to serve. (UHJ, 29 Dec, 2015, Counsellors)
17. As the
growth process continues to gain intensity, the friends’ efforts to engage in
meaningful conversations bring them into many social spaces, allowing a wider
array of people to become familiar with the teachings and consider seriously
the contribution they can make to the betterment of society. In addition, more
and more homes are provided as venues for community-building activities, making
each a point for the diffusion of the light of divine guidance. The institute
process comes to be supported by a growing number of friends serving capably as
tutors who, cycle after cycle, offer the full sequence of institute courses
between them, at times with marked intensity. Thus, human resource development
proceeds with minimal interruption and generates a constantly expanding pool of
workers. (UHJ, 29 Dec, 2015, Counsellors)
18. The Bahá’í
community is afforded higher standing as a distinctive moral voice in the life
of a people and is able to contribute an informed perspective to the discourses
around it on, say, the development of the younger generations. Figures of
authority from the wider society start to draw on the insight and experience
arising from initiatives of social action inspired by Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.
Conversations influenced by those teachings, concerned with the common weal,
permeate an ever-broader cross section of the population, to the point where an
effect on the general discourse in a locality can be perceived. (UHJ, 29 Dec,
2015, Counsellors)
